Soldering, brazing, welding, nitrogen brazing, and mastering dissimilar metals—our Aluminum Coil Repair workshops came alive at Winsupply of Port Charlotte and Thread Source in Sarasota!  Huge thanks to our participating locations, Sal Hamidi of Uniweld for leading the sessions,  and to all participants for rolling up their sleeves and making these workshops a hands-on success.

Check out the highlights from both locations—real skills, real learning, real action!

Ammonia refrigeration has played a major role in industrial cooling for more than a century and continues to be widely used in large-scale refrigeration applications. A recent industry article highlights how ammonia helped establish the modern cold chain, enabling large-scale food production, storage, and transportation. Over time, advances in compressors, system design, and safety standards have allowed ammonia systems to remain a reliable option for industrial refrigeration.

Today, growing environmental concerns and regulatory changes are bringing renewed attention to natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. As the industry moves away from higher-global-warming-potential refrigerants, many large refrigeration systems are turning back to natural refrigerant technologies that offer strong energy efficiency and long-term regulatory stability. Click here to read the full article.

Hello HVAC Contractors and Industry Partners,

MACCA is currently considering bringing in training opportunities this October and would appreciate your feedback. This brief survey will help us gauge member interest, potential attendance, and preferred timing so we can determine which trainings may be the best fit for our members.

We are currently exploring the following training options:

• Residential Design for Quality Installation (RDQI) – 3-Day Course
• Manual J in a Day
• Manual S in a Day
• Manual H in a Day
• HVAC System Retrofit & Replacement – 2-Day Course 

If you are interested in attending once trainings are scheduled, please include your name, email, and phone number in the comments section along with anything else you'd like to share.

Click here to complete the survey.

Thank you for helping MACCA plan training that best serves our members.

A recent industry survey of more than 1,000 contractors reveals that simple adjustments to sales approach can significantly improve close rates and average ticket size. Contractors who present four or more proposal options see closing rates increase by as much as 10 percentage points compared to those offering fewer choices. Consistently offering financing also makes a measurable difference, raising average close rates and reducing reliance on entry-level equipment sales. Despite the data, only a small percentage of contractors are fully implementing these practices.

The findings also highlight the value of extended labor warranties, strategic pricing presentation, and leading proposals with monthly payment options rather than total project cost. Contractors who regularly mention financing and provide structured choices allow customers to focus on value and long-term benefits instead of upfront price alone. As operating costs continue to rise, adopting these data-backed strategies may help contractors strengthen margins, improve competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth. Click here to read more.

Many HVACR contractors obtained their certification years ago and may not think much about regulatory compliance in day-to-day operations. However, recent changes are expanding oversight. The AIM Act broadened leak repair and recordkeeping requirements to include HFC systems with charges as low as 15 pounds, bringing more equipment and contractors under regulatory review. While enforcement historically focused on large facilities, contractors are now seeing increased scrutiny, and penalties for violations can be significant.

EPA audits typically focus less on technical work and more on documentation. Inspectors look for proof that technicians hold proper certification, recovery equipment meets standards, and records clearly track refrigerant purchases, service activity, and disposal. Maintaining organized records, documenting refrigerant handling, and ensuring compliance procedures are followed can help contractors demonstrate professionalism and avoid costly enforcement actions. Click here to read more.

The IRS will host a webinar titled “Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill: Business Tax Provisions” on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This session is designed to benefit small business owners and will provide an overview of key business tax provisions enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). The 120-minute webinar will also include a live Q&A session for participants.

During the webinar, attendees will learn about updates to business information reporting requirements, changes to cost recovery and expensing provisions, and modifications to business interest deduction rules. The session will also review updates affecting partnerships and small businesses, including changes to qualified small business stock exclusions and the qualified business income deduction (QBID), along with revisions to certain business-related credits and deductions such as employer-provided childcare credits, paid family and medical leave credits, dependent care assistance programs, and business meal deduction exceptions.

Small Businesses: Click here to view the webinar listing and register

Google search continues to be one of the first places homeowners and businesses turn when an HVAC system fails or requires service, especially in emergency situations. A recent industry guide outlines how contractors can adapt their online advertising strategies to reach these high‑intent customers. Emphasis is placed on using Local Services Ads at the top of search results, targeting specific service campaigns based on customer needs, and tailoring ad messaging to match search intent, whether for urgent repairs or long‑term system replacements.

The guide also highlights the importance of managing advertising budgets with precision — using negative keywords to reduce wasted spend, optimizing for seasonal demand shifts, and tracking conversions to measure true customer acquisition cost. Effective landing pages, call tracking, and campaign segmentation help ensure that paid search efforts drive quality leads and bookings rather than clicks alone. These practices can help HVAC contractors stay visible, competitive, and profitable in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Click here to read more.

HVACR contractors continue to navigate uncertainty surrounding the EPA’s Technology Transitions Rule as the industry shifts toward lower-GWP refrigerants. While the United States Environmental Protection Agency has signaled enforcement discretion during reconsideration of the rule, industry leaders caution that this is temporary relief, not a suspension of the law. A final rule is expected by mid to late 2026, and contractors must ensure that any installed equipment was legally manufactured or imported prior to the January 1 deadline. Proper documentation, inventory oversight, and careful installation decisions remain critical to avoiding compliance risks.

Beyond federal uncertainty, growing state-level regulations may present even greater challenges. States such as New York have implemented stricter refrigerant restrictions that do not align with federal enforcement discretion, creating potential complications for contractors operating across state lines. Meanwhile, refrigerant supply shortages have largely stabilized and pricing has leveled off, offering some operational relief. Industry experts suggest that by mid-2026, the sector may return to a more stable “new normal,” but contractors who stay informed, plan ahead, and prioritize compliance will be best positioned to protect profitability during the transition. Click here to read more.

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.