Codes and Standards

11.25.24

While much of the regulatory focus in the water heater industry has been appropriately focused on the United States Department of Energy's (DOE) energy conservation standards’ final rules for commercial and residential water heaters, there are still significant rules impacting our industry that are scheduled by the Department to be finalized in the coming weeks. The first is somewhat related to …

11.14.24

CONTRACTOR magazine recently published a recap from John Mesenbrink summarizing the CONNECT 2024 event in Birmingham, Alabama, last month. Read the full article on CONTRACTOR's website to hear what John had to say: PHCC CONNECT 2024: ‘Authentic Connections’ | CONTRACTOR ...

10.21.24

On July 23, 2024, the Vancouver City Council approved a directive that would allow for new homes to once again utilize natural gas for heating and hot water. This action significantly retreats from a more aggressive building electrification policy that the same council approved years earlier that required all new, low-rise residential buildings in the city to utilize only electric HVAC and water …

10.16.24

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) recently hosted CONNECT 2024 from October 7-10, where forward-focused plumbing and HVAC contractors came together for an engaging experience. This year’s theme, “Authentic ...

09.26.24

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a piece of federal legislation that was signed into law by President Joe Biden over two years ago. While not necessarily indicated by its name, the IRA is touted by its supporters as the largest investment in clean energy in American history. As it relates to home appliances, one main program in the IRA that contractors and installers should know about is the …

08.28.24

Observers of American politics often note that policymaking swings like a pendulum. One political party will earn control of government and enact policies they believe will improve the country. Later, the opposing political party will inevitably seize governmental control and undo much of the work of their predecessors. This process then repeats. While there may be examples of this idea proving …

08.15.24

Premier education exposure and opportunities for all attendees at CONNECT 2024. FALLS CHURCH, Va. – August 2024 – The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reveals educational programming including knowledge, technology and podcast hubs, for CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. With over 20 education sessions, CONNECT will cover relevant topics...

07.31.24

When it comes to the state of affairs surrounding natural gas bans, refrigerant changes, licensing, efficiency limits, and more, sometimes I feel like I’m swept up in a twister. I’m desperately looking for the calm after the storm and for help to navigate my business. PHCC has been incredibly resourceful in supporting the licensed plumbing and HVAC contractor. Thank goodness for PHCC’s …

07.24.24

Since the City of Berkeley passed an ordinance that prohibited natural gas hookups to newly constructed homes in 2019, the future of natural gas as a building fuel source has been a hotly debated topic in our industry. Indeed, Berkeley was followed by dozens of other California communities that adopted similar policies, and Washington State even enacted residential and commercial building codes …

07.17.24

Belcik has served as ICC’s COO/CFO since 2009 and brings his extensive experience with the building safety industry and business management to the role Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council is pleased to announce that its next Chief Executive Officer is John Belcik effective January 1, 2025. Belcik has been with the Code Council for 15 years and has extensive experience in strategic …