Author: David Bixby

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. ACCA members can read more here.

The NTSB is urging code bodies to require the installation of listed fuel gas detectors/alarms in residential buildings with gas appliances. Next year, we may see proposals submitted for the new code change cycle to require this. If it gets in the codes, the decision shifts from personal preference to a code official enforcement. Read on in this member-only blog.

Recently, ASHRAE approved forming a new permanent Standing Standard Project Committee to revise Standard 211. ACCA’s Standards Task Team endorsed this, and ASHRAE has issued a “Call for Members” to serve on the new committee. Learn more in this member-only blog.

HFC refrigerants are being phased out due to their high global warming potential (GWP). The “natural” refrigerant R-290 (propane) has emerged as an increasingly viable low-GWP alternative. However, current US safety standards limit refrigeration system charges to 0.33 lbs (150g).  Read more in this members-only blog.

In response to electrification, some companies are promoting hydrogen. Read more about hydrogen as a fuel source in this ACCA Members-only article.

New Efficiency Standards are going into effect on January 1st, 2023. Read about all the new regulation changes in this blog.

At the most recent NFPA Standards Council, Ed Lehr represented ACCA while urging the Council to fix a bad code. Read more about this council at this blog.

After years of development, a new safety standard from ASHRAE has been published. Read this members-only blog to learn all about the new safety standards.

Recently, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Committee approved proposals submitted by ACCA for public comment. The proposals add the option of conducting a duct airflow balancing procedure per ACCA 5 QI, as well as adding ACCA Manual D, to ensure a more efficient HVAC thermal distribution system.

Nuisance trips on outdoor HVACR equipment connected to GFCIs due to the 2020 NEC have created quite a stir. Many states in the U.S. have excluded this requirement due to the efforts of ACCA and others. Regardless of all this, your installed equipment needs to be properly grounded and bonded per the NEC.

Typically, a home energy rater will conduct duct leakage tests and leakage tests on the home’s building envelope in accordance with energy codes. ACCA has proposed adding a code exception to conduct an airflow balancing procedure instead, thus giving contractors an opportunity to provide a more valuable service. 

See the major takeaways HVAC contractors should know from the ICC Mechanical Code Public Comment Hearings that took place in Pittsburgh last month.