Author: David Bixby

It started with a member’s question: “How do I know if there’s silicone in my A2L press-connect O-ring seals—and why is the EPA warning me about it?” That question sent us down the rabbit hole. What we found buried in the EPA Section 608 training materials is a blanket warning against silicone O-rings in mechanical fittings for A2L refrigerants.

The International Mechanical Code (IMC) created and resolved a challenge facing HVACR professionals working in multifamily buildings. In 2024, the IMC effectively prohibited A2L refrigerant line sets from routing through a ventilated fire-rated shaft.

Many contractors use combustion analyzers in the field to verify safe operation of gas-fired appliances. This involves drilling a hole in the vent pipe to measure flue gas elements. Once measurements are done, the hole must be sealed to return the venting system to its original condition. Existing codes and standards are silent on this process. Here’s my “deep dive” on the subject.

ACCA member John Ambrosino will travel to California next month as a voting member on a codes committee. His participation will be critical to ACCA’s interest in developing sensible GFCI protection requirements that will reduce nuisance trips on HVACR equipment and components.   

One of ACCA’s roles is to support sensible code changes that promote safety and improve our environment and fight the bad code changes that create chaos for our contractors. The members of ACCA’s Codes Subcommittee are dedicated to advise staff to achieve this goal. We are happy to report another recent code hearing that resulted in achieving this goal.  Login to read more.

ACCA Manuals J®, S®, and D® are referenced and required in building codes across America. ACCA has recently improved its Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design (Loads, Equipment, Ducts). This simple one-page form provides a quick and easy review of HVAC system design elements. ACCA members can read more here.

The NTSB is urging code bodies to require the installation of listed fuel gas detectors/alarms in residential buildings with gas appliances. Next year, we may see proposals submitted for the new code change cycle to require this. If it gets in the codes, the decision shifts from personal preference to a code official enforcement. Read on in this member-only blog.

Recently, ASHRAE approved forming a new permanent Standing Standard Project Committee to revise Standard 211. ACCA’s Standards Task Team endorsed this, and ASHRAE has issued a “Call for Members” to serve on the new committee. Learn more in this member-only blog.

HFC refrigerants are being phased out due to their high global warming potential (GWP). The “natural” refrigerant R-290 (propane) has emerged as an increasingly viable low-GWP alternative. However, current US safety standards limit refrigeration system charges to 0.33 lbs (150g).  Read more in this members-only blog.

In response to electrification, some companies are promoting hydrogen. Read more about hydrogen as a fuel source in this ACCA Members-only article.

New Efficiency Standards are going into effect on January 1st, 2023. Read about all the new regulation changes in this blog.

At the most recent NFPA Standards Council, Ed Lehr represented ACCA while urging the Council to fix a bad code. Read more about this council at this blog.

After years of development, a new safety standard from ASHRAE has been published. Read this members-only blog to learn all about the new safety standards.