The HVACR industry is bracing for 2025 changes, from eco-friendly products to smart technologies that boost efficiency and customer service—all while managing labor shortages. ACCA is playing a key role in addressing technological and workforce challenges while supporting contractors through education, advocacy, and resources.
Technological advancement
As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, the HVACR industry is not just keeping up; it’s leading the charge. Education and preparation, including the systematic introduction of new technologies, will prevent disruption, affording contractors time to adapt, recertify, and purchase new equipment.
Perhaps the most significant change coming down the pike is the transition from R410 refrigerant to A2L as part of the effort to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants. The old refrigerant will be phased out by the end of 2025, requiring new codes and installation practices.
Martin Hoover, chair of ACCA, reminds HVACR contractors that although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) isn’t currently requiring recertification, preparation for safely handling A2L refrigerants is a best practice due to their mild flammability. ACCA’s A2L safety training program helps prepare members for the upcoming transition. ACCA members have access to incredible resources that allow them to train their teams even before they get their hands on the new equipment.
The improvement of heat pump systems, particularly in low-temperature operations, is another game changer that will significantly impact northern climate heat pump installations. ACCA continues to advocate for adopting heat pumps. The association’s technical resources, including the ACCA Quality Installation process, can assist contractors in adjusting to these evolving systems.
Software such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging), which enables contractors to rapidly and accurately build 3D models of homes, are proving to be invaluable time-saving tools in the field. Another critical trend is the development of smart systems with advanced sensors and AI analytics that predict maintenance needs, proactively report issues to service providers, and optimize energy consumption.
Some systems can now be tested for proper operation without opening the refrigeration system, and Hoover sees these non-invasive smart systems becoming built-in features of new equipment moving forward.
ACCA supports contractors by helping them stay updated and ahead of the curve on these predictive maintenance innovations and testing methodologies. The association offers training on the integration of smart technologies with HVACR systems and guidance on proper installation and maintenance procedures, allowing contractors to leverage these systems for better customer service and efficient problem-solving.
Enhancing customer service
Contractors are also embracing new technologies for streamlining customer service. Mobile apps and chatbots are now integral tools that can assist with diagnosing system errors, scheduling service and sales appointments, locating parts, and soliciting detailed customer feedback. New tools that communicate directly with smart devices are enhancing the speed and simplicity of testing and documentation processes.
Hoover explains, “ACCA’s QI certificates ensure that these technological advances are integrated into the workflow, guaranteeing not only efficiency but also the highest standards of customer service” by enhancing communication, tracking customer feedback, and maintaining excellent service quality.
Senior Vice Chair Edward McFarlane cautions that, while AI works well for taking notes, tracking assignments from leadership meetings, and aggregating data to gain insights, it’s important to consider how technology is used and to think about the second- and third-order consequences. “Technology doesn’t fix terrible processes. But if you have a strong process, technology will give you stronger results.”
Managing workforce challenges
Retaining, training, and growing a top-notch, dependable workforce is critical to the future of the industry, ensuring that contractors can deliver on the service and installation needs of customers. However, the retirement of senior technicians and lack of young people entering the skilled labor workforce are leaving the industry with a labor deficit.
Recruitment and training are now year-round, multichannel processes. From recruiting, onboarding, and training resources, ACCA’s Workforce Center is helping to address the skilled labor shortage. By working closely with policymakers, the association is also ensuring that supportive legislation is in place for workforce development, making it easier for companies to build a sustainable workforce.
One key to attracting young professionals lies in changing perceptions of the trades. Through initiatives like the children’s book When the Air Stops and school and community programs that showcase the financial benefits and career growth in trades, ACCA is working to eliminate the stigma surrounding trade careers.
Hoover notes that “by showing young people the high earning potential and relatively quick career advancement, we can shift the narrative and attract a new generation of skilled workers.” Job security and the demand for tradespeople as essential workers can further add to the appeal of careers in the trades.
McFarlane believes that the tech-driven nature of the job itself can be attractive to young people. “The trades are different now. The job has become more technology-driven, and that attracts a lot of young people. There’s technology being deployed all around them, and the equipment they’re working on is quite complex.”
Innovative training methods and tools are also making training more accessible. Kurt Hudson, secretary/treasurer of ACCA, suggests that virtual reality training (e.g., Interplay Learning) allows young people to learn in a video game-like environment before gaining hands-on experience in the field.
To address the ongoing labor shortage, many companies are incentivizing young talent to enter the trades by investing in their apprenticeships and training programs, offering accelerated and comprehensive education paths. Young workers receive competitive pay while training, without the burden of college debt.
Thanks to its convenience, accessibility, and low cost, remote training has become invaluable in this fast-paced industry. Hoover notes, that ACCA’s “remote learning platform allows techs to stay up to date on new systems and standards without taking time away from the field, while their in-person sessions provide the necessary hands-on experience to solidify those skills.” ACCA offers a hybrid of on-demand, live virtual, and in-person training options.
Creating a stable workforce will also make it possible for senior technicians to transition from hands-on labor into new remote roles, allowing them to extend their careers and share their knowledge with junior technicians.
The future of HVACR is green
As the world increasingly focuses on energy conservation, the HVACR industry is playing a leading role in developing and implementing solutions. Once considered a luxury, energy-efficient HVACR systems and sustainable practices are now a fundamental requirement driven by the impact of rising energy costs, customer demand, government policies, and standards that raise the minimum efficiency requirements.
ACCA is playing a pivotal role in shaping policies by working closely with legislators to advocate for practical, informed decisions, helping them understand the real impact of their policy decisions. Hoover points out that while government policies will undoubtedly accelerate the adoption of green energy solutions, it’s vital that they remain balanced and inclusive of diverse technologies rather than biased toward a specific energy source or technology. ACCA’s government relations team champions balanced advocacy, ensuring HVACR contractors’ voices are heard to facilitate a transition to greener energy that benefits contractors and customers alike.
Hudson anticipates that one of the biggest changes in 2025 will be increased restrictions on certain fuels, like natural oil, which will limit the types of equipment contractors can install.
Manufacturers are currently focused on the increased pressure to install systems like heat pumps. That’s why industry professionals must educate themselves, so they can educate their customers on the options available to them.
Assisting their customers in finding rebates and tax credits is a challenge for contractors. Sometimes, the rebates are so complicated that they’re disincentivizing. Since the advent of the Inflation Reduction Act, government incentives have become so encumbered by rules and regulations that, three years after its inception, it still has not been initiated in most states. It’s important that the tax incentives be simple to use and validate. EDEN, an e-commerce product that integrates with a database of all the rebate programs and shows what the cost would be with the rebates, is an excellent tool for helping customers make informed decisions based on their efficiency and operational needs.
Successfully navigating the upcoming technological and policy changes requires a proactive and innovative approach to chart the best path forward. ACCA will play a crucial role in helping its partners stay informed about the latest standards.
Read this article and more in the November/December edition of ACCA Now Magazine, now available online.
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