� ACCA AND PHCC TO COLLABORATE
Organizations representing plumbing and HVACR contractors in the United States have launched a strategic collaboration as a part of their shared mission to strengthen the contracting industry. As long-time trade associations in the plumbing, heating, and cooling contracting industry, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association( PHCC) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America( ACCA) have collaborated for years to help advance the business interests of businesses and professionals in their industry.
This new strategic relationship will allow PHCC and ACCA to deliver enhanced value propositions for their respective memberships and identify new opportunities to position the plumbing and heating / cooling contractor sectors for long-term growth and success.
“ This strategic collaboration with ACCA will support growth for the plumbing and HVACR industry,” said PHCC CEO Cindy Sheridan.“ Because we share a similar mission and strategic goals, it makes sense to work more closely together and use our resources more strategically and effectively, while preserving our independent identities and strengths.”
A Steering Committee composed of volunteer leaders from both organizations is evaluating opportunities for the strategic collaboration. The organizations are exploring ways they can collaborate in key areas including events, education, workforce development, and legislative partnerships.
“ ACCA’ s job is simple— we work every day to make contractors’ lives better,” said ACCA President and CEO Barton James.“ Collaborating with PHCC just makes sense. When two strong associations align, we amplify our voice, expand our reach, and deliver more practical value to the people in the field. This collaboration means more resources, stronger advocacy, and fewer headaches for our members. And that’ s what it’ s all about— helping contractors succeed, lead, and build better businesses.”
In the near term, PHCC and ACCA are collaborating to maximize events and legislative efforts. PHCC and ACCA members will be eligible for special registration discounts to attend the other organization’ s major events. PHCC members can receive a special discount off the upcoming ACCA 2026 conference March 15-18; ACCA members are also eligible for a reduced rate to attend the May 5-6 PHCC Legislative Conference.
Additionally, ACCA’ s advocacy leaders will take an active role in joining and participating in the PHCC Legislative Conference in both in 2026 and in 2027.
PHCC provides legislative advocacy, education and training to approximately 3,300 plumbing and HVACR open shop and union businesses and 65,000 technicians. Members work in the residential, commercial, new construction, industrial and service and repair segments of the construction industry. Learn more at phccweb. org.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America( ACCA) is a trade association for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors. ACCA’ s member companies provide service in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, building and home performance, solar, hydronics, and plumbing. ACCA has created the nationally-recognized and industry-endorsed standards needed to ensure HVACR systems are properly installed and maintained. Learn more at acca. org.
� UPCOMING STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL WATER HEATERS
On Oct. 6, 2026, new energy conservation standards for commercial water heaters, approved by the U. S. Department of Energy( DOE) back in 2023, will come into effect. The new standards will force a significant change from the products that are currently on the market today, calling for all commercial gas water heaters to utilize condensing technology in all installations.
Specifically, the DOE rule will require manufacturers to produce only commercial gas storage water heaters that meet or exceed a 95 % Thermal Efficiency( TE) and can meet more stringent Standby Loss requirements if they are offered for sale in the U. S. market. This is an increase in stringency from the 80 % minimum TE that is currently in place for these products today. It is important to note that if products do not meet these requirements, but are manufactured before Oct. 6, 2026, they can still be installed after that date. Additionally, commercial gas storage products that are currently installed will still be permitted to be serviced in the field and do not have to be replaced before the end of their useful life.
Similarly, commercial gas tankless water heaters will see more stringent minimum energy conservation standards as a result of this rule. These products, which include volume water heaters, will be required to meet or exceed a 96 % TE if they are intended for sale in the U. S. market. Like their storage counterparts, products that do not meet this requirement, manufactured prior to Oct. 6, 2026, can still be installed after that date and product already installed in the field can still be serviced to prolong their useful life.
By Bradford White Corporation via PHCC.. l FON
20 MAY 2026 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www. fueloilnews. com