ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has developed a new resource guide as a recommended “standard for care” for moisture and containment control.

According to ACCA, the guidebook, titled Good HVAC Practices for Residential & Commercial Buildings: A Guide for Thermal, Moisture and Containment Control, will help contractors demonstrate a level of performance in accordance with recognized industry practices in the design, installation, and maintenance of HVAC systems.

The book is divided into two sections. The first section, “Achieving Good Practices,” provides contractors a “roadmap” that addresses the concerns of customers (and insurance companies) in regards to humidity control deficiencies, moisture incursion, and contaminant emission and transport. This includes the new construction and replacement/retrofit markets. The second section, “Assuring Good Practices,” frames a business opportunity for contractors who are positioned to adopt the presented concepts.

Jim Hussey, president of Marina Mechanical, San Leandro, Calif., and a past chairman of ACCA, developed the idea for the guide after meeting with contractors and insurers across the country.

“Observing the good practices indicated in this guide will help contractors to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, better satisfy customers expectations, and ultimately, reduce liability exposure,” said Hussey.

For more information, go to www.accca.org.

Publication date: 09/29/2003