HVAC business owner Bob Cochell, a respected industry expert, discussed the impact of major changes implemented and proposed by the Trump administration on the HVACR industry at the February 4. 2025 Southwest Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SWACCA) and February 5 Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MACCA) dinner meetings.
The informative sessions provided crucial insights into key challenges and opportunities for HVAC professionals. Topics covered included:
- Examined how tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China could result in higher HVAC pricing and disrupt supply chains.
- Discussed potential changes to refrigerant regulations as a result of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. The Accord established the current guidelines for refrigerant transitions to lower GWP levels. Will the U.S. remain committed to the goals?
- Like the impact of leaving the Paris Accord, will proposed changes in Residential Efficiency Standards be advanced or abandoned?
“These are evolving situations and things aren’t figured out yet,” Bob stated. “FRACCA and your local associations are following developments very closely and will keep you informed as changes occur. And let me say this about associations. Without them, you get what you get. Other states just change their codes without any contractor input. Being members of these associations, you have a voice. I’m on the energy code committee along with Oscar Calleja in South Florida. We have people sitting in on the mechanical meetings and lobbyists looking out for your interests.”
About Bob Cochell
Bob Cochell is the Owner and President of Gulf Coast Air Systems. With over 50 years of HVAC experience, he has served as President of both the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) and the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (RACCA) of Tampa Bay. He has been a voting member of the Florida Building Commission’s Energy Technical Advisory Committee since 2000 and has contributed to HVAC education and industry publications.
To stay informed about future MACCA events and initiatives, visit the MACCA website at www.macca.us. For those interested in becoming a member of MACCA, detailed membership information can be found at www.macca.us/membership.
