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And the engineer said…..

While attending ACCA 2025 at the Kalahari Resort in Texas this past March, I was asked a question that comes up often. The question focused on adding extra BTUs to the calculated heat gain to account for what was described as “additional loads.”

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ACCA Now Spring 2025

Read the latest edition of ACCA Now Magazine online.

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Refrigerant relief: A2L line sets and fire-rated shafts–the new code fix contractors need to know

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.

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ACCA and CEE team up to create heat pump resources for every application and climate zone

The latest episode of Codes and Coffee showcased ACCA and CEE’s nine digestible heat pump guides that give contractors and homeowners valuable tools for proper system selection and installation.  

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Industry watches as ENERGY STAR program faces potential shutdown

Just in case the challenges surrounding R-454B availability weren’t enough, as contractors prepare for peak season, the industry was hit with another jolt this week: EPA has announced plans to shut down the ENERGY STAR program.

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St. Louis gives A2L “The Boot”: New local policy mandates undefined mitigation device, raising installer concerns

ACCA has been informed of a newly issued policy in the City of St. Louis regarding the use of A2L refrigerants in residential HVACR systems. This policy is intended to provide interim local guidance on using mildly flammable refrigerants under the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) while referencing elements from the 2024 IMC and pending 2027 proposals. 

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Level up your risk management leadership

In today’s business environment, effective risk management can help take you to the next level of success and safety. It can bring your team closer, encourage active safety practices, and show that you care for the well-being of your business and employees. 

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Service Savvy: Who wants more?

Just like at a birthday party where a kid eagerly asks for more ice cream or cake, the HVACR industry is no different—everyone wants more.

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A logo of a yellow, red, blue, and green rubix cube with one square out of place and "Tech Challenge" written beneath it

Tech Challenge: Winter 2025

A split air conditioner utilizing R-410A with a TXV feed device (and receiver) has a customer complaint of not cold enough. 

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HVACR done right: How technicians can sell quality over price

There’s an old saying that “the bitter taste of poor quality lingers long after the sweet taste of low price is forgotten.” This rings especially true in the HVACR industry, where technicians often compete against low-cost providers who cut corners to win business.

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EPA shares exclusive insights with contractors on refrigerant phasedown at ACCA 2025

Last week at ACCA 2025, James Casey from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Stratospheric Protection Division broke down the recently finalized Refrigerant Management Rule for contractors in attendance.

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Manual D

Manual D® or duct design: How are you calculating airways?

Something I’ve observed for quite some time, but it seems to need more attention lately, is how we are actually sizing airways— commonly referred to as ductwork. I appreciate when people say they’re using the Manual D® process when discussing duct designs.

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Driving HVACR advocacy: An interview with Dave Kyle, ACCA Government Relations Committee co-chair

ACCA recently launched its Government Relations Committee, dedicated to advancing policies that support the HVACR industry’s growth and sustainability.

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A pesky issue: What’s an independent contractor?

The independent contractor issue just never seems to go away. Some employers use independent contractors to avoid paying benefits, to save on workers compensation insurance premiums, or to avoid paying overtime.

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Co-location and cooperation

Last November, the Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries (IHACI) co-located its 2024 Trade Show alongside ACCA’s Service Managers Forum at the Pasadena Convention Center. The co-located events offered attendees expanded opportunities to network, learn, and explore the latest industry trends. 

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Capitol Insights: Tax policy at the crossroads—Why It matters to contractors

As Congress reconvenes with tax reform on its agenda, HVACR contractors should understand how upcoming decisions could impact their businesses. 

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The power of exchange: How MIX Groups® fuel learning and leadership growth 

The ACCA Management Information Exchange (MIX) Group® Program provides members with a unique and invaluable contractor-to-contractor networking opportunity aimed at helping their businesses succeed. 

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Read the latest edition of ACCA Now Magazine online

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Is it necessary to have a return duct in every room? 

Is one return enough? Had a conversion will a fella about a topic I hear about far too often. He had someone ask (require) for there to be a return in every room. I knew Manual D® didn’t say that.

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“There’s a hole in my vent pipe” – a combustion analysis quandary

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.

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