Blogs

ACCA Fights and Wins at Code Hearings

By David Bixby posted 3 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
ACCA was successful in getting nearly all of its code proposals approved during the first stage of the code development process. A summary of the Code Action Hearings (CAH) conducted by the International Code Council (ICC) last week is shown below. This includes some code proposals that we fought against (and won), including other observations. Win - International Residential Code (IRC) – Mechanical ACCA’s proposal to delete two exceptions under M1401.3, Equipment and appliance sizing , based on ACCA Manual S - 2023 ®, Residential Equipment Selection , was approved. The exceptions are no longer needed due to the new Manual S ® which is now specified ...
0 comments

OSHA Finalizes Walkaround Rule, Allowing Non-Employees on Workplace Inspections

By Chris Czarnecki posted 16 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
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. OSHA's final rule expands the scope of who can participate in its workplace inspections. Notably, it permits unions and other third-party entities, which could include individuals with objectives contrary to the interests of the employer, to accompany OSHA inspectors. This change is part of a broader attempt by OSHA to amend the existing regulations regarding representatives of employers and employees during inspections. Key Points and Concerns: ...
0 comments

The Three Reasons People Hate Me

By Ed Janowiak posted 20 days ago
1 person recommends this.
Previously Last month, I wrote an article that was titled "What is Wrong with Manual J®,” and shared my observations of three different groups and how they see the results that are produced when following the guidance of Manual J®. If you haven't read it, click here. Take a peek and come on back. Many Thanks I had a few folks share their comments with me, and I first want to say I truly appreciate everybody who takes the time to share their thoughts as it helps me more than you realize, so thank you for that. Scott Savidge shared his thoughts, and while it doesn't exactly fall into my three groups from the previous article, it brings up ...
0 comments

ACCA Submits Comments to Treasury Regarding Proposed Pin Requirement for 25C, Treasury Seeking Further Input from Contractors

By Chris Czarnecki posted 23 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 the following points: Simplifying the PIN Identification Process ACCA requested that the 25C PIN be clearly marked and easily identifiable. Whether on the product itself, its packaging, or an accompanying certificate, the identification should be unmistakable as a “25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit PIN #.” This clarity is important for ...
0 comments

PULL A PERMIT & PROVE IT: ACCA Improves the HVAC Plan Review Form

By David Bixby posted 03-18-2024
1 person recommends this.
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. What’s in it? The form helps to verify compliance with the building codes which require the following ACCA Manuals that are also ANSI-approved standards. Manual J® Residential Load Calculations : Documents design conditions used to provide estimated heating and cooling loads for a specific residence. Manual S® Residential Equipment ...
0 comments

States Taking Different Baby Steps Towards IRA Rebate Programs

By Chris Czarnecki posted 02-21-2024
Be the first person to recommend this.
This post was authored by Sean Robertson, ACCA's VP of Membership, Advocacy, and Events Contractors excited to inform their customers about the Inflation Reduction Act’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 . According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s application tracker , just four states – California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and New York – have submitted full applications. Allowing time for DOE review, possible revisions , and state procurement ...
0 comments

IRS Moratorium on Employee Retention Credit, What to Know

By Chris Czarnecki posted 02-16-2024
Be the first person to recommend this.
In September, the IRS announced a significant update that may impact many of you and your businesses, especially concerning the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). Given the complexity of the situation and its potential effects on your operations, we've summarized the key points below: Immediate Moratorium on ERC Claims The IRS has placed an immediate halt on processing new ERC claims until at least December 31, 2023. This decision stems from an alarming surge in questionable claims, many of which are believed to be ineligible, spurred by aggressive marketing tactics targeting small business owners. As of February 2024, IRS has stated that the processing ...
0 comments

Senator Cruz and Representative Fischbach Introduce Resolutions to Overturn DOE's Ban on Non-Condensing Furnaces

By Chris Czarnecki posted 02-05-2024
Be the first person to recommend this.
Late last year, DOE finalized a rule prohibiting the sale of all non-condensing natural gas furnaces. This rule would impact over half of all US households by unnecessarily limiting consumer choice and raising heating costs. The rule particularly concerns those in colder climates who rely on gas furnaces for affordable heating and where electric heat pumps are not yet a viable alternative. It is currently set to take effect on February 16, 2024. Last week, Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Michelle Fischbach introduced S.J.Res.58 and H.J.Res.111, which would overturn this misguided rule. ACCA President & CEO Barton James was quoted in Senator Cruz's ...
0 comments

House Passes Tax Legislation, Sending it to Senate

By Chris Czarnecki posted 02-01-2024
Be the first person to recommend this.
Yesterday afternoon, 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. The provisions in the bill are retroactive to 2022 and run through 2025. Another provision included in the bill is a significant expansion of the Child Tax Credit. The bill increases the cap on the credit’s refundability, expands eligibility, and links the credit’s value to inflation ...
0 comments

Department of Labor Finalizes Rule on Independent Contractor Classification

By Chris Czarnecki posted 01-11-2024
Be the first person to recommend this.
This week the Department of Labor (DOL) released its final rule on the classification of independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The recent rule is a shift towards a previous standard that was used before 2021 and requires employers to weigh various factors in determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The under the rule, the classification test includes six factors: The degree to which the employer controls how the work is done. The worker’s opportunity for profit or loss. The amount of skill and initiative required for the work. The degree of permanence of the working relationship. The ...
0 comments

Treasury, IRS Propose PIN Requirement for 25C Residential Tax Credit, Seek Contractor Input

By Chris Czarnecki posted 01-09-2024
Be the first person to recommend this.
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. Under the proposal, beginning January 1, 2025, taxpayers claiming the credit must satisfy the PIN requirement for certain categories of products. Under this requirement, an item will only qualify for the energy-efficient home improvement credit if the item is produced by a qualified manufacturer and if the taxpayer includes the qualified PIN of the item on their tax return. The proposal contains more questions and solicitations for feedback from the industry ...
0 comments

ACCA Comments on EPA's HFC Refrigerant Management Rule Under the AIM Act

By Chris Czarnecki posted 12-19-2023
Be the first person to recommend this.
Yesterday ACCA submitted formal comments to EPA regarding their proposed rulemaking on HFC management that includes refrigerants widely used in the industry. To see the specific provisions of that proposed rule, you can check out this blog to learn more . The rule will likely be finalized in the second half of 2024 and will have an impact on the HVAC-R industry. ACCA commented on specific proposals in the rule that would affect contractors including: 1. Requiring all used cylinders with HFC refrigerants to be returned to certified reclaimers: This would impose logistical and economic challenges. The proposal would require contractors (or distributors) ...
0 comments

ACCA Raises Defense Production Act Concerns with Congress Regarding Heat Pumps

By Chris Czarnecki posted 12-08-2023
Be the first person to recommend this.
President Biden recently invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate the production of heat pumps. The DPA, primarily intended for national defense and security, is being utilized to compel American households to switch from gas to electric heating. The move raises concerns, as we believe applications of DPA should remain focused on its core purpose – promoting national defense and emergency preparedness, including infrastructure protection and recovery from terrorist attacks. In light of these developments, ACCA recently held a meeting with the House Energy and Commerce Committee Oversight staff. The aim was to express our concerns about the use ...
5 comments

Contactors & Relays

By Matthew Akins posted 11-29-2023
Be the first person to recommend this.
Introduction This article will dive into the exciting realm of contactors and relays. This is a general guide, so always check the specific manuals for the equipment you're working on for the nitty-gritty details. Contactors and Relays: The Basics Contactors and relays are the behind-the-scenes heroes in your HVAC systems. They're like the switches that control the big stuff, like motors and electric heat. Contactors are the big guns, handling more power, while relays are the smaller sidekicks. But they work similarly , with contacts and a coil that controls them. Most problems with these guys boil ...
0 comments

NLRB is Trying to Expand the Definition of "Joint Employer" - You Can Help Overturn It

By Chris Czarnecki posted 11-16-2023
Be the first person to recommend this.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently finalized a new rule that changes the standard of determining a "joint employer" under the National Labor Relations Act. If two businesses are joint employers under NLRA, they must both bargain with the union that represents the jointly employed workers, both are liable for unfair labor practices, and both are subject to union picketing and boycotts during a labor dispute. Provisions of the new rule include the following: A business, other than the main employer, will be considered a joint employer if it has any authority to control the following employment terms: Wages, benefits, and other ...
0 comments

ACCA Submits Comments Opposing Overtime and Walkaround Rules

By Chris Czarnecki posted 11-16-2023
Be the first person to recommend this.
Earlier this month, ACCA submitted formal comments to the Department of Labor and OSHA opposing the recently proposed overtime and ' walkaround ' rules, respectively, that raise significant concerns for employers. Department of Labor's new overtime rule would raise the threshold for the white-collar/salary exemption to federal overtime pay requirements. Currently, an employee must meet three criteria to qualify as “exempt” from overtime pay: first, they must be paid a salary; second, that salary must be more than $684/week ($35,568 annually); and third, their “primary duties” must be consistent with executive, administrative, or professional positions as ...
0 comments

Heat Pump Installations Slowing - IRA Rollout to Blame?

By David Bixby posted 11-14-2023
Be the first person to recommend this.
More Americans are buying heat pumps, but the pace of installations has slowed in the past year. This is according to an article in The New York Times dated November 9, 2023. Here’s the link to read the whole thing for yourself. Heat Pump Installations Slow, Impeding Biden’s Climate Goals - The New York Times (nytimes.com) (article may be behind a pay wall for some, the blog below paraphrases the highlights) The article reports that rising interest rates and inflation have combined with a slow and confusing rollout of federal government incentives for the purchase of heat pumps. This is largely responsible for the recent drop in sales, energy ...
4 comments

Understanding COP

By Matthew Akins posted 10-25-2023
1 person recommends this.
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. Here’s how. What is COP? Put simply, it is a ratio of the heat energy transferred to the units of energy used. For context, resistance heat has a COP of 1:1, meaning it’s 100% efficient in converting electrical energy to heat. It’s essential to note that while resistance heating is 100% efficient at converting electricity into heat, it might not always ...
0 comments

NTSB Wants Fuel Gas Alarms in Homes

By David Bixby posted 10-13-2023
Be the first person to recommend this.
Yes, you read that right, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is urging code bodies to require the installation of listed fuel gas detectors/alarms in residential buildings that have gas appliances. I posted a blog on this very subject back in July 2021. Next year we may see proposals submitted for the new code change cycle to require this very thing. If it gets in the codes, the decision shifts from personal preference to a code official enforcement. Read on! Fuel Gas Alarms vs. CO Alarms The most common types of fuel gas detectors for residential use are similar in size and cost to carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and smoke detectors. ...
2 comments