Contractor Star Power Shines At ACCA Event

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) honored several HVAC contractors during their Annual Conference and Expo event at the Gaylord National Harbor in Washington, D.C., February 12-14.

Phil Forner of Allendale Heating Co., Allendale, MI, received the organization’s highest honor: their Spirit of Independence Award.

This award is presented to an individual who makes significant and lasting contributions to the strength, success, and independence of HVACR contractors. It recognizes one individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty, displaying creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance in their pursuit of a better industry.

Phil Forner receives ACCA’s highest honor: The Spirit of Independence Award.

Among his contributions:

• Served on ACCA’s Board of Directors, eventually becoming chairman in 2007
• Active on several committees and served as chairman of the Technical Service and Codes Committees as well as on the Standards Task Force
• Led ANSI recognition efforts for recognizing ACCA as a standards development organization
• Driving force behind ACCA’s involvement in the International Code Council and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
• Active in Government Relations activities
• A strong proponent of encouraging young people to join the HVAC industry.

‘ACCA is proud to honor Phil Forner with the Spirit of Independence Award, ACCA’s highest honor,’ said Barton James, ACCA president, and CEO.

‘He has made significant contributions that will have a lasting impact on professionalism in the industry. Phil is certainly dedicated and passionate about our industry, and he joins a select group of others who have received ACCA’s most treasured award.’

The second star recognized during the ACCA event is John Sedine of Engineered Heating & Cooling in Cedar Springs, MI. John received the Distinguished Service Award.

John Sedine receives ACCA’sDistinguished Service Award.

In a press statement, ACCA said, ‘Each year, ACCA recognizes one volunteer who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ACCA and the contracting industry with the Distinguished Service Award.

‘Sedine has been a devoted leader in the industry and ACCA for more than 25 years. He served as Chairman of the ACCA Board of Directors in 2010, served on the Board of the Michigan contracting association, and has served on several state and national code councils.

‘He has contributed to the success of ACCA’s standards and codes programs by lending his expertise to the development of multiple ACCA initiatives, including the Quality Installation program, ACCA Manual LLH – Low Load Homes, and countless other efforts.’

ASHRAE Accepting Applications for HVAC Designer Certification

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) announced a few weeks ago that applications for the new Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) certification are now open. Worldwide computer-based testing opens on June 3, 2019.

From the ASHRAE perspective, this certification validates competency of the HVAC Designer, working under the responsible charge of an engineer, to do the following:

Design HVAC systems to meet building/project requirements, including load calculations, equipment selection, and sizing, mechanical equipment room design, duct, and piping design, and layout for the development of HVAC plans for permit and construction.

The exam follows a 2018 industry-wide job analysis study with data that was gathered from more than 1,200 respondents from over 60 countries. The CHD application is currently open with a practice exam launching May 1.

‘The certification committee suspected an HVAC Designer certification would serve the needs of members, but the ‘Industry Needs’ survey data emphasized a need and demand,’ said Mark Fly, P.E., chair of the exam subcommittee.

You can learn more and apply at the following website: ncilink.com/CHD. You can also download the CHD Candidate Guidebook here: ncilink.com/CHDGuide.