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  • 07/19/2023 8:11 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    ACT NOW! Support SMART Energy Efficiency Standards

    By now, you've probably heard about the Department of Energy's regional energy efficiency standards. And if you live in the Southeast or Southwest, you've probably already been affected by them. This policy has caused the HVAC industry needless confusion and headaches by using the date of installation as opposed to the date of manufacture when deciding what systems you can legally install. As a result, distributors and contractors in the southern regions who are affected by this policy have been left with 'stranded' equipment that's illegal to install in their regions, but perfectly good in the north.

    It's not all bad news, though. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) recently reintroduced the SMART Energy Efficiency Standards Act. This bill would simply amend the date that furnace, central air conditioner, and heat pump manufacturers must comply with regional energy efficiency standards from the date of installation to the date of manufacture. It really is that easy.

    You can do your part today by taking action to let your Representatives in Congress know why they should support bill H.R. 4378 and how important it is to your business.

    If you have questions about H.R. 4378, the SMART Energy Efficiency Standards Act, email Chris Czarnecki, ACCA's director of government relations & advocacy, at govt@acca.org or call 703-575-4477.

    TAKE ACTION



  • 06/14/2023 2:04 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    One of my first promises when I became Governor was to pass legislation to protect Michiganders from the dangers of distracted driving. Last week, we delivered on that promise when I signed a package of bipartisan bills that will reduce crashes and save lives. 

    These bills will ban the use of a phone while driving, including sending texts, watching or recording videos, or engaging with social media. This will reduce distracted driving crashes that have taken too many lives across Michigan. Too many Michiganders have lost loved ones to distracted driving, and everyone should be safe on their way to school, home, or work. 

    DD

     

    So far this year, we have had 322 deaths on Michigan roads. Last year, 1,120 died on Michigan roads. Young drivers accounted for 8% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2018, even though they were only 5.3% of all licensed drivers. 

    That's unacceptable. Our goal is to get to 0 traffic deaths by 2050. 

    This legislation will make a real difference in working towards our goal by: 

    • Helping parents feel peace of mind when their kids are on the move. 
    • Protecting pedestrians crossing intersections, bicyclists using bike lanes, and workers in construction zones.
    • Moving towards saving lives, reducing crashes, and preventing tragedies.  

    Every driver in Michigan knows that their attention must be on the road—not their phone. 

    Let's keep working together to make our roads safer for everyone. 

    Sincerely,

    Governor Whitmer

    Gretchen Whitmer
    Governor


  • 05/25/2023 3:37 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Free Webinar M 31st Noon - 1 p.m.

    Registration ends May 30th

    Register Here

    The industry has moved from gauges to Smart Probes and Intelligent Apps that go beyond the measurements to providing system targets and in-depth diagnostics.

    Multiple studies have found that 70-90% of Residential cooling systems have at least one fault, add duct leakage increases, this increases to 90–100%. This poor performance creates comfort issues, wasted energy (including water as an energy source) and cost society billions each year. Are techs finding the issues and correcting them and leaving them?

    These faults can be significantly reduced and eliminated with prober design and commissioning and confirming the actual measurements - not pencil whipping!

    This session will cover the tools, apps and standards for proper compliance including ACCA Quality Installation (QI), Energy Star Verified Installation (ESVI), and the similar pathways for Energy Star, DOE Zero Energy Ready Certification which may net Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits.

    Bonus - We will discuss how this fits in with the LEED for Homes Rating Systems requirements and align with the 310 standard.

    Join us for a conversation on the new path for compliance as we cover the options from verifying the HVAC operation to full system commissioning.

    Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in

    • Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) & LEED AP Homes
    • Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
    • Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
    • Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
    • Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place
    • AIBD
    • State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
    • P assive House Consultant US (CPHC)

    Speaker

    Joe Medosch {med-osh} - Client Success Manager for measureQuick, Owner of Energy & Environmental Consulting. He is an Industry Master Trainer, national presenter, and his diverse background in multiple trades provides a unique understanding of "The House and occupants as a System." Joe has been evaluating homes for 20+ years and has been a Comfort Consultant /Trainer for over 15+ years providing solutions on Healthier/Energy Efficient Home Performance and co-creator of Retrotec rCloud app.

    Certifications / knowledge base and committees include: Board Member on Healthy Air Research and Certification Authority (HARCA), ACCA, IAQ/IEQ assessments, ICC, BPI, RESNET, SMACNA, ASTM ...

    L essons Learned

    1- Explain that existing gauges to measure refrigerants are outdated, they release global warming refrigerants, and cause cross contamination in units. How does this comply LEED V4BD+C & V4.1 Residential EA Prereq Minumum Energy Performance?

    2- Identify that Smart Probes are only a smart as the Intelligent Apps that interpret the measurements

    3- Name 2 standards for compliance and how to implement them and how it will comply LEED V4BD+C & V4.1 Residential EA Prereq Minumum Energy Performance?

    4- Review are the only adjustable parameters or settings in a standard AC system? How does it align LEED V4BD+C & V4.1 Residential EA Prereq Minumum Energy Performance?

    REGISTER HERE



  • 05/19/2023 11:49 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Dear BCC Stakeholders and LicenseesThe Skilled Trades Regulation Rules under 2016 PA 407 will take effect May 3, 2023, and will be posted at Skilled Trades Regulation Rules  that same day.  Significant changes of note are the following:

    ·        Fee changes for boiler licenses, permits, inspections, and certificates of operation.

    ·        Fees are now required for license verifications and license reprints.

    ·        License renewals submitted 60 days after expiration are subject to a $100 late renewal f  ee.

    ·        Examinees must score 75% to successfully pass an examination.

    ·        If a qualifying licensed individual ceases to represent the associated electrical or plumbing contractor, the contractor license will summarily be suspended until another qualified licensed individual represents the contractor.

    ·        Boiler codes are updated to the following editions:

    • NBIC 2019.
    • ASME boiler and pressure vessel code, 2019.
    • ASME B31.1, 2018.
    • ASME CSD-1, 2018.

    ·        Exams are now required for each registration to become a code official, inspector, and plan reviewer.

    • Exams will be conducted by our third-party vendor, PSI, and we are working with them on an implementation date.
    • Once the exams implementation date has been established with PSI, another notification will be provided with details.

    Please contact the Boiler Section at bccblr@michigan.gov  for questions concerning the boiler code, permits, inspections, and certificates of operation.

    Please contact the Licensing Section at lara-bcc-licensing@michigan.gov  for questions concerning license exams, renewals, reprints, and verifications.

    I want to thank all of you that provided feedback and assisted us with developing these rules.  Your time and devotion are greatly appreciated.

    Sincerely,

    Andrew Brisbo, Director

    Bureau of Construction Codes



  • 05/16/2023 4:43 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Wednesday, May 17th
    11:00 am – Noon

    Join SBAM and our expert partners to learn how to reduce your cyber attack risk and find the right cyber liability insurance coverage. SBAM Approved Partners, RiskAssure, SensCy and MAIA Insurance Services will review important details about the challenges small businesses are facing and offer solutions.

    RiskAssureTheir RiskAware tool scans your devices and gains insight into the dollar value of your sensitive data.

    SensCyAssesses your overall cyber risk and helps you implement processes to ensure your cyberhealth plan stays on track.

    MAIA Insurance Services: Educates you on cyber liability insurance and connects you with several carriers to ensure your company obtains accurate, affordable coverage.


    Register Here


  • 05/03/2023 10:44 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Thanks to MIACCA's persistence in making these reports public through the Michigan Public Service Commission ("MPSC"), Consumers Energy & DTE have submitted their 2022 Value Added Program and Services ("VAPS") annual reports to the MPSC. 

    2022 Consumers Energy VAPS Report.pdf

    2022 DTE Electric VAPS Report.pdf

    2022 DTE Gas VAPS Report.pdf

    You can find any upcoming reports along with any past reports located on our Code of Conduct webpage. 


  • 05/03/2023 10:42 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Oppose Su's Nomination for Department of Labor

    Please take a moment to participate in ACCA's action alert opposing the nomination of Julie Su as Secretary of the Department of Labor. The Senate is about to hold a confirmation vote on her nomination, and we strongly oppose her appointment. As you may have seen, Su's nomination has just passed out of the Senate Labor Committee and is now headed to a full Senate vote.

    Su's appointment as Secretary of Labor would be detrimental to our industry. She has a problematic track record in her handling of workforce policies in California during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her treatment of independent contractors in the state has been highly criticized. Furthermore, she is a supporter of the PRO Act, which would greatly restrict employers' rights. We are not alone in our opposition to Su's nomination. A wide range of industries have expressed their concerns, and we stand with them in opposing this nomination.

    You can do your part by participating in ACCA's action alert and telling your Senators to vote NO when her confirmation comes to the Senate floor for a vote. By doing so, you can help ensure that our voice is heard and that our concerns about Su's nomination are taken seriously.

    Thank you for your continued support of ACCA and our mission to promote excellence in the HVACR industry. Your participation in this action alert can make a real difference in protecting our industry from the detrimental effects of Julie Su's appointment.

     

    If you have questions about the Julie Su's appointment, email Chris Czarnecki, ACCA's director of government relations & advocacy, at govt@acca.orgor call 703-575-4477.

    TAKE ACTION


  • 04/28/2023 12:32 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Not all hazards are obvious or easy to recognize even to those who see and face them every day, some are hidden in plain sight. Hidden in the routine things we do every day, hidden in the reactions we have when things don't go as planned. So we all have the responsibility and obligation to not just speak up, but to act, and to always have each other's backs. That means craft professionals, management, customers, design professionals and trade partners have to work together to create a supportive environment, to hear and help one another when it's time to pause, assess, and take charge of anything that could put ourselves or our team in harm's way.

    Find all Safety Week Resources



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