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.

Thank You To Our Event Sponsor:

MACCA members and guests gathered at Yard House for a lively Membership Drive + Poker Night, filled with great conversations, new connections, and a little friendly competition at the bar poker tables. The evening brought together HVAC professionals and industry partners for a fun night of networking, laughs, and a few winning hands. We’re excited to welcome Cool Coast Heating & Cooling and Federated Insurance as MACCA’s newest members. We’re thrilled to have you join the association and look forward to seeing you at future events! A big thank you to Johnstone Supply for serving as our Event Sponsor and helping make the evening possible. We also appreciate the companies who came out to learn more about MACCA and connect with our members. Thank you to Vivid Graphics, LLC, Clever Air, Eco Mold Testing, and WCP Solutions for joining us. We’re glad you could be part of the evening and hope to see you again soon! And of course, congratulations to our Bar Poker winners who walked away with bragging rights for the night: ♠️ Rebecca Abbott – T&W Air Services, Inc. ♠️ Matt Clevenger – Clever Air ♠️ Justin Reynolds – Castle Rock Benefits ♠️ Troy Woods – Johnstone Supply Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make the night such a success!

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.