Kristen R Bayles

Kristen R. Bayles is the Associate Editor for Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. With deep family roots in the plumbing industry and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montevallo, Kristen brings a unique perspective to her coverage of industry trends, emerging technologies and business insights for plumbing and HVAC professionals.

Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn or reach her at baylesk@bnpmedia.com.

Moen Extends 14-Year Preferred Partner Streak With David Weekley Homes

David Weekley Homes has named Moen a 2026 National Preferred Partner, marking the 14th consecutive year the plumbing manufacturer has received the distinction.

Kristen R Bayles

June 30, 2026

Moen was one of 13 manufacturer partners recognized in this year's program

An infographic with "Water Heater Shipment Data" over a chart.

AHRI Data Shows Water Heater Shipments Remain Soft in 2026

U.S. shipments of residential gas storage water heaters for April 2026 decreased -1.6 percent, to 361,801 units, compared to 367,604 units shipped in April 2025.

Kristen R Bayles

June 29, 2026

The latest numbers show that water heater shipments continued to soften in April, reflecting many of the same economic pressures affecting residential construction and remodeling activity.

And So It Flows: We Talk About Sustainability with Chrissy Walsh

And So It Flows Podcast

How Have Expectations for Building Systems Changed in a Year?

The role PHCP-PVF distributors play in shaping more sustainable outcomes

Kristen R Bayles

June 23, 2026

On a recent episode of And So It Flows, we welcomed back Chrissie Walsh, regional environmental sustainability lead for GF North America, for a follow-up conversation on sustainability, systems thinking and the changing expectations around modern buildings.

And So It Flows Podcast

Heat Pump Water Heaters in Real Life

Contractors may want to start getting “heat pumped up.”

Kristen R Bayles

June 19, 2026

On a recent episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles sat down with Gregg Holladay, business development manager for specialty markets at Bradford White, to discuss the growing role heat pump water heaters are expected to play in the residential plumbing market and why the plumbing industry needs to start preparing now.

The interior of a warehouse, with a view of the outside.

Solving Comfort Challenges in Warehouses and High-Bay Spaces

Modine Heating's Jamie Tuinstra explains why comfort issues in large commercial spaces often stem from air movement rather than heating capacity.

Kristen R Bayles

June 12, 2026

As warehouse and industrial construction continues, contractors are looking for solutions that improve airflow, reduce stratification and enhance energy efficiency.

A young technician's hands working on a project while an older technician helps.

Showcasing HVAC Excellence on a National Stage

Paige Burns discusses Trane's ongoing support of the ServiceTitan National HVAC Championship and its role in promoting technical excellence and workforce development.

Kristen R Bayles

June 4, 2026

In this article, we cover how the annual competition highlighting the industry's top techs has grown over the years and the role events like this play in strengthening the workforce pipeline.

Commercial outlook tech looking at pipes

Commercial Market Outlook: Retrofit Projects Lead the Way

Commercial market trends, labor challenges, retrofit demand, and what to prepare for

Kristen R Bayles

May 25, 2026

As commercial building owners continue to navigate economic uncertainty, labor shortages and changing customer demands, retrofit and renovation work is becoming a key opportunity across the plumbing market. In this article, learn where the commercial market is headed and how manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors can adapt.

Heat pumps: Volatility now, opportunity ahead

What changing specifications, incentives, and system integration mean for distributor inventory and training decisions.

Natalie Forster

Kristen R Bayles

February 20, 2026

Incentive programs such as the federal Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and expanding state-level rebate structures have increased interest among building owners, engineers, and facility managers, nudging contractors to evaluate heat pump solutions more seriously.

Water Heater REHP Series installed in the corner of a garage, ladder next to it, two bins, and a worktable.

The water heater market recalibrates

As residential demand normalizes, commercial and multifamily applications drive a more selective and performance-driven water heater market.

Kristen R Bayles

January 16, 2026

The water heater market is growing steadily as it moves into 2026, with increased demand in commercial and multifamily sectors. Reliability and efficiency are prioritized, influenced by regional policies and regulatory changes that promote informed system selections.

Man using a smartphone to document a leaking kitchen sink pipe at home.

Predictive maintenance over preventive: How IoT is transforming system performance

As infrastructure ages, IoT gives plumbing a second life in the digital age.

Kristen R Bayles

December 16, 2025

As aging infrastructure and rising costs challenge traditional methods, IoT and smart technologies are paving the way for proactive, data-driven maintenance, enhancing water management and safety like never before.