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On March 29, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its final “Walkaround” Rule that will have major implications for workplace inspections and, potentially, labor relations in the industry. ACCA members can read more here.

Last month, we covered the expectations of a few different groups on the results that come from performing a Manual J® calculation. This topic garnered some great responses from members, and one of those comments sparked the idea behind this article. This month, we’ll address how homeowners perceive what we do and how we can move things in our favor. ACCA members can read more here.

Earlier this year, the Department of Treasury and IRS proposed regulations to implement product identification number (PIN) requirements for taxpayers who use the 25C residential energy efficiency tax credit. ACCA provided comments to Treasury regarding the proposed regulations, with a specific focus on several points. ACCA members can read more here.

ACCA Manuals J®, S®, and D® are referenced and required in building codes across America. ACCA has recently improved its Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design (Loads, Equipment, Ducts). This simple one-page form provides a quick and easy review of HVAC system design elements. ACCA members can read more here.

Contractors excited to inform their customers about the IRA’s $8.8 billion in rebates for residential energy efficiency improvements may have to wait a little longer as states take a deliberate approach towards developing programs that will vary greatly from state to state. ACCA members can read more here.

You might hear that there’s nothing wrong with Manual J®, but you might also hear people complain about it. This group is very adamant about how badly Manual J® oversizes the heating plant requirement. ACCA members can read more from Ed Janowiak here.

Last week, Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Michelle Fischbach introduced S.J.Res.58 and H.J.Res.111, which would overturn DOE’s rule prohibiting the sale of all non-condensing natural gas furnaces. ACCA members can read more here.

The House of Representatives passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024) by a margin of 357-70. The bill allows for the immediate expensing of research and experimentation expenditures, reinstates the less restrictive “EBIT” cap on interest expense deductions, and restores 100-percent bonus depreciation, which is set to expire. ACCA members can read more here.

Last month, the Department of Treasury and IRS proposed regulations to implement product identification number (PIN) requirements for taxpayers who use the 25C residential energy efficiency tax credit. ACCA members can read more here.

This article is designed to demystify the essential operation of defrost control boards, which, despite the variety available in the market, share a common ground in their fundamental workings. ACCA members can read more here.

Are you familiar with the ACCA Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design? If you are not, you might be surprised how much help it can be. ACCA members can learn more here.

Recently, ACCA submitted formal comments to EPA regarding their proposed rulemaking on HFC management, including refrigerants widely used in the industry. Learn more in this ACCA member-only blog post. 

President Biden recently invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate the production of heat pumps to compel American households to switch from gas to electric heating. ACCA members can learn more here.

This article will dive into the exciting realm of contactors and relays, the behind-the-scenes heroes in your HVAC systems. ACCA members can learn more here.

Earlier this month, ACCA submitted formal comments to the Department of Labor and OSHA opposing the recently proposed overtime and ‘walkaround’ rules that raise significant concerns for employers. ACCA members can learn more here.

As HVAC technicians, we often delve into the world of heat pumps, but do we really understand the full potential of the Coefficient of Performance (COP)? It’s not just a number; it’s a key diagnostic tool that can boost our service quality, reduce customer callbacks, and ultimately increase our revenue. ACCA members can learn how here.

The NTSB is urging code bodies to require the installation of listed fuel gas detectors/alarms in residential buildings with gas appliances. Next year, we may see proposals submitted for the new code change cycle to require this. If it gets in the codes, the decision shifts from personal preference to a code official enforcement. Read on in this member-only blog.

Recently, ASHRAE approved forming a new permanent Standing Standard Project Committee to revise Standard 211. ACCA’s Standards Task Team endorsed this, and ASHRAE has issued a “Call for Members” to serve on the new committee. Learn more in this member-only blog.

At a recent conference for utilities, there was a lot of discussion about heat pumps. Some program managers lamented that while heat pumps were being installed by the tractor trailer load, they weren’t saving energy. Read more in this member-only blog.