The U.S. Small Business Administration, in collaboration with the IRS, is hosting a free virtual event to help small businesses prepare for the 2026 filing season. This session will provide guidance and insights to support business owners during tax time.

 Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)
 Platform: MS Teams

This is a great opportunity to stay informed and get ahead of filing season with helpful, up-to-date information.

 View Flyer | Register & Attend

The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing to replace the 2024 independent contractor rule with a version similar to the 2021 test. The focus would return to whether a worker is truly in business for themselves or economically dependent on the employer, with control over the work and opportunity for profit or loss as key factors.

For construction and roofing contractors, classification affects overtime, wages, recordkeeping, and potential FLSA liability. While this is only a proposed rule (comment period through April 28, 2026), it’s a good time to review subcontractor agreements and documentation.

Takeaway: The proposed rule may make contractor analysis more predictable, but employers must still follow state and tax standards and carefully document all subcontractor relationships.

View the proposed rule or submit a comment

Source: Cotney Consulting, P.A

Soldering, brazing, welding, nitrogen brazing, and tackling dissimilar metals—our MACCA Education Series workshops were all about hands-on learning and real skills in action!

Watch the highlights from Winsupply of Port Charlotte and Thread Source in Sarasota, and see our attendees putting their knowledge to work.

Go to our website at macca.us to check out upcoming MACCA Education Series events—you won’t want to miss the next one!

Artificial intelligence is often talked about as a force reshaping jobs, but in the HVACR industry, it’s also creating new opportunities. As demand for data centers continues to surge, so does the need for skilled professionals to support the massive cooling infrastructure behind them. These facilities, which power everything from cloud computing to online banking and streaming, generate enormous amounts of heat and rely on complex HVAC systems operating around the clock to maintain performance and prevent costly disruptions.

With an estimated 35 gigawatts of data center capacity currently under construction across North America, the demand for large-scale cooling systems and experienced technicians is rapidly increasing. Unlike traditional residential work, data center environments require expertise in chilled water systems, advanced controls, and mission-critical operations, offering year-round stability and competitive compensation. As AI continues to expand, HVACR professionals play a vital role in supporting the infrastructure behind it. Click here to read the full article by MACCA member Peter Montana of ACprosite.com.

This is to let you know that the actions and outcomes from the March 13, 2026 Florida Building Commission “Commission” meeting regarding the review of comments received for the March 13, 2026 Rule Development Workshop and the supplement to the proposed Florida Building Code, 9^th Edition based (2026) comprising of comments obtaining a 75% majority vote of the Commission are now posted and available for review from the following link: Click Here

Should you have questions, contact (850) 487-1824.

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.