Blogs

ACCA Presses Congress to Expand the Section 25C Tax Credit

By Chris Czarnecki posted 17 hours ago
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This week, ACCA pushed Congress to expand the Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit to $2,400. The credit can be used for homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements, including the installation of HVACR systems. This push comes in the light of the worst month for energy efficiency jobs in the United States in years. As you likely know, HVACR professionals make up the largest portion of energy efficiency workers in America. This credit was expanded similarly in 2009 during the housing crisis, and increased home energy efficiency claims to 7 million per year in 2009 and 2010. History tells us that this expansion will encourage economic activity in the ...
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DOE Approves Career and Technical Education Plans for Six States

By Chris Czarnecki posted 2 days ago
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Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire recently had their career and technical education (CTE) plans approved by the Department of Education under the Strengthening Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which was signed into law by President Trump last year. Some highlights by state are listed below: Illinois Introduces its program to prepare educators holding a teaching license in another content area to teach CTE that includes externships in industry and co-teaching and mentoring opportunities with an experienced CTE teacher.  Expands its continuous improvement efforts through survey data administered to grades K-12 ...
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RESNET / ACCA Standard 310: A New Day Dawns

By Wes Davis posted 2 days ago
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Several years ago, Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and ACCA began discussions about how the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index should reflect the installation of the largest energy-using appliance in homes across America, the HVAC system.  Three years ago, RESNET formed a working group to draft the standard, which will be recognized as a new American National Standard in June.  A free viewable version will be available at resnet.us/standards . What Is RESNET / ACCA Standard 310? The standard outlines five separate tasks to be performed by a HERS Rater to evaluate and grade aspects of the HVAC system’s installation and performance.  These ...
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Becoming an RSI Accredited Contractor Gives You an Advantage

By Sean Tolbert posted 3 days ago
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As an HVAC business professional, your business needs to take advantage of the value of maintaining a close relationship with a professional trade association. ACCA is the HVAC’s premier trade organization that offers HVAC contractors the opportunity to become accredited for the New Homes Program and Residential Service and Installation (RSI) Program through our Quality Assured Program. Becoming an accredited contractor is a great way to grow your project opportunities. Many builders are looking for HVAC Contractors that are ENERGY STAR Credentialed and being accredited through our QA Program is the leading way to earn that credential. Also, ACCA’s QA accreditation ...
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ACCA, HVACR Industry Pushes Treasury IRS on PPP Deductions for Contractors

By Chris Czarnecki posted 7 days ago
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On Wednesday May 20, ACCA rallied over 30 leading voices in the HVACR industry to push the IRS and Department of the Treasury to reconsider their April decision stating PPP funded expenses would not be eligible for any tax deductions. This move has increased the overall tax liability of PPP participants, including thousands of HVACR contractors. In doing so, it has offset much of the relief that the PPP was specifically designed to deliver to small business owners.  The decision is especially problematic because leaders in Congress, including the writers of the bipartisan CARES Act which included the PPP, stated that the funds were never intended to be taxed. ...
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ACCA Fights California Regulation that Threatens Essential Businesses

By Chris Czarnecki posted 7 days ago
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On Wednesday May 20, ACCA addressed a harmful executive order that could shut down the essential businesses that keep our air safe. The order, put forward by California Governor Gavin Newsom, was regarding workers’ compensation. It assumes that any essential worker who contracts COVID-19 will be assumed to have contracted it while on the job and therefore eligible for workers’ compensation. This poses a major issue for business owners because they must prove that the sickness was contracted outside the workplace. Normally, it is the employee’s responsibility to provide evidence that an injury was sustained on the job. This backwards policy runs contrary to ...
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Highlights of Significant Changes in the 2021 Edition of International Mechanical Code

By David Bixby posted 9 days ago
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In February 2020, the International Code Council (ICC) announced the release of its 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC).  The IMC establishes minimum regulations for mechanical systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.  The “I-Codes” are revised on a three-year cycle through the ICC’s consensus code development process that draws upon the expertise of hundreds of mechanical, building and safety experts, and code officials, from across North America.  ACCA, with guidance from its Codes Subcommittee, participates in this process by providing input from our industry through proposals and public comments.  Significant changes in the ...
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Tax Code Gem for HVACR Contractors in CARES Act

By Chris Czarnecki posted 9 days ago
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As ACCA continues to sort through all of the complex legislation that Congress has recently passed, we are thrilled to share one very exciting provision we secured for HVACR Contractors and the HVACR Industry.  Included in the recently passed CARES Act was a much needed technical correction to the tax code that allows for full and immediate expensing of interior HVACR units that are 'qualified improvement property' or QIP until 2022. After 2022, HVACR units that qualify as QIP will be subject to a 15 year depreciation period before they can be expensed. This is still extremely preferable to the previous depreciation period of 39 years that was erroneously included ...
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ACCA Manual SPS Goes “Coast to Coast” in Both IAPMO and ICC Codes

By David Bixby posted 10 days ago
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At its May 18, 2020 web meeting, the Technical Committee for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials’ (IAPMO) Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC) approved ACCA Manual SPS, HVAC Design for Swimming Pools & Spas, as a mandatory requirement in its upcoming 2021 edition.  The new requirement will appear in the code’s Ventilation section concerning Humidity Control for Natatoriums. The USPSHTC establishes minimum requirements and standards for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare.  The code applies to the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, and ...
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Small Business Administration Releases Application for PPP Loan Forgiveness

By Alyx Simon posted 10 days ago
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Today, the Small Business Administration released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. These forms are meant to inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) which was passed earlier this year. ACCA will continue to fight for your interest and ensure the regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers are as business friendly as possible, and applications are processed in a timely manner. You can find the Loan Forgiveness Application and Instructions here. More information ...
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Do I Have to Pay Teleworking Employees for Time During Power/Internet Outages?

By Hilary Atkins posted 15 days ago
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A member asked us: Since our employees have been working from home, we have had a few employees incur down time due to power and/or internet outages. During those times is the employer obligated to pay the hourly employee while they are waiting for the employee to return even if they are not performing any work?  Is there somewhere you can point me to, to verify this? Hilary Atkins, ACCA’s General Counsel, replies: We’ve been asked this question before COVID-19, but in the context of sending employees home due to a power outage in the brick and mortar facility of the employer itself, and whether the employer must pay the non-exempt employee for the time ...
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New Virginia Construction Statute: Joint and Several Liability for Payment of Wages to Subcontractor’s Employees

By Hilary Atkins posted 16 days ago
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A bill passed back in March and signed into law on April 10, 2020 provides, among other employee protections, that any construction contract entered into on or after July 1, 2020, shall be deemed to include a provision under which the general contractor and the subcontractor are jointly and severally liable to pay the wages due to the subcontractor's employees. If the wages due to the subcontractor's employees are not paid, the general contractor is subject to criminal and civil penalties for which an employer is liable for failing or refusing to pay wages. The law requires the subcontractor to indemnify the general contractor for wages, damages, interest, penalties, ...
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ACCA Writes Congress Opposing IRS Taxation of PPP Funds.

By Chris Czarnecki posted 23 days ago
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Following ACCA’s May 4 th exclusive call with Congressman Mullin of Oklahoma, we reviewed the guidance issued from the IRS and learned they are trying to circumvent the intent of the CARES Act by requiring participants to treat Payroll Protection Program (PPP) funds as taxable income. This was not the intent of Congress and we have alerted Chairman Richard Neal and Ranking Member Kevin Brady of the House Ways and Means Committee as well as Senators John Thune and Mark Warner who are Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Senate Subcommittee on IRS Oversight and Taxation. ACCA President and CEO Barton James sent a letter to the listed committee ...
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ACCA Advocates for Contractor Relief from "Bad Debts"

By Chris Czarnecki posted 24 days ago
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On Friday May 1, ACCA wrote a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Majority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader Schumer asking them to prioritize legislation that would address the expected influx of customer defaults on credit sales and equipment leases. As you may know, many HVACR businesses extend use or purchase of equipment leases on credit. During times of extreme economic hardship like those we are experiencing, higher percentages of accounts move into default. Current law does not take into account the influx of payment defaults that are anticipated. Section 166 of the tax code allows wholly worthless, or “bad” debts, to be deducted ...
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ACCA Fights for Long Term Relief for Contractors

By Alyx Simon posted 27 days ago
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Today ACCA sent a letter to Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) requesting that he include the Home Energy Savings Act in the next round of stimulus packages. The Home Energy Savings Act takes a holistic approach to energy efficiency and addresses the role that contractors play in delivering efficiency in our homes and office buildings. It would require HVACR systems to be installed properly for consumers to receive their federal rebate. The Home Energy Savings Act also extends the term of the tax credit to 2026 increasing the business opportunity available to our members. ACCA is fighting to have contractor priorities included in the next round of stimulus packages ...
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RESNET/ACCA Standard 310: A New Hope

By Wes Davis posted 29 days ago
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Several years ago, Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and ACCA began discussions about how the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index should reflect the installation of the largest energy-using appliance in homes across America, the HVAC system.  Three years ago, RESNET formed a working group to draft the standard, which is now out for public review until 4 May 2020.  To review and comment on the draft standard, visit RESNET’s Standards here .  What Is RESNET / ACCA Standard 310? The standard outlines five separate tasks to be performed by a HERS Rater to evaluate and grade aspects of the HVAC system’s installation and performance.  These tasks ...
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Judge Blocks Regulation That Could Shut Down Essential Business

By Chris Czarnecki posted 04-27-2020
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On Monday morning a judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking a recently introduced rule that would allow any worker deemed essential to receive workers’ compensation if they contracted COVID-19—regardless of whether it was contracted on the job. Last week ACCA reported on this issue and sent a letter to the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and Secretary of State Jesse White in opposition to the policy. ACCA also issued a statewide action alert. ACCA members across Illinois made the voice of HVACR contractors heard by contacting ...
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Workplaces After COVID-19

By Hilary Atkins posted 04-24-2020
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A member asked us: ​​Eventually our office is going to return to normal – at least the new normal as it develops over time. I want to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible, and even though we have been open as an essential business for the past couple of months, we want to make sure we have as much as possible covered in the transition. Hilary Atkins, ACCA’s General Counsel, responds: I know we all will breath a huge sigh of relief when our businesses are back to being fully open and running as they were before the pandemic and quarantines, or at least as close as we can come to before COVID-19. While business owners have an enormous cavalcade of ...
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ACCA Represents Contractors in Briefing with Secretary of Labor Scalia

By Chris Czarnecki posted 04-24-2020
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On Thursday afternoon ACCA represented contractors in a conference call with Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. The purpose of the call was to shed light on the steps the Department of Labor (DOL) has taken to help American workers and workplaces respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Secretary Scalia stated that helping the American worker has been DOL’s number one goal since this crisis broke out. Below are various actions the agency has taken in recent weeks and months. DOL has distributed roughly $700 million in emergency unemployment funding to states across the country. The distribution has been rapid to states that have requested additional funds, and ...
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The Future of COVID-19 Stimulus Packages: Looking Ahead

By Alyx Simon posted 04-24-2020
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On Tuesday April 21, Senator Mitch McConnell announced that additional coronavirus stimulus packages would no longer be offered as long as Congress cannot meet in person. Congress most recently passed a second-round stimulus package that includes $484 billion in coronavirus relief. Part of the funding includes $321 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This is the fifth installment in response to coronavirus by Congress. Following the approval of this package, Senator McConnell said, “You’ve seen the talk from both sides about acting, but my goal from the beginning of this, given the extraordinary numbers that we’re racking up to the national ...
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