Organization: PCA

Learn How to Use BIM More Effectively at the MCAA Technology Conference

Many contractors use Revit for BIM coordination but few know how to fully amplify its productivity. At this year’s MCAA Technology Conference, two of the industry’s most innovative Revit hackers, Jeff Elwell from E.M Duggan and James Simpson from Art Plumbing, will share how they leverage software solutions and coding to implement shortcuts that create innovative solutions. In addition to drastically increasing productivity, these shortcuts have created a more standardized process for their BIM teams as they approach design. Learn more about their solutions and the many others sessions featuring contractors sharing their real-world technology solutions on the conference website.

Learn How an Award-winning Actor Became an Advocate at MCAA2020

Academy Award winner Geena Davis is one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, appearing in several roles that became cultural landmarks. Davis is not only an Oscar and Golden Globe winner, but a world-class athlete, a member of the genius society Mensa and is becoming recognized for her tireless advocacy for women and girls. She is the Founder and Chair of the non-profit Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media and its programming arm, See Jane. Davis was appointed Special Envoy for Women and Girls in ICT for the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Davis is also an official partner of UN Women, working toward their goal of promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide. MCAA thanks Ferguson for sponsoring this session. Find out more about Davis and our other outstanding speakers on our convention website.

Prevent Injuries During Pressure Testing with the Safe Work Practices in this Guide

MCAA’s Guide to Pressure Testing Safety highlights the safe work practices that can help prevent worker injury during hydrostatic and pneumatic testing of steel and copper piping systems.

Your workers will learn about:

  • Hazards associated with pressure testing
  • Common injuries resulting from pressure testing
  • Seven primary causes of piping system failures during pressure test operations that can result in injury, and how to avoid them
  • Safe work practices for hydrostatic testing
  • Safe work practices for pneumatic testing

The guide also contains tools to help you with pre-test safety planning, including sample checklists for both hydrostatic and pneumatic testing. A sample pneumatic test permit is also included.

Download the guide

There’s More…

A safety training video on the topic of safe pressure testing is also available. Accompanying materials will assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts.

Provide worker training

Download or play the video

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Want More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Discover the Latest from Omegaflex, XOi Technologies and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Omegaflex, Inc. - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Omegaflex, Inc.

TracPipe PSII double wall piping for Natural gas or LP powered backup generators for hospitals and communication centers.

Learn More

XOi Technologies - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
XOi Technologies

XOi Technologies is solving the skills gap while helping field service companies grow by getting your best tech on every site. XOi empowers your technicians to solve problems faster, delight customers — and increase your bottom line.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Hear from an Inventor and Technology Entrepreneur at MCAA2020

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak helped shape the computer industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products, the Apple I and II. Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing on computers in schools, hands-on learning and encouraging students’ creativity. iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon became a New York Times best-selling autobiography when published in 2006. In recent years, Wozniak co-founded Woz U, a platform for personalized, tech-based career training. Learn more about Wozniak, and what else is planned for MCAA2020, on our convention website.

NIBCO’s Tips for Designing an Efficient Hydronic System

Designing an efficient hydronic system is no easy task. The needs of each system can vary greatly from one job to the next, although the core elements remain mostly the same. In a typical system, you will usually find a boiler, circulator pumps, an expansion tank, various heat distributors, and accessories such as vents, valves, and drains. Selecting the right components for the best installation, servicing, and control of the system and its equipment are key to the efficiency of the job.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Tech Conference Offers Innovations and Practical Solutions

The MCAA Technology Conference has always been geared to show you the next generation tools that will be used in the industry, but real-world innovations are the backbone of the conference. This year, the conference has more case studies and instruction led by contractors than ever before. If you want to learn how your peers are actually using new software, tools and processes, you need to attend this event.

MSCA19 is Under Way!

MSCA19 is off to a great start in our fourth year at the stunning Broadmoor in Colorado Springs! We kicked off this year’s conference with a Sunday night reception for 800 attendees, hosted by Quantech.

The opening session began with a special performance of  Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and James Bond by the Dallas String Quartet. Kip Bagley, Senior Vice President, Mesa Energy Systems EMCOR and MSCA Chair, welcomed the crowd to our 34th annual education conference and recapped all that MSCA has accomplished throughout the year. The D.S. O’Brien award was presented to past MSCA board member, Steve Smith from ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc.  for his outstanding dedication to the HVAC industry. Opening session keynote speaker Josh Linkner captivated the crowd with his five points on how to re-innovate and outpunch the competition.  He encouraged the audience to judo flip their challenges upside down in order to find a new perspective, setting the tone for an exciting and inspirational week!

We look forward to the week ahead with many education and networking opportunities for our industry members!

Discover the Latest from SPX Cooling Technologies, Watts Water Technologies and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.

SPX Cooling Technologies has released more than 10 episodes in the ongoing video series, “How to Install a Marley® NC Cooling Tower.” These quick guides document contractor best practices for tower installation – from start to finish!

Learn More

Watts Water Technologies - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Watts Water Technologies

At Watts, earning your business goes beyond our products. Preview and download BIM & CAD drawings in a variety of industry formats including Revit, stp, dwg, and more at our BIM & CAD Drawings page.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

See What Happened at MSCA19!

Couldn’t attend this year’s conference? Here’s what you missed!

Mark your calendar for MSCA20, October 11 – 14, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ.

MSCA and Convoy of Hope Help reVIVE Springs Mission Rescue

MSCA partnered with the Convoy of Hope at this year’s MSCA19 Education Conference to provide support to Springs Mission Rescue in Colorado Springs, CO. Volunteers helped to take care of some big projects at the Rescue Mission. Along with helping put together meals, the group helped build a new fence, painted inside, and put up new signs. The Rescue Mission said they accomplished things that would normally take several weeks in just a few hours.

A special thank you to all of our members that volunteered their time. A special thank you to Mike Frank and team at Braconier Plumbing and Heating Company, Milwaukee Tool and Home Depot.

Full HVACR101 WebBook Series Now Available

To better serve our members we have converted all our HVACR 101 modules into WebBooks. All ten HVACR101 WebBooks are now updated and live on the MSCA Resources page. MCAA and MSCA members can now access some of our most valuable publications on our new WebBook platform. You will be able to take notes, print sections, and share with colleagues. And most importantly, when we have updated content, unlike a downloaded pdf, our WebBooks can be instantly updated behind the scenes while your notes are preserved securely on your computer.

ALL WEBBOOKS  NOW AVAILABLE:
  • What is HVACR?
  • Terminology and Slang Used in the HVACR Industry
  • HVACR Basic Sciences and Formulas
  • Air Conditioning Basic — Small Tonnage
  • Air Conditioning Basic — Large Tonnage
  • Airflow Types and Systems
  • Commercial System Applications
  • HVACR Support Components and Control Systems
  • Heating Systems
  • Focusing on the Customer

IFS’ Contractor Checklist for Selecting a Field Service Management Application

Lacking a broad and powerful field service management application, trade contractors can find themselves facing a variety of business challenges. However, if your contracting business gets its operations processes right by leveraging comprehensive field service management software like that available from IFS North America, you can turn that challenge into an asset. Here are nine essential functional capabilities trade contractors need in their field service management software to make the most of service revenue opportunity.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Find Innovative Ideas for ALL Members at the MCAA Technology Conference

Whether you’re in construction, plumbing or service, you’ll find innovative ideas to move your company forward at the MCAA Technology Conference. General sessions feature content of interest to all contractors, while breakouts and workshops let you choose the education that suits your interests. Don’t miss out…join this community of innovators!

Are You Ready for MSCA19?

The 34th Annual MSCA Education Conference is underway. We have launched the MSCA19 phone app and digital program book, with access to all the details needed for a successful and inspiring experience at this year’s conference! Both the app and program book include detailed descriptions of the inspiring keynote speeches, relevant peer group topics and powerful education sessions, as well as optional activities and extras that will be available throughout this information-packed week.

We have a lot of exciting things in store for this year’s conference and we are excited to share them all with all participants in just a few more days!

The Work Practices in this Guide Help You Break the Line Safely

Safe work practices can be the difference between a safe line break and an extremely hazardous situation. MCAA’s latest guide will help you benchmark your practices and protect your workers.

Inside, you’ll find information about:

  • Common line breaking hazards
  • The most likely injuries from improper line breaking operations
  • Common causes of line breaking incidents
  • General line breaking preparations
  • A checklist you can use to ensure that line breaking is done consistently

By using these tools and educating your workers, you can ensure that every line break is a safe one.

Find the Latest from LAARS, Penta Technologies and More in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

LAARS, a Bradford White Company - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
LAARS, a Bradford White Company

Powerfully innovative, MagnaTherm® HTD commercial boilers and volume water heaters feature 20:1 turndown on ALL sizes. Combustion is tracked through all firing rates for unequaled efficiency optimization.

Learn More

Penta Technologies, Inc. - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Penta Technologies, Inc.

From maintenance contracts to mobile field data collection, PENTA empowers contractors with the information they need to optimize service operations from the field to the office. Save time and increase efficiency, with PENTA.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

There’s an App for MSCA19!

The MSCA19 App is live and ready to download! The App will be your tool to navigate this year’s conference. With exclusive content and access to the conference attendee list, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips! Only on the App can you directly message other conference attendees, download conference handouts and build your own personal conference schedule!

You’ll find a full list of conference sponsors and exhibitors along with booth locations for Monday’s Supplier’s Day. Browse the available education sessions and peer group forum topics as well.

We will be sending out important announcements and updates through the App, so make sure to keep your push notifications turned on! At the end of the conference you will also receive a link to complete a post-conference critique—only available through the App— for the chance to win awesome prizes!

Don’t wait— download the MSCA19 App by using keywords MSCA19 in the Apple or Google Play stores. Once downloaded, you must log into the app with your registration email and password: MSCA19 to access the attendees list and attendee information. Click on the three small dots in the upper right-hand corner to log-in. For help with the App onsite at the conference, stop by the registration desk at MSCA reCONNECT!

MCAA2020 Registration Is Open!

The wait is over! Registration for MCAA2020 is open! Known as the premier event of the year for education and networking, MCAA2020 will bring you memorable speakers, sessions, parties and experiences all in a magnificent setting! Download the planning guide at mcaaconvention.org and then register through the convention website to secure your preferred hotel accommodations. Hotel rooms are filling quickly, so don’t delay! We look forward to welcoming our MCAA Family to Maui. Mahalo!