Energy demand is climbing, and with electrification, data center growth, and evolving building use patterns, the pressure on facilities continues to grow. Rather than focusing only on reducing energy consumption, many organizations are shifting toward energy demand management — optimizing when and how energy is used to better align with real-time conditions. This approach can strengthen grid reliability, control operating costs, and support long-term sustainability goals.

Smarter operations increasingly rely on integrated HVAC systems, connected controls, and data-driven insights that allow buildings to respond dynamically instead of operating on fixed schedules. From load shifting and performance optimization to coordinated electrification strategies, these tools help reduce waste while improving efficiency and flexibility. As energy needs become more complex, understanding these trends will help contractors better support clients preparing for a more energy-intensive future.

Click here to read the full article from Trane Technologies, a MACCA annual sponsor.

The R454B Mandate: Washington’s Timeline vs. Reality on the Ground

Let’s speak plainly.

The federal government has imposed an aggressive transition to R454B, yet the very jurisdictions expected to enforce this mandate are openly acknowledging they are not prepared to do so. Local inspectors lack training. Fire officials are still working through A2L safety questions. Code adoption is inconsistent. Enforcement mechanisms are uneven at best — nonexistent at worst.

That is not a smooth regulatory transition. That is a policy failure in motion.

The HVAC industry has always stepped up when asked to modernize. We adapted to R22 phaseout. We transitioned to R410A. We comply with evolving efficiency standards. Contractors, distributors, and manufacturers consistently do their part.

But this time, the timeline is detached from operational reality.

Mandates without enforcement capacity do not create environmental progress — they create chaos:

• Contractors competing under different rules depending on zip code
• Distributors caught between federal deadlines and local uncertainty
• Inspectors unsure what standards to apply
• Consumers absorbing higher costs driven by confusion and supply disruptions

This is not about resisting innovation. It is about demanding workable policy.

If local governments cannot uniformly enforce the R454B requirements today, then pushing forward on the current timeline is irresponsible. Regulatory certainty is foundational to a functioning market. Right now, there is none.

An orderly transition requires three things: clarity, consistency, and enforceability. We currently have none of the three.

Continuing down this path will penalize responsible businesses who attempt to comply in good faith, while rewarding inconsistency in jurisdictions that simply are not ready. That is not environmental leadership — it is regulatory mismanagement.

It is time to call this what it is: a mandate moving faster than the infrastructure needed to support it.

MACCA and FRACCA members understand what practical implementation looks like. We work in real buildings, under real codes, with real inspectors and real customers. Policy should reflect those realities — not ignore them.

A pause and reassessment of the R454B mandate is not anti-environment. It is pro-accountability. It is pro-market stability. And it is pro-consumer.

If policymakers want a successful transition, they must align federal timelines with local enforcement capacity. Until that happens, the current mandate deserves serious reconsideration.

Edward Briggs - FRACCA Lobbyist

With construction demand rising and electrification accelerating, many HVAC companies are discovering that the real limitation on growth isn’t technician headcount alone. A significant bottleneck exists at the licensed contractor level. Even businesses with strong teams can reach a ceiling when only one or two individuals hold the authority to oversee work, pull permits, and manage expansion. This dynamic can slow projects, restrict new opportunities, and leave experienced technicians waiting for a clear path forward.

The discussion highlights that the issue is not about lowering standards, but about improving access to the existing system. Limited testing windows, administrative delays, and rigid preparation formats often prevent qualified professionals from advancing efficiently. Increasing exam availability, streamlining processes, and supporting flexible preparation options can help remove structural barriers while maintaining industry rigor. Strengthening the pathway from technician to licensed contractor is one of the most direct ways to expand capacity and support long-term industry stability. Click here to read more.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming a key part of buildings, solar setups, and backup power solutions. Like any system that stores and releases energy, they generate heat, and maintaining consistent temperatures is critical to their performance, safety, and lifespan. Effective thermal management, whether through air or liquid cooling, ensures batteries operate reliably and reduces the risk of degradation or overheating — issues HVAC contractors are well-positioned to help prevent.

For contractors, understanding these thermal considerations can support better system integration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting when BESS units are installed alongside HVAC systems. Familiarity with airflow, cooling strategies, and temperature control allows HVAC professionals to add value to projects that involve energy storage, while helping ensure these high-tech systems run safely and efficiently. Click here to read more.

Many HVAC contractors get frustrated when social media posts don’t immediately generate service calls. In reality, social platforms work best as trust-building tools, not instant lead machines. Homeowners rarely hire based on a single post—they hire the company they recognize, remember, and trust when a problem arises. That familiarity comes from consistency, clear messaging, and showing up regularly, not from chasing viral moments.

There are practical, low-cost ways to strengthen brand presence, such as maintaining consistent online information, keeping branding uniform across vehicles and marketing channels, sharing simple project highlights, and responding to customer feedback. The key takeaway is clear: credibility compounds over time. Contractors who focus on stability, clarity, and professionalism across every channel are far more likely to stay top-of-mind when homeowners are ready to make the call. Click here to read more.

Looking for practical insight you can actually apply in your business? A recent Trade Traction podcast episode features Brian Harding, an industry speaker known for his real-world perspective on building strong teams in the trades.

In the episode, Brian dives into what’s really happening across plumbing, HVAC, and construction today—from ongoing labor shortages and changing workforce expectations to smarter approaches for hiring, training, and retaining good people. The conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what contractors are seeing on job sites and in their shops, along with ideas for creating more sustainable, profitable businesses.

Whether you’re working to strengthen your crew, improve performance, or better understand where the industry is headed, this episode offers plenty of takeaways worth your time.

Watch the episode here.

You’ll also hear a broader invitation to get involved in national industry conversations and events later this year, but the real value is in the insight that applies right now—no matter the size of your company.

In Part 9 of her ongoing series 25 Ways to Increase Profitability, industry expert Ruth King shares a simple reminder many contractors overlook: customers can’t call you if they forget you exist. Using a real-world example, she highlights how something as small as visible, consistent contact—emails, postcards, fridge magnets, or even a business card left behind—can make a meaningful difference. Regular communication isn’t just marketing; it’s a profit driver that keeps your company top-of-mind when service is needed.

Ruth also emphasizes the power of reactivating inactive customers—one of the fastest and least expensive ways to increase revenue. By reviewing customer records and personally reaching out to those who haven’t used your services in the past 18 months, contractors can uncover lost opportunities, valuable feedback, and often a simple reason for the gap in service. The takeaway is clear: staying visible and reconnecting intentionally can turn overlooked relationships into renewed revenue—without spending heavily on new leads. Click here to read more.

Wow! What an amazing day! Sunshine, sharp aim, great food, and even better company. This year’s Sporting Clays Challenge delivered everything we love about a MACCA event: friendly competition, nonstop laughs, and meaningful connections across our HVAC community.

From the first check-in to the final raffle drawing, the energy stayed high and the course stayed lively. Whether you came to compete, connect, or just enjoy a great day outside, you helped make it a standout success!

WINNERS CIRCLE The prizes were big. The suspense was real. And when the names were called, the cheers said it all. Congratulations to our 2026 Sporting Clays Challenge winners!

1st Place Team Winsupply of Port Charlotte Ty Copeland • Bill Francis • Tom Lewis • Corey Davis 2nd Place Team Winsupply of Port Charlotte Nick Goodarzi • Mike Salerno • Nickolas Goodarzi • Mike Pepi 3rd Place Team Conley Buick GMC Bobby Martin • Kyle Levins • Derek Beck • Jared Witt Top Female Shooter Rebecca Nardella – Stark Cooling Solutions Top Youth Shooter Daniel DeGeorgia - J3 Mechanical Firearm Winners Steve Johnson (Stan Weaver’s Team) — GLOCK 19 Gen6 Jesse Price (Johnstone Supply) — Henry Side Gate Lever Bill Rhodes — (CrossRhodes Consulting) Browning Silver Field Camo (12 gauge) Justin Reynolds (with Castle Rock Benefits) — CZ-USA 1012 G2 (12 gauge) AJ Evangelista (Bowersox) — Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro Compact Jonathan Litwin (J3 Mechanical) — Weatherby Orion I (12 gauge) Eric Schappacher (Envirotec Heating & Cooling) — Ruger LCP MAX YETI Winner Frank DeCarlo (Total Air Solutions) — YETI Prize From podium finishes to premium firearms and fan-favorite gear, this year’s prize lineup delivered big. Congratulations to all of our winners for making the 14th Annual Sporting Clays Challenge one to remember!

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the Sporting Clays Challenge such a great day. Events like this are just one way MACCA supports and connects professionals across the HVAC industry. From networking opportunities to educational and industry events throughout the year, there’s always something happening. To see what’s coming up next, scroll down or visit macca.us.

A special thank-you to our Photo Sponsor, Filters Done Right, for capturing the action throughout the day. Click here to view and download the photos.

What a night! 

The Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MACCA) and Southwest Florida Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association (SWFL PHCC) turned up the heat and kept things flowing for the biggest HVAC & Plumbing mixer in Southwest Florida on January 14, 2026. Contractors, vendors, and industry pros packed the event held at the Sahib Shriner’s building in Sarasota. They swapped ideas, made connections, and had a blast enjoying complimentary admission, a free first drink, and tasty hors d’oeuvres to keep the energy going. 

A huge shoutout to our superstar sponsors: Title Sponsor – Gorman Company / Gorman’s Gallery Kitchen & Bath Studio, Hospitality Sponsor – RGF Environmental Inc., Swag Bag Sponsor – Willscot, Bar Sponsor – Suncoast Metals, Photo Sponsor – Filters Done Right. You helped make this night unforgettable! 

And let’s not forget our amazing vendors who brought the magic: Above & Beyond, ACProsite.com, Calcs-Plus, Cogent Bank, CrossRhodes Consulting, Daikin, Empower Path Advisors, Enterprise Fleet Management, Federated Insurance, Filters Done Right, Gorman Company / Gorman’s Gallery Kitchen & Bath Studio, Johnstone Supply, Mitsubishi Electric, NIFT Business Solutions, PrimoAire, SignZoo, Sunbelt Marketing, Sunshine 811, Trane Supply, Thread Source, Inc., Willscot, Winsupply of Bradenton. You all made this night flow smoother than a perfectly tuned A/C system! 

Missed it? No worries! MACCA and SWFL PHCC always have events, networking nights, and opportunities to connect with the industry, so don’t be left out next time. Keep your calendar ready and check out what’s coming at macca.us and swflphcc.org 

View and download photos at https://ACprosite.com/photos/. Search for 2026 01 MACCA PHCC Vendor Event. 

Thank you to one of our amazing members, ACProsite, for sharing this article and capturing the night perfectly! If you haven't checked out Peter Montana's website, ACProsite, you are missing out!

Many contractors already invest time and money into their communities through sponsorships, local events, and charitable work. This article explains how those efforts can also support online visibility—without changing what contractors are already doing. By capturing and sharing community involvement through photos, posts, and local mentions, businesses can help strengthen their presence in local search results.

The key takeaway is consistency. When community engagement is treated as a repeatable system rather than an afterthought, it builds trust both offline and online. Simple follow‑through—such as posting event photos, encouraging reviews, and partnering with local organizations—can help contractors connect their real‑world reputation to their digital footprint, improving local search visibility over time. 
Click here to read more.