Michigan will continue using construction codes setting minimum standards for safety and energy efficiency in new homes that date back a decade while building industry groups mount legal challenges against an updated set of rules originally set to take effect this summer.

In court, officials have agreed to delay implementation of more modern codes while lawsuits filed in June by organizations representing home builders and the modular and mobile home industries play out.

Reason for the Pause:

• Building industry groups, specifically the Home Builders Association of Michigan and the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association, filed lawsuits challenging the validity of the adopted 2021 International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code.
• The groups argue that the updated codes would impose increased costs on builders and homebuyers, potentially exacerbating Michigan's housing affordability crisis.
• They also claim that the state failed to demonstrate that the new energy efficiency requirements wouldn't unreasonably increase costs. 

Current Situation:

• The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has agreed to delay the effective date of the new codes, which was originally set for August 29, 2025.
• The delay will continue until the lawsuits are fully resolved and are no longer subject to further appeal.
• While the legal challenges are addressed, Michigan will continue to use the older residential construction codes, which are based on 2015 standards. 

Related Article:

Builders Challenge Michigan's First New Home Codes in a Decade Over Cost Concerns

The Michigan Propane Commission says that the rebate program has been so popular that adjustments were made to continue it without exhausting the funding. 

Effective July 1, 2025:

The Commission discontinued rebates for switching from an old propane unit to a new propane unit.

See additional updates here

The  Construction Code - Part 5. Residential Code  rules were filed with the Secretary of State on May 1, 2025, and will become effective on August 29, 2025. The rules were adopted by reference to the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code, with amendments, deletions, and additions deemed appropriate for use in Michigan. 

 The bureau will notify the public when each code's electronic and hard copy versions are available for purchase and update the code book information on our website, which links to the ICC for purchase. Below are some important changes that have been made to the code. 

• One important change is R301.1.4 Intermodal shipping containers. This is an addition to the code to provide criteria to address minimum safety requirements for repurposing these containers, new and used, for occupiable use.
• Electrical rules duplicating the adoption of the National Electrical Code were rescinded to directly reference the Michigan Electrical Code.

MIACCA will continue to keep you informed on further updates.

2021 Michigan Energy (Residential) Code

The Construction Code - Part 10. Energy (Residential) Code rules were filed with the Secretary of State on May 1, 2025, and will become effective on August 29, 2025. The rules adopted by reference the 2021 edition of the International Uniform Energy Code, with amendments, deletions, and additions deemed appropriate for use in Michigan. 

 The bureau will notify the public when each code's electronic and hard copy versions are available for purchase and update the code book information on our website, which links to the ICC for purchase. Below are some important changes that have been made to the code.

•   One important change is Table R402.1.3, ceiling R- values have increased to R-60 for zones 5 through 7.

Please reply to this email with any questions and concerns about these changes.  As always, MIACCA remains focused on bringing our members the latest industry news while doing our due diligence to protect it.

In 2025, MIACCA Contractors and the HVAC industry will see a major shift towards net-zero emissions and energy efficiency, driven by stricter regulations and the increasing demand for sustainable solutions. This includes transitioning to lower-GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32, adopting geothermal heat pumps, and integrating solar-powered HVAC systems. Additionally, the industry will focus on smart technology and AI-powered automation to optimize system performance and reduce energy consumption. 

Key Trends and Impacts:

• Refrigerant Transition:

• The EPA's phasing down of HFCs, particularly R-410A, will mandate the use of alternative refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). 

• Energy Efficiency:

• The focus will be on improving the efficiency of existing HVAC systems and adopting more energy-efficient technologies like geothermal heat pumps. 

• Sustainable Practices:

• The industry will embrace sustainable practices like using renewable energy sources, optimizing building design, and promoting smart home technologies. 

• Smart Technology and Automation:

• AI and automation will play a key role in optimizing system performance, reducing energy consumption, and improving indoor comfort. 

• Industry Growth and Change:

• The HVAC industry is expected to continue growing, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, creating new opportunities for professionals. 

For Consumers:

• Refrigerant Changes:

• If you are planning to replace an HVAC system, be aware of the new refrigerant standards and consider options that use low-GWP refrigerants. 

• Energy Efficiency:

• Invest in energy-efficient HVAC systems and consider smart home technologies to optimize energy consumption and reduce your carbon footprint. 

• Professional Advice:

• Consult with a qualified HVAC professional to understand the changes and choose the best solutions for your needs.

MIACCA has attached is it's IRA latest success in providing our members with the qualified product list that we obtained through the field operations manager of MIHER below.  We have been diligent in relaying in this matter and will continue to do so, on your behalf.

Here it is:  Qualified Product List Air-to-Air Heat Pump for MIHER Rebate

Dear MIACCA:

Attached is the qualified product list. We are working on getting this up onto the contractor portal for you all to have access to.  It is not something that is believed to be needed facing the customer/homeowner side of things, as they aren't typically going to be experts in their field to understand the finer details of energy star certifications, SEER ratings, AFUE, and the like.

If you do have a customer who is concerned that they might not get equipment in their home that qualifies, you can share this with them if needed and discuss the way the program works to prevent that from being the case (we do require model numbers for any submission and check against these lists, get geotagged photos to confirm that is what is installed IS what is installed, and even do on site QC checks of the work done to ensure it hits program/customer standards.) 

Hopefully this helps!

Aaron Welsh

Field Operations Manager: MiHER

MIACCA Submitted the following comments to the BCC: 

Part 9a Mechanical Rules-MIACCA Comments.pdf

The Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) is currently seeking public input on the 205-7 LR Part 9A Mechanical Code rules.  For your convenience, a Proposal Rule/Code Change Request form and the Draft Strike-Bold Rules. The current Part 9A Mechanical Code rule set can be reviewed under the LARA Administrative Rules webpage Currently Open Rules. Proposals for this rule set must be submitted to LARA-BCC-Rules@michigan.gov by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

MIACCA will keep you posted on these changes.