Aside

The 2020 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) now requires ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for outdoor outlets, which would include disconnects for HVAC/R condenser units and other outlets. The new requirement is covered in this blog.

For many parts of the country, temperatures are dropping, condensing furnaces need servicing, and drain lines are freezing. When these lines freeze, most HVAC systems are designed to shut off, leaving clients dashing for a solution.

A member asked about paying for travel time for technicians and ACCA’s Hilary Atkins answers.

There is a lot that we don’t know about what happened during these incidents or why. However, we all need to take steps to ensure our technicians go home healthy and uninjured and our customer’s property is kept safe and whole.

In response to a request from the Conditioned Air Association of Georgia (CAAG), ACCA has submitted a proposal to revise the International Residential Code (IRC) to require installation of pull-down stairs to access equipment or appliances located in attics.

An ACCA member recently asked about what to do with employees’ physical paperwork once they have transitioned to electronic files. ACCA’s Hilary Atkins explains.

ACCA pressed the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, urging them to act quickly to to schedule a confirmation hearing for Isabel C Guzman, President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA).

On Monday the Small Business Administration (SBA) opened opened applications for the second round Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

Now that we have a new calendar to look to for 2021, employers and employees have new FSA relief provided for in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (the “Act”).

On January 1, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published its standard mileage rate for the year.

ACCA’s Hilary Atkins answers a member’s question about what they can do if an employee refuses to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

A member asked ACCA about how to properly and legally lay off employees that they will need to rehire when business picks up during the busy season.

Congress has passed a $2.3 trillion dollar spending bill, which includes $900 billion in COVID-19 related stimulus. ACCA is pleased to announce that several provisions will benefit contractors have been included in the agreement.

A member asked ACCA about whether or not they must compensate employees for court-related activities that are due to an accident that happened in a company vehicle.

The 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has added a new leak testing requirement for ducts located within the thermal envelope.  Previous editions had exempted such testing for those locations.

At this time of year, consumers are turning on the heat.  Because of this, the gas appliance venting system must be inspected and tested to ensure safe operation.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approved to push back the date when California will transition to refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP).

Typically, when I write about shots this time of year it has to do with duck season, but not in 2020. Last week, the United Kingdom became the first western country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine for mass use. Experts expect the United States to do the same within the coming weeks. This marks a tremendous scientific achievement and the first page of the last chapter of a pandemic that has disrupted our world and way of life in what seems like countless ways.

Earlier today ACCA spoke with individuals in Congress who are making the final push of 2020 for additional Paycheck Protection Program funds to be released, expanded PPP forgiveness, and full PPP deductibility.

Today ACCA urged the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which has been tasked with developing a COVID-19 vaccination game plan, to prioritize HVACR contractors and technicians for vaccine access given the critical, essential nature of their work.