A new Senate bill could change how the U.S. Department of Energy develops and reviews energy-efficiency standards for HVAC equipment. The Energy Efficiency Reform Act of 2026 would eliminate the current six-year review requirement, establish new criteria for equipment product classes, and strengthen federal limits on conflicting state equipment requirements.

Why it matters: Changes to federal efficiency standards could affect HVAC contractors through equipment availability, product choices, costs, and compliance requirements. Industry groups including AHRI, HARDI, and ACCA have expressed support for modernizing the current system while raising concerns about certain provisions. The bill is still moving through Congress, so its potential impact remains to be seen. Click here to read more.

The HVAC industry continued its recovery in the second quarter of 2026, with shipments of air conditioners and heat pumps showing strong growth compared with the same period last year. Combined A/C and heat pump shipments totaled 2.78 million units, an increase of 11.3% from Q2 2025. Heat pump shipments alone increased 6.3%, while central A/C shipments were up 15.3%.

Through the first half of 2026, air conditioner shipments are up 2.4% and heat pump shipments are up 3.8% compared with the same period in 2025. Heat pumps also continue to gain market share over the long term, with June 2026 shipments 42.7% higher than June 2016.

The data points to continued recovery in the residential HVAC market, with manufacturers also reporting increased replacement activity. As equipment trends continue to evolve, staying familiar with both traditional A/C systems and heat pump technology remains important for contractors. Click here to read more.

ChatGPT has opened its self-serve advertising platform to U.S. businesses of all sizes, including local service businesses. Through Ads Manager, businesses can create and manage campaigns on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis, meaning advertisers pay when someone clicks on an ad.

Ads will appear within ChatGPT conversations but will remain separate from organic answers. For HVAC contractors, this could create a new opportunity to reach homeowners while they are actively researching services, repairs, and home improvement decisions.

As AI-powered search continues to grow, having a strong digital presence across both traditional search engines and emerging platforms like ChatGPT may become increasingly important for contractors looking to reach customers earlier in the buying process. Click here to read more.

Following our recent Inspector Panel, MACCA is sharing four helpful Analysis of Changes documents for the 9th Edition (2026) Florida Building Code. These resources provide a closer look at updates affecting Energy, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Commercial requirements.

These documents were created and provided by Manatee County, and MACCA greatly appreciates their time and effort in putting these resources together to help contractors better understand the latest code changes.

Review the Resources:

• Residential Energy – Analysis of Changes
• Plumbing – Analysis of Changes
• Mechanical – Analysis of Changes
• Commercial Energy – Analysis of Changes

Members can access these resources below and on the MACCA Members-Only page, where they will remain available for future reference.

Review the 2026 Florida Building Code changes and keep these resources handy as you navigate the new code requirements.

MACCA recently hosted a successful Inspector Panel Dinner Meeting, bringing contractors together with local building officials for an evening of valuable discussion, networking, and Q&A.

Attendees heard directly from Hank Fulmer, Deputy Building Official, and Tom Ryan, Inspections Manager, with Sarasota County PDS; Douglas Bellissimo, Building Inspector, Keith Van Ostenbridge, Plans Examiner/Inspections Officer, and James Yarnell, Case Manager (Zoning), with Manatee County; and Michelle Williamson, MEP Inspector, with the Town of Longboat Key. The panel shared valuable insight into permitting requirements, inspection expectations, common corrections, code interpretations, and other issues contractors encounter in the field.

A special thank you to Hank, Tom, Douglas, Keith, James, and Michelle for taking the time to participate and share their knowledge with our members. We also appreciate Thread Source, Inc. for sponsoring the event and supporting MACCA's efforts to provide valuable educational opportunities for the industry.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening a great success!

Want to see even more from the 2026 MACCA Apprentice Graduation?

MACCA member and 2026 Apprentice Graduation Company Sponsor, Peter Montana of ACprosite.com, has published a wonderful recap of the evening featuring additional photos, award presentations, and highlights from this unforgettable celebration.

A special thank you to Peter for covering the event and sharing these memorable moments with our members and industry.

Click here to read the full article and view the additional graduation photos!

Property Tax Amendment Faces Growing Opposition
The Florida Sheriffs Association and Fraternal Order of Police have joined opposition to Amendment 3, raising concerns that proposed property tax changes could affect funding for public safety, infrastructure, and other local services. Recent polling also shows support declining after voters are informed about potential impacts on local government.

Florida Government & Education
The Florida Department of Education is moving forward with proposed restrictions on undocumented students enrolling in state career and technical education programs, with a rule workshop scheduled for August 18. The State University System is also considering restrictions on enrollment at public universities beginning in the 2027-28 academic year.

Business & Economic Update
Florida's average gas price fell 14 cents over the past week to $3.83 per gallon. Meanwhile, the Florida Lottery generated approximately $2.36 billion for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund during fiscal year 2025-26.

FRACCA Update
FRACCA continues to monitor developments affecting Florida contractors, including property taxes, workforce and technical education, and other state policies that could impact the construction and HVAC industries.

A new AI-assisted dispute resolution process from the American Arbitration Association (AAA) may offer contractors and project owners a faster way to address routine construction disputes before they escalate. Designed for certain document-based construction cases, the process uses artificial intelligence to help organize evidence, summarize submissions, identify key issues, and prepare a proposed decision. A human AAA arbitrator reviews, revises, and issues the final decision, ensuring that AI supports the process rather than replacing the decision-maker.

The approach could be particularly useful when handling payment disputes, change orders, or scope disagreements that require a timely interim decision to keep projects moving. Rather than replacing mediation, arbitration, or litigation, the AI-assisted process is intended to provide an initial decision while preserving each party's right to pursue formal dispute resolution if necessary.

For contractors, this emerging technology highlights how AI is beginning to play a role beyond the jobsite, offering new tools that may improve efficiency in contract administration and dispute resolution. As with any contractual provision, businesses should consult with legal counsel to determine whether an AI-assisted Initial Decision Maker is appropriate for their projects.

Article by Trent Cotney. Click here to read more.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida's new construction law, CS/CS/HB 803, introduces several changes to building permit and inspection requirements that contractors should be aware of.

One of the most notable updates requires local governments to exempt certain residential projects valued at less than $7,500 from permitting requirements when performed on a single-family home. To qualify, the property owner or contractor must submit a written exemption request along with documentation showing the scope and value of the work. However, the exemption does not apply to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work, properties located in flood hazard areas, or projects that are intentionally divided to avoid permit requirements.

The legislation also establishes a separate permit exemption for qualifying temporary residential hurricane and flood protection walls or barriers. To qualify, these barriers must be nonhabitable, non-load-bearing, installed by a properly licensed contractor, and comply with local zoning, drainage, easement, and setback requirements. This exemption also excludes properties located within flood hazard areas.

Takeaway: Contractors should review their permitting procedures before taking advantage of these new exemptions. Always verify the project's scope, value, work type, and flood-zone status before determining whether a permit is required.

Article by Trent Cotney. Click here to read more.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the graduates of the 2026 MACCA Apprentice Program!

It was an unforgettable evening as we recognized the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of this year's graduating apprentices alongside their families, employers, instructors, and industry partners. A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Carmen Ciricillo, for bringing laughter, inspiration, and unforgettable stories that made the celebration even more memorable.

Click here to view the graduation photo gallery!

A special thank you to Filters Done Right for capturing and sharing these wonderful moments from the evening.

More graduation photos from the event are coming soon, so stay tuned for another gallery featuring even more highlights from this special celebration!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

This celebration would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our incredible sponsors. Thank you for helping us honor the next generation of HVAC professionals!