Codes and Standards

07.31.25

When PHCC members are asked what they value most from their membership, industry representation consistently rises to the top. They know that PHCC is their voice – fighting for their businesses on everything from energy policy to workforce development. But here’s the truth: our advocacy only works with your help. No one tells your story better than you, our member contractors. Whether it’s …

07.31.25

When I got into this trade, I figured I’d be working with pipe wrenches, not politicians. But here I am, telling you that what we do in the halls of Congress is just as critical as what we do in basements and crawlspaces. Why? Because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu. And I don’t know about you, but I prefer eating to being eaten, especially when I’ve already skipped lunch for the …

07.21.25

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. The 870-page bill covers a broad swath of policy initiatives for the current administration from reevaluating federal entitlement programs to workforce development and tax relief. However, as it relates to the HVAC and water heater industries, some of the more interesting developments come with OBBBA …

06.04.25

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC) reveals ...

06.02.25

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) successfully concluded its 2025 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., on May 21, with a day of critical advocacy efforts that will benefit contractors across the country. More than 100 PHCC members, chapter leaders, and ...

04.23.25

While state policymakers continue to grapple with questions about lowering emissions in their state or leaning into requiring all-electric buildings, a tool that is becoming increasingly considered is requiring the use of Ultra Low NOx (ULN) boilers and water heaters. While this concept was originally utilized as a method to lower NOx emissions and bring certain areas into attainment with the …

04.10.25

Plumbing and HVAC contractors are invited to register for CONNECT 2025, taking place from October 27-30, 2025. FALLS CHURCH, Va. – April 2025 – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC), encourages plumbing and HVAC contractors to make plans now to ...

03.26.25

Signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1975, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) has been a cornerstone for the federal government in setting energy policy for the past half-century. The law was the United States’ response to the 1973 oil crisis that saw energy supplies become largely unavailable, causing prices to soar for American consumers and businesses. Among the many …

02.27.25

After years of consideration, DOE announced on January 17, 2025, that they would be withdrawing their proposed rule to increase the minimum energy efficiency performance standards for residential boilers. As it related to gas-fired hot water boilers, the Department had previously proposed, in August 2023, that these products meet or exceed an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95%. …

02.20.25

Economic forecasting is essential for p-h-c contracting businesses as it allows them to plan for market fluctuations, manage costs, and make informed strategic decisions. By analyzing economic trends such as inflation, interest rates, and construction activity, businesses can anticipate demand for new installations, retrofits, and maintenance services, and determine when to invest in expansion, …