What a great session! Attendees dove into ECM motor types, installation techniques, and real-world troubleshooting strategies designed to make everyday service calls smoother and more efficient. ️⚙️

Huge thank you to Ken Darin of Regal Rexnord for leading an outstanding hands-on ECM motor training. His real-world insights and practical approach gave attendees tools they can immediately use in the field.

We appreciate everyone who showed up ready to learn, ask questions, and sharpen their skills—this is what hands-on training is all about!

Three new federal antitrust lawsuits are intensifying scrutiny on HVAC pricing practices, with allegations that major manufacturers and a large distributor coordinated price increases beginning in 2020. The complaints claim that repeated, closely timed price hikes across the industry may have contributed to equipment costs rising significantly faster than inflation, directly impacting contractors and consumers nationwide.

⚙️ The lawsuits—still unproven in court—argue that coordinated behavior, information sharing, and rapid follow-on pricing announcements may have played a role in sustained cost increases throughout the supply chain. For contractors, this case is drawing attention because it highlights one of the most persistent challenges in recent years: unstable pricing, tighter margins, and the difficulty of forecasting equipment costs in a volatile market. Click here to read more.

In this podcast, industry educators discuss the growing disconnect between what the HVAC field needs and what current training pipelines are producing. The conversation highlights ongoing challenges in recruiting and retention, along with how shifting expectations are impacting the availability of skilled workers across the trades.

The discussion focuses on the importance of better aligning education with real-world HVAC demands, and why strengthening the workforce pipeline is becoming increasingly critical for the long-term stability of the industry.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Learning didn’t stay in the classroom last week.

MACCA apprentice students took a hands-on field trip to the MTC campus, where they explored a full commercial HVAC system up close. The group toured air-cooled chillers, pumps, boilers, VAV systems, fresh air systems, and controls—getting a real-world look at how these systems operate together.

Beyond the equipment, students also discussed the key differences between commercial and residential HVAC, along with the many paths available to grow within the industry.

And the learning continues. Next week, a subject matter expert will be joining the class to dive into Manual J, D, and S, load and energy calculations, building science, and the critical role of system design.

Step by step, they’re building the knowledge—and experience—it takes to succeed in the field.

More information and registration details for our 2026–2027 Apprenticeship Program are coming soon! If you’re interested in the meantime, please email us at admin@macca.us.

Many HVAC systems underperform not because of the equipment, but because of what’s hidden behind the walls. Poor duct design—like excessive turns, air leaks, damaged insulation, or inadequate filtration—can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and negatively impact indoor air quality. In some cases, issues like deteriorating fiberglass or low-quality filters can even allow contaminants to circulate through the home, turning the system into part of the problem instead of the solution.

For contractors, this presents an opportunity. Taking the time to inspect ductwork, identify deficiencies, and clearly communicate findings to the customer can turn a routine service call into a higher-value solution. Addressing airflow design, sealing, and proper filtration not only improves system performance and comfort, but also builds trust and opens the door for additional services that genuinely benefit the homeowner.

Key Takeaway:

Ductwork isn’t just part of the system—it is the system. Fixing hidden issues can improve performance, air quality, and create new opportunities on every job Click here to read more.

From “bigger is better” to “just crank the thermostat down,” HVAC contractors continue to run into the same homeowner misconceptions on service calls. The reality is, many of these habits actually hurt system performance, increase energy use, or reduce comfort. Common issues include oversized equipment that struggles with humidity control, thermostats being used incorrectly, and the belief that brand matters more than proper installation and system design.

For contractors, these moments are opportunities. Taking the time to explain how systems really work—whether it’s why heat pumps perform in colder climates, why airflow balance matters, or why closing vents can backfire—helps build trust and sets realistic expectations. Educating customers not only improves system performance and comfort, but also positions your team as a knowledgeable, reliable resource they’ll turn to in the future.

Key Takeaway:

Clear, simple education can turn common misconceptions into better installs, better performance, and stronger customer trust
Click here to read more. 

HVAC contractors should be aware of a growing issue impacting search results—AI-generated fake websites posing as legitimate service providers. While this has been reported in other areas, it’s something contractors everywhere should keep an eye on.

There are steps businesses can take to protect themselves and their customers:

• Report fake listings through Google’s Safe Browsing page
• Clearly display your credentials (license, insurance, etc.) on your website
• Take action on misuse of logos or business information
• Encourage real reviews and flag suspicious ones

Some contractors have already seen drops in calls and website traffic after fake sites flooded search results. Staying proactive can help protect your visibility and reputation.

Read more about this happening in another Florida market

Many homeowners are opting to repair their HVAC systems instead of replacing them, often because they’re worried about upfront costs. While a repair can be cheaper in the moment, evaluating the entire system—not just the broken part—helps homeowners understand efficiency, longevity, and potential future costs. 

Key factors like system age, repair costs, and declining efficiency often signal that replacement is the smarter long-term choice. Technicians who clearly explain these points build trust, help homeowners plan ahead, and create opportunities for stronger customer relationships.

Pro Tip: Use each service call to review system health with homeowners. It’s not about selling a new system—it’s about guiding them to the best decision for their home. Click here to read the full article.

New CO₂ (R-744) compressor technology is making distributed refrigeration systems more practical for retail stores.

Instead of one large system, multiple smaller units are placed throughout the facility for better flexibility and reliability.

Key benefits:

• Less refrigerant and lower leak risk
• Better efficiency and load balance
• Easier maintenance and simpler design
• Improved redundancy and uptime

New CO₂ scroll compressors with variable speed and dynamic vapor injection (DVI) are helping improve performance while reducing system complexity.

CO₂ distributed systems are becoming a more scalable, future-ready refrigeration option. Click here to read more.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) introduced important changes affecting small businesses and contractors, from reporting requirements to cost recovery, expensing, and business-related credits. Understanding these updates can help your business plan ahead and make the most of available deductions.

The IRS recorded a webinar covering these changes in detail, including updates for partnerships, interest deductions, and common credits like business meals, childcare, and paid family leave.

 Watch the recording here:
One Big Beautiful Bill: Business Tax Provisions