Regulatory

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 …

04.17.25

The economic climate has become increasingly unpredictable, with news this month of stock market fluctuations and tariff discussions affecting plumbing and HVAC contractors. PHCC is ...

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%. …

02.27.25

The House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation package this week with unanimous Republican support. This sets the stage for a framework to determine a path forward to pass a government funding measure for the remainder of FY25 while encompassing the Trump administration’s priorities on which the President campaigned. However, there are differences between House and Senate leadership …

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, …

02.05.25

Contractors invited to attend Legislative Conference May 20-21 The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) will host its 2025 Legislative Conference on May 20-21 at the YOTEL Washington D.C. This annual event provides plumbing and HVAC contractors with the opportunity to connect directly with federal lawmakers and advocate for the industry’s most pressing priorities. The …

01.23.25

On December 26, 2024, DOE published a Final Rule in the Federal Register setting more stringent minimum efficiency standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters, which will apply to any such product manufactured on or after December 26, 2029. In this action the Department maintains their initial proposal from July 2023 that will require all these products to utilize condensing technology. …

01.16.25

"Leadership is like going to the gym. It’s easy to status quo your way through." Leave it to a Navy commander to compare effective leadership to a physical workout, but Mary Kelly – who also is a best-selling author and was a keynoter at PHCC’s CONNECT conference in October – knows that, in today’s fast-paced environment, if you’re not actively improving and thinking bigger, you’re inadvertently …