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If you wait until summer to think about your HVAC system, you’re already late.

New data analyzing more than 65 million HVAC service visits across the U.S. shows that February is consistently the slowest month of the year for HVAC technicians—making it the easiest, least stressful time for homeowners to schedule service.

By March, demand starts rising. By summer, HVAC crews are stretched thin. And later in the year, service backlogs intensify as systems work harder.

If you want to avoid long wait times and last-minute breakdowns, February is your window. In this article, Samsara examines national HVAC service patterns and what they mean for homeowners.

February Is the National Low Point for HVAC Demand

HVAC service demand follows a predictable annual cycle. The point that matters most for homeowners is when that cycle bottoms out—because lower technician workload means more appointment flexibility and fewer delays.

Across the U.S., February sits at or near the lowest level across every operational measure.

Average US HVAC Activity by Month (Per Vehicle)

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February is the only month that is lowest across service visits, drive time, and miles driven. Once March begins, activity climbs steadily and remains elevated for most of the year.

Only 2 States See February Above Their Typical Workload

Comparing each state’s February activity to its own yearly average shows that the late-winter slowdown is widespread. Only Alaska and Hawai’i record February workloads above their normal monthly levels.

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Alaska’s increase reflects concentrated winter heating demand and long service distances, while Hawai’i’s small lift reflects steady, year-round usage. In the rest of the country, February activity sits at or slightly below typical levels—creating the only point in the year when demand eases nationally before rising again in spring.

Demand Begins Climbing Immediately After February

February is not just the slowest month—it is the inflection point before activity begins to rise again.

In the national data, HVAC technicians average 86 trips per vehicle in February, the lowest level of the year. That figure increases to 88 in March and 92 by April, marking the start of

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In 2026, higher costs along with major shifts in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage and Medicare will affect healthcare and health insurance affordability. Here, GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, breaks down what’s changing.

Key takeaways:

• Expect higher premiums for your health insurance, regardless of type, in 2026.
• More people are expected to opt out of insurance — including Affordable Care Act plans because of enhanced premium subsidies that expired — while seeking cash-pay healthcare.
• Medicare has many changes, including higher costs, an original Medicare prior authorization pilot program in six states, and an option to change Medicare Advantage plans if a provider directory error guided your choice.

What are the major healthcare changes in 2026?

Anyone who needs healthcare, with or without health insurance, can expect changes in 2026. From higher costs to new avenues for access, healthcare is expected to work differently for many people in 2026.

Here are some shifts that might apply to you:

• Higher insurance premiums: Expect to pay more for health insurance in 2026, whether you have employer-sponsored insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or some other type of coverage.
• Higher hospital costs: Many hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and doctor’s offices will charge more. And you may start noticing a pass-through of costs, such as facility fees.
• Opting out of insurance: Some people will decide to go without insurance, which will lead them to self-pay options and other ways to access care.
• Fewer people with ACA plans: There is slightly lower enrollment in ACA plans, dropping from more than 24 million in 2025 to less than 23 million in 2026 as of January. This is likely because of higher premiums and the expiration of enhanced subsidies that dropped many people’s premiums to $10 or less. Enhanced premium subsidies drove record enrollment for the previous four years.
• Many Medicare changes: In addition to the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket maximum increasing t

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The best life insurance companies in 2026 are Northwestern Mutual, Guardian Life, New York Life, Mutual of Omaha, and Pacific Life, according to Insure.com. These insurers excel in financial strength, customer satisfaction, ease of service, and low complaint volume based on NAIC and survey data.

Choosing a life insurance company is one of the most personal financial decisions you’ll make, since you’re trusting that company to financially support the people you love when you’re no longer there to do it yourself. The right policy doesn’t just pay out a lump sum — it protects your family’s day-to-day budget, keeps long-term goals on track, and ensures major expenses like the mortgage, childcare, or college savings don’t fall apart if the unexpected happens.

That’s why the company behind your policy matters just as much as the coverage itself. The strongest insurers deliver long-term financial stability, clear communication, and support that holds up when your family needs it most.

Which life insurance companies rank highest in 2026?

Based on a 2025 survey of more than 2,000 insurance consumers through independent research firm Dynata, Insure.com has ranked the top insurance companies for 2026. Northwestern Mutual, Guardian Life, and New York Life take the top spots in 2026, thanks to strong customer feedback, dependable financial strength, and fewer service issues than most competitors. The chart below walks you through how each insurer scored so you can quickly compare options and get a feel for the companies that may fit your needs.

Insure.com

What the expert says

“Although it’s uncomfortable to think about life insurance, it’s important. A sound financial plan can fall apart if you don’t have insurance protection if you die and that income is lost. A death benefit [payout] can fund your family’s needs,” says Karen Terry, assistant vice president and head of LIMRA Individual Product Research team. LIMRA is a life-insurance industry research group.

Trends and callouts from the 2026 rankings

A few shifts stand out in this year’s results, especially when comparing 2026 to last year’s list. These highlights help show what’s changing in the life insurance landscape — and what matters most to shoppers right now.

Biggest callouts

• Northwestern Mutual holds the No. 1 spot. Its combination of A++ financial strength, low complaints, and consistently strong customer feedback continues to set the benchmark for the industry.
• Guardian Life and New York Life follow closely be