Aside

The 2026 Edition of the NFPA National Electrical Code (NEC) will sunset Exception No. 2 in Section 210.8(F), Outdoor Equipment. This means that on September 1, outdoor–listed HVAC equipment will be required to have Ground-Fault Circuit-Interruption (GFCI) protection. ACCA and other allied organizations fought hard to extend this exception to 2026  to allow HVAC equipment and GFCI OEMs to develop and certify a technical solution to reduce or eliminate nuisance tripping.

One of the biggest barriers to early career awareness isn’t interest—it’s language. Terms like HVACR, plumbing, or the mechanical trades don’t naturally live in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. But air and water do. Children feel them, see them, and rely on them every day. That insight is foundational to the Next Up Trades to the HVACR and Plumbing Discovery Kits and lesson plans. Rather than introducing technical job titles too early, the curriculum intentionally starts with air and water as classroom language.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has named Ryan Kiscaden the 2025 Spirit of Independence Award winner for his extraordinary efforts to educate and inspire the next generation of HVACR professionals—beginning in the pages of a children’s book. 

Load calculations, and using software to do them, are key traits of the contractor of the future. According findings of the latest Contractor of the Future study from ACCA and the Farmington Consulting Group.

The Department of Education is launching the Workforce Pell Grant Program this summer, creating a new federal funding pathway for short-term technical training in high-demand career fields.

Part 1 and part 2 of this series covered defrost diagnostics and electrical testing. You’ve checked voltage, tested resistance, and listened for clicks on a heat pump’s reversing valve. If the valve still isn’t working properly, it’s time to examine the mechanical side and check for internal leaks.

Nine ACCA advocates made the rounds of Capitol Hill alongside attendees of the 2026 PHCC Legislative Conference. It’s a symbol of industry unity as we ask Congress to act on contractor priorities before the clock runs out on 2026. 

As veteran HVACR contractors approach retirement and fewer young professionals step forward, the question of who will lead next—and how prepared they will be—has become impossible to ignore.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Committee responsible for the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) has proposed eliminating the allowance for plastic venting materials that are specified and labeled in accordance with appliance manufacturer instructions. Here’s what that means for your business and how ACCA is advocating for a better approach.

Over the last few years, ownership transitions have become a familiar part of HVACR. Increased interest from investors, strong company valuations, and an aging workforce base has pushed many business owners to take a closer look at succession planning. 

Explore how federal, state, and local regulations impact energy solutions for homes, the legal and legislative battles over gas equipment, and how contractors can protect consumer choice and affordability.

Finding HVACR technicians is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Finding skilled technicians is even more challenging. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVACR jobs are projected to grow 8% between 2024 and 2034, creating more than 40,000 new openings annually due to retirements and rising demand. 

Safety shutdowns in gas furnaces are meant to protect homeowners, equipment, and technicians. Yet every heating season, contractors across the country lose money, time, and customer trust because safety faults are misdiagnosed as failed components instead of the warning signs they truly are.

When it comes to heat pumps, few topics stir as much debate as inverter compressors.

As we head into the colder months, HVACR technicians need to understand the fundamentals of defrost control board operation. While there are many types of defrost control boards on the market, they all function similarly. Let’s break down the basics so you’re prepared to handle this common cold-weather issue.

Skipping the manufacturer’s instructions during installation may result in a furnace that fails within six months or less. For example, heat exchangers can crack from improper venting, and gas valves can clog and malfunction by skipping essential piping steps. This happens all the time when installers rush through jobs.

Part 1 in this series covered defrost cycle problems in heat pumps. Now, let’s discuss the second major winter issue: heat pumps stuck in one mode.

Your phone rings at 7:00 AM in January. The homeowner says their heat pump quit, and the house is freezing. When you pull up, there’s ice everywhere on the outdoor unit — a solid block covering the whole thing.