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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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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

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. 

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is proud to announce the formation of its new Government Relations Committee, a dedicated group of industry leaders driving our advocacy efforts forward. This committee’s first meeting took place on October 30, setting the stage for a powerful, strategic approach to advancing HVACR interests in critical policy areas. 

ACCA’s post-election webinar offered crucial insights into what President-elect Donald Trump’s historic second-term victory means for HVACR contractors. With expert analysis from Jim Ellis of BIPAC, who brings 35 years of political experience, the session highlighted how this election may shift policy landscapes and impact the industry.

In a decision with significant implications for contractors, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas has invalidated the Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2024 overtime rule. The court ruled that the rule’s salary thresholds prioritized pay over job duties, effectively creating a “salary-only test” for overtime exemptions.