In an effort to make it easier for technicians to install, service, diagnose, and troubleshoot HVACR equipment, ACCA’s Board of Directors adopted a motion “to implore the manufacturers of HVAC equipment to develop and implement open [nonproprietary], universal, onboard diagnostic [OBD] communication protocols.”

ACCA is urging HVAC industry manufacturers to become engaged in the development and implementation of universal communication protocols for equipment commissioning and ongoing diagnosis for the purposes of ensuring that HVAC equipment is properly installed and maintained.

A dozen Northeast companies received Cool Smart awards during the New England ACCA golf tournament in September. Sponsored by the Massachusetts/Rhode Island Cool Smart program, the awards honor contractors for energy-efficiency practices, leadership, and quality installation of HVAC systems.

ACCA announced that it has developed a curriculum especially for teaching students how to do a load calculation using the Manual J8ae Speedsheet. This new curriculum is available for free download at www.acca.org/educators/.

The program recently helped Phoenix resident Carol Simpson, 86, who has not had a functioning air conditioner for 18 years. 

ACCA and the Institute of Heating & Air Conditioning Industries (IHACI) announced they have sent a joint letter to the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) regarding CPUC WO32 (HVAC Impact Evaluation Draft Report) that urges the commission to refrain from releasing the report in its current form.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America-Arizona (ACCA-AZ) has been giving back to the community to help needy Valley residents stay cool and safe during the summer by offering selected Maricopa homeowners free home cooling system repair or replacement.