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ACA/NE is Working For
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Duct Testing
At the Board of Building Regulation and Standards (BBRS), we are working for passage of an amendment to change the code relating to duct testing. Currently, the regulation specifies that a HERS Rater or a BPI Certified Professional perform duct testing. ACA/NE has recommended the language be change so that a “trained, licensed sheet metal worker” can perform the duct testing. The BBRS Energy Advisory Committee (EAC) has approved the language change.
HVAC Construction Supervisor License (CSL)
Efforts to create a Board of Building Regulation and Standards (BBRS) approved HVAC Construction Supervisor License (CSL) continue. When ACA/NE proposal was heard the BBRS voted to form a study group to resolve issues that have been identified by several Boards that have reviewed the ACA/NE HVAC CSL plan, ACA/NE Is actively engaged in efforts to have this study group activated so the process and the proposal can move forward.
Refrigeration License Legislation
The Massachusetts Legislature has extended the current session indefinitely due to COVID-19. They are expected to be back in formal session in late December. The Refrigeration License Legislation remains in the House Ways and Means Committee, where ACA/NE lobbyists hope it will stay through the remainder of the session.
At the Board of Building Regulation and Standards (BBRS), we are working for passage of an amendment to change the code relating to duct testing. Currently, the regulation specifies that a HERS Rater or a BPI Certified Professional perform duct testing. ACA/NE has recommended the language be change so that a “trained, licensed sheet metal worker” can perform the duct testing. The BBRS Energy Advisory Committee (EAC) has approved the language change.
HVAC Construction Supervisor License (CSL)
Efforts to create a Board of Building Regulation and Standards (BBRS) approved HVAC Construction Supervisor License (CSL) continue. When ACA/NE proposal was heard the BBRS voted to form a study group to resolve issues that have been identified by several Boards that have reviewed the ACA/NE HVAC CSL plan, ACA/NE Is actively engaged in efforts to have this study group activated so the process and the proposal can move forward.
Refrigeration License Legislation
The Massachusetts Legislature has extended the current session indefinitely due to COVID-19. They are expected to be back in formal session in late December. The Refrigeration License Legislation remains in the House Ways and Means Committee, where ACA/NE lobbyists hope it will stay through the remainder of the session.
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May 2020
ACA/NE submitted a proposed regulation amendment to the Board of Building Regulation and Standards (BBRS) that would create a CSL HVAC license. The new license would provide several benefits for ACA/NE members and for the public. The amendment will simplify and unify the permitting process to perform HVAC work. In addition, creating this license will improve the quality of services offered to the public. This licensing process will bring certification and testing of licensed professionals responsible for performing Energy Code compliance under the auspices of the BBRS, which adopts and administers the Code. The BBRS heard arguments in favor of the amendment at a virtual public hearing on May 12th. David Kerrigan from Kenney & Sams represented ACA/NE at the hearing. |
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May 2020
During the May 12th Virtual Meeting the BBRS Board took up ACA/NE’s proposed amendments to revise the provisions that allow only HERS Raters and BPI Certified professionals to conduct duct testing and testing of mechanical systems .
The Board considered the proposed language provided by the BBRS Energy Advisory Committee and endorsed by ACA/NE to add "licensed sheet metal workers trained in duct testing and verification”.
There seemed to be general agreement that sheet metal workers should conduct the testing, but some expressed concern about the need to include “trained in duct testing and verification”. The Board asked staff to revise the language.
This is a major step in the process of revising the amendment to allow ACA/NE members to conduct testing.
During the May 12th Virtual Meeting the BBRS Board took up ACA/NE’s proposed amendments to revise the provisions that allow only HERS Raters and BPI Certified professionals to conduct duct testing and testing of mechanical systems .
The Board considered the proposed language provided by the BBRS Energy Advisory Committee and endorsed by ACA/NE to add "licensed sheet metal workers trained in duct testing and verification”.
There seemed to be general agreement that sheet metal workers should conduct the testing, but some expressed concern about the need to include “trained in duct testing and verification”. The Board asked staff to revise the language.
This is a major step in the process of revising the amendment to allow ACA/NE members to conduct testing.
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Refrigeration License Legislation |
May 2020
ACA/NE continues to work to defeat passage of legislation to require that residential HVAC contractors obtain a refrigeration license. This license is currently required for work or over 10 tons.
Most residential and small commercial systems are limited to 5 tons or less, and an exemption currently exists for work under 10 tons.
Earlier this year, the legislation received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. The bill was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee and received a new number, which is H.4306.
Before the COVID-19 shutdown, ACA/NE members assisted in the legislative effort by sending letters of opposition to their own legislator and any member of the House Ways and Means Committee that represents the city or town where they work or live.
The letter-writing campaign was helpful and the effort will continue once the Legislature reconvenes during the Phase in opening schedule.
ACA/NE continues to work to defeat passage of legislation to require that residential HVAC contractors obtain a refrigeration license. This license is currently required for work or over 10 tons.
Most residential and small commercial systems are limited to 5 tons or less, and an exemption currently exists for work under 10 tons.
Earlier this year, the legislation received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. The bill was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee and received a new number, which is H.4306.
Before the COVID-19 shutdown, ACA/NE members assisted in the legislative effort by sending letters of opposition to their own legislator and any member of the House Ways and Means Committee that represents the city or town where they work or live.
The letter-writing campaign was helpful and the effort will continue once the Legislature reconvenes during the Phase in opening schedule.
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It's Time To Contact YOUR Legislator!
February 2020
For several years, ACA/NE has worked to defeat passage of legislation to require that residential HVAC contractors obtain a refrigeration license. This license is currently required for work or over 10 tens.
Most residential and small commercial systems are limited to 5 tons or less, and an exemption currently exists for work under 10 tons.
In February, the legislation received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. The bill was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee and has a new number.
ACA/NE is not opposed to licensing residential HVAC contractors. In fact, we recently submitted a proposal to the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) to create a HVAC Construction Supervisors License (CSL).
To prevent passage of H.4306 - An Act relative to refrigeration technicians, we need your help. Please contact your own legislator and any member of the House Ways and Means Committee that represents a city or town where you or colleagues work or live.
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For several years, ACA/NE has worked to defeat passage of legislation to require that residential HVAC contractors obtain a refrigeration license. This license is currently required for work or over 10 tens.
Most residential and small commercial systems are limited to 5 tons or less, and an exemption currently exists for work under 10 tons.
In February, the legislation received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. The bill was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee and has a new number.
ACA/NE is not opposed to licensing residential HVAC contractors. In fact, we recently submitted a proposal to the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) to create a HVAC Construction Supervisors License (CSL).
To prevent passage of H.4306 - An Act relative to refrigeration technicians, we need your help. Please contact your own legislator and any member of the House Ways and Means Committee that represents a city or town where you or colleagues work or live.
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ACA/NE Files Amendment
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ACA/NE has submitted a proposed regulation amendment to the Board of Building Regulations Standard that would create a CSL HVAC license.
The new license would provide several benefits for ACA/NE members and for the public. First, the amendment will simplify and unify the permitting process to perform HVAC work. In addition, creating this licenses will improve the quality of services offered to the public. This licensing process will bring certification and testing of licensed professionals responsible for performing Energy Code compliance under the auspices of the BBRS, which adopts and administers the Code.
The new license would provide several benefits for ACA/NE members and for the public. First, the amendment will simplify and unify the permitting process to perform HVAC work. In addition, creating this licenses will improve the quality of services offered to the public. This licensing process will bring certification and testing of licensed professionals responsible for performing Energy Code compliance under the auspices of the BBRS, which adopts and administers the Code.
ACA/NE Membership Testimonial
"ACA/NE is a wonderful association to be a part of. Membership with ACA/NE has helped me grow my professional network and stay informed with what is happening within the HVAC industry.”
Don Chaisson | APA, LLC.
