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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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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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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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A word from the treasurer: No dues increase for ACCA members in 2025
In a time when the cost of nearly everything seems to be on the rise, I’m pleased to share that the ACCA Board of Directors has decided not to raise membership dues for 2025. We worked hard over the summer to review and approve a financially sound budget that has the best interests of our members and the organization at heart.
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ACCA announces new Government Relations Committee to strengthen HVACR advocacy
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.
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ACCA leaders break down what election results mean for contractors in post-election recap
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.
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Breaking news: Overtime rule invalidated by federal court
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.
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ACCA Presentation During ICC Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA
ACCA conducted a presentation during the International Code Council’s (ICC) 2024 Annual Conference at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. The session was part of the “PMG” track (Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas) during the October 22 education program.
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2024 election preview: Key ballot initiatives
As the 2024 election nears, voters across the U.S. will have the opportunity to weigh in on several important ballot measures affecting the industry on issues including labor, wages, energy, education, and taxes. Each of these measures will potentially impact contractors within the relevant jurisdictions.
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2024 election preview: Congressional outlook
As the 2024 election approaches, the race for control of Congress is as competitive as the presidential contest, which we detailed in last week’s blog. The House and Senate will play significant roles in determining the extent to which the incoming president can pursue their policy goals.
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2024 election preview: presidential race
With less than a month until Election Day, the 2024 presidential race remains tightly contested, with the outcome likely hinging on several key battleground states. Recent polling shows both Vice President Harris and former President Trump neck and neck nationally and in critical swing states. Each campaign is deploying significant resources to these pivotal states, recognizing that the electoral map is narrower than ever.
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Managing Expectations
Ed Janowiak reflects on an enlightening experience at the Westford Symposium, where Today’s Building Science’s Greg Stockton’s thought-provoking, evidence-backed question sparked a valuable conversation about good HVACR system design.
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ACCA Urges Congressional Leadership to Protect Pro-Contractor Tax Policies
ACCA President & CEO Barton James recently sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to address looming tax changes that could significantly impact small businesses in the HVACR industry.
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ACCA member heads west to serve on codes committee
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.