Air Conditioning Contractors of America

What the Overruling of the Chevron Doctrine Could Mean for HVAC Regulations

HVACR regulations more likely to be successfully challenged

December 9, 2024

Some HVACR industry advocates have already started to challenge certain regulations, and ACCA believes this could have had some impact on the EPA’s recent rule about tracking systems for cylinders.

Cashing In on Heat Pumps: A Primer on Incentives, Rebates, and Tax Credits

Understanding the Specifics Vital for HVAC Contractors to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Dylan Kurt

October 10, 2024

No Comments

With “heat pump” and “incentives” almost being synonymous at this point, contractors need to understand the basics to ensure customers are receiving the benefits.

How Will the Presidential Election Impact HVAC Tax Incentives?

With election, tax debate ahead, future of IRA's HVAC efficiency incentives is uncertain

Matt Jachman

October 4, 2024

One Comment

A change in the balance of power in Washington, D.C., and a desire to extend Trump-era tax cuts, could derail parts of the Inflation Reduction Act.

The IRA’s Incentives at 2-Year Mark

Fans cheer public’s reception of residential HVAC incentives, but critics have issues with program

Matt Jachman

September 6, 2024

No Comments

Those in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives for residential building decarbonization say the numbers show they’re working, but critics fear the program is flawed.

HVAC Q and A Episode 2 -Motivating HVAC Contractors To Do More Refrigerant Recovery

HVAC Q&A Episode 2: Motivating HVAC Contractors To Do More Refrigerant Recovery

Maria Taylor

August 27, 2024

No Comments

How do we motivate HVAC contractors to do more refrigerant recovery? The ACHR NEWS posed the question to three industry experts on the front lines of the refrigerant transition. Here’s what they had to say about what that will take — and what we’re all going to be in for if we don’t.

Loophole May Undercut Biden Proposal to Protect Workers From Heat

Rules Aside, Other Organizations Working to Protect HVAC Technicians From Heat Injury

Dylan Kurt

August 19, 2024

No Comments

As extreme heat becomes more common, more of a spotlight is being put on worker safety, and a new app may be able to help.

How Small HVAC Contractors Can Compete Against Private Equity

To compete against big corporations, contractors must get creative

Dylan Kurt

July 22, 2024

One Comment

As more and more companies are being acquired by private equity, the market is drastically changing, meaning the smaller contractors need to learn to adapt to survive.

Heat Pumps Experiencing a Renaissance in Maine

Rebates, energy saving, and convincing driving a monumental change up north

Dylan Kurt

July 19, 2024

No Comments

As more homeowners are ditching oil heaters and moving to heat pumps, the rest of the country can learn from the cold-climate success story.

How the New Overtime Rule Affects HVAC Contractors

Contractors will have to meet the new salary thresholds, or pay employees overtime

Hannah Belloli

June 8, 2024

No Comments

The DOL released its final overtime rule which expands overtime protections increases the minimum salary thresholds required to exempt a salaried bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employee (EAP) from federal overtime pay requirements.

Sizing Heat Pumps For Colder Climates

Improper installation can lead to costly mistakes and uncomfortable homeowners

Joanna R. Turpin

May 27, 2024

2 Comments

Contractors must be careful when sizing heat pumps for colder climates in order to avoid mold problems and homeowner discomfort.

This Only Happens in the HVAC Industry

HVAC industry a great opportunity for younger generation

Kyle Gargaro

May 22, 2024

No Comments

HVAC is an industry where new employees can work hard and eventually own their own business.

How a National Decarbonization Policy Could Impact the HVAC Industry

For a national policy to really work, technology would have to keep advancing

Hannah Belloli

May 8, 2024

No Comments

For a national decarbonization policy to actually not be only implemented, but to be accepted by the entire HVAC industry and the world around/within it, it’s going to require a lot of things, and take a long time.

ACCA Panel: Brace For Change

HVAC industry to face more challenges ahead, but some see silver lining

Dylan Kurt

March 23, 2024

No Comments

Industry experts are telling contractors to stay informed and get involved with the new regulations that are likely to impact everyone this coming year

ACCA Sets the Pace for 2024

Organization looks to better serve contractor members

Hannah Belloli

March 22, 2024

No Comments

This year, ACCA places heightened focus on education, recognizing HVACR contractors for the professionals they are, regulations, the workforce, and better serving its members and the industry.

Heat Pump Sales Slow, but Are Picking up Speed

Rollout seems slow but it’s just the beginning of heat pump momentum

Hannah Belloli

March 2, 2024

No Comments

While the installation of heat pumps may seem to be slowing due to inflation and rising interest rates, coupled with a confusing rollout of federal funding, they are expected to pick up speed this year.

HVAC Industry Responds To EPA’s HFC Management Rule

Stakeholders are concerned over issues ranging from training to tracking to reclaim

Joanna R. Turpin

February 14, 2024

One Comment

In comments to EPA’s proposed rule regarding HFC management, many HVACR stakeholders expressed concern over issues including tracking cylinders, training technicians, and reclaiming refrigerant.

State of the HVAC Industry 2024: Contractors

Contractors Navigate Shifts in HVAC Residential, Commercial Markets

Workforce, price increases, and increased consumer knowledge among top trends for 2024

Hannah Belloli

February 7, 2024

No Comments

Industry experts examine the current outlook of the commercial and residential HVAC market and forecasts of what the next five years will bring.

States Seek IRA Rebate Funding

But consumers have seen no money yet for high-efficiency HVAC purchases

Matt Jachman

February 1, 2024

No Comments

California, New Mexico, New York, and Hawaii are the first states to apply for federal rebate money for high-efficiency equipment. Twenty-three states have received funding to set up and manage rebate programs.

EPA Extends Sell-Through Period, Easing Inventory Concerns

HVACR industry was initially displeased with parts of the final rule

Joanna R. Turpin

December 21, 2023

No Comments

The HVACR industry was initially surprised by a date-of-install requirement, mandating installation of certain equipment by January 1, 2025, but EPA extended sell-through period to January 1, 2026.

3 Tips to Help Recruit Gen Z Workers

This next generation can help HVAC contractors

Kyle Gargaro

December 6, 2023

No Comments

At the most recent ACCA Next Level fall meeting, ESCO Institute’s Clifton Beck explained Gen Z workers.

Mandating High-Efficiency Furnaces Will Limit Consumer Choice, Critics in HVAC Industry Say

Furnace Rule ‘Doesn’t Pencil Out’

Matt Jachman

October 30, 2023

No Comments

Residential gas furnaces must all have a minimum AFUE of 95% beginning in five years. Some in the HVAC industry say the new Department of Energy rule will ultimately hurt homeowners.

Contractors Share How They’re Capitalizing on the IRA

While the bill has gained an inordinate amount of hype, it bears asking: What impact is the IRA actually having on HVAC contractors’ bottom lines?

Herb Woerpel

September 15, 2023

No Comments

In the 12 months since the $41 billion law was signed into law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has leveraged the legislation as an engine to reduce emissions, build a cleaner economy, lower energy costs for American households, and advance environmental justice across the country.

Court Scraps EPA Cylinder Rule

Decision is a win for HVACR groups, refrigerant cylinder manufacturer.

June 21, 2023

No Comments

A federal appeals court panel said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lacked the authority to mandate the use of refillable cylinders and a system for tracking them.

Tracking and Counteracting Residential HVAC Installation Faults

Preliminary DOE study reveals only 23% of newly installed residential HVAC systems are perfectly charged

Herb Woerpel

June 6, 2023

One Comment

In the HVACR contracting realm, the quality of the service delivered ultimately dictates the level of success an HVACR contracting obtains.

May 22, 2023, ACHR NEWSRoom: Top 30 HVACR Distributors

Hannah Belloli

May 22, 2023

No Comments

Catch up on the latest headlines in our NEWSRoom video series.

The NEWSMakers Podcast: ACCA Contractor Brian Stack

Kyle Gargaro

April 29, 2023

No Comments

In the latest episode of the NEWSMakers Podcast, The ACHR NEWS attended the ACCA Conference, where Kyle Gargaro, editorial director, sat down with contractor Brian Stack to discuss his work with the association.

April 24, 2023, ACHR NEWSRoom: ASHRAE Updates Two Decarbonization Certifications

Hannah Belloli

April 24, 2023

No Comments

Catch up on the latest headlines in our NEWSRoom video series.

The NEWSMakers Podcast: ACCA Convention

Kyle Gargaro

April 23, 2023

No Comments

Kyle Gargaro, editorial director, The ACHR NEWS, sat down with Sean Robertson of ACCA at the 2023 ACCA Conference to talk about contractors issues.

5 Things HVAC Contractors Need to Remember When Installing Heat Pumps

Installers will play a vital role if heat pumps are to succeed

Kyle Gargaro

April 14, 2023

No Comments

At the annual ACCA Conference, technical services director Wes Davis talks about five items an HVAC contractors needs to know before installing a residential heat pump.

Four Factors that Influence Duct Renovation

Depending on duct location, duct losses often hide oversizing

David Richardson

April 3, 2023

No Comments

Correcting a duct system on oversized equipment can be a costly mistake that you’ll regret.

Design Practices for Building and Modifying Duct Systems

HVAC ductwork: Set it and forget it, right?

Matt Jachman

March 28, 2023

2 Comments

Calculated, deliberate ductwork design and construction are major factors in how effectively and efficiently a forced-air HVAC system works.

August 9, 2022

No Comments

ACCA announced the ACHR NEWS as the sponsor of the 2022 Service Manager of the Year Award.

Bill Offers Incentives for Indoor Air Quality Improvements

But ACCA president says feds should take a broader approach to HVAC

Matt Jachman

July 29, 2022

No Comments

A new bill in Congress compliments the Biden administration’s push for IAQ improvements by offering tax credits for IAQ assessments and air-filtration and HVAC system upgrades in many non-residential buildings.

Check on EPA Seen as Plus for HVAC Industry

SCOTUS decision sets tone for other federal regulatory agencies

Matt Jachman

July 20, 2022

No Comments

HVACR trade groups are welcoming a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that limits the power of federal agencies to set regulations without explicit direction from Congress.

A production line at Worthington Industries Inc.

HVACR Industry Fights Refrigerant Cylinder Changeover

Court brief says EPA overstepped authority in banning disposable cylinders

Matt Jachman

May 16, 2022

No Comments

The first brief was filed in the federal case against the EPA rule that would ban the use of non-refillable refrigerant cylinders and require refillable cylinders to be tracked.

April 18, 2022 NEWSRoom: ACCA Conference, Biden’s IAQ Focus, Refrigerant Phasedown, and Challenges Ahead

Layan Dahhan

April 18, 2022

No Comments

Catch up on the latest headlines in this episode of The ACHR Newsroom.

Expired Tax Credits Expected to be Renewed

Homeowners would get break for energy-efficient HVAC systems

Matt Jachman

April 14, 2022

No Comments

Federal tax credits designed to encourage energy-efficiency measures by homeowners and home builders expired at the end of 2021 but are expected to be revived later this year — and made retroactive.

The Unintended Consequences of Electrification

End users could find themselves with limited choices, higher electric bills, and less comfort

Joanna R. Turpin

April 12, 2022

No Comments

While proponents claim that electrification is necessary to reduce global warming, critics say that it limits choices for consumers and that some electric technologies may not be as efficient or reliable as their fossil fuel counterparts.

ACCA Celebrates Industry with First In-Person Conference Since 2019

Association hands out awards to those who promote HVAC industry

Ted Craig

April 7, 2022

No Comments

With the pandemic finally waning, ACCA members gathered in the city known as the Gateway to the West for four days of education, networking, and celebration of the industry.

Joel Long, president of PHCC-National Association.

Supply Chain Issues Could Crimp Sales This Year

Obtaining HVACR equipment and components could be a challenge through 2022

Joanna R. Turpin

March 28, 2022

No Comments

The pandemic has created a number of winners and losers over the last two years, with some businesses closing down completely and others doing quite well. For the most part, HVAC contractors fell into the latter category.

Incoming ACCA Chairman Promotes Committees as Path to Getting Involved

Commercial HVAC contracting exec sees room for contractors of all types, sizes

Ted Craig

March 28, 2022

No Comments

Keith Paton will take the reins as chairman of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) at the group’s annual conference in St. Louis, March 28-30.