HVACR Industry Celebrates Major Victory as ASME Removes Proposed Code Change

Columbus, OH, February 7, 2025—The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced that it will not move forward with its proposed Section VIII rule change (Proposal 07-245) in the 2025 edition of its safety standard. This decision marks a significant victory for the HVACR industry.

“This victory shows the power of industry collaboration,” said Todd Titus, Director of State and Public Affairs. “Without the participation of our members and industry partners, this change could have had a sweeping impact on the HVACR industry nationwide.”

The proposal would have removed key exemptions for pressure vessels and water heating vessels currently regulated by safety standards developed by Underwriters Laboratories. By removing these exemptions, ASME would have created confusion across the states where safety standards play a vital role in building codes. Its withdrawal follows overwhelming opposition from industry stakeholders.

HARDI mobilized its members to submit written comments, testify in person, and rally companies to voice their concerns. The response was overwhelming—HARDI’s grassroots campaign generated over 200 submissions, making up 77% of the total 260 comments received by ASME. The sheer volume of opposition played a decisive role in ASME’s decision to postpone the proposal from the 2025 edition.

While this is a crucial win, industry leaders caution that the proposal will resurface in future ASME code revisions. HARDI urges members to stay current on industry issues and continue engaging in future advocacy efforts.

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About HARDI

HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International) is the single voice of wholesale distribution within the North American and Latin American HVACR markets.

A non-profit association, HARDI serves its members through government affairs and advocacy efforts, market intelligence and benchmarking, training programs, and world class events. HARDI proudly represents more than 550 distributor member companies and their 5,000 + branch locations, and close to 500 suppliers, manufacturer representatives and service vendor companies. HARDI Distributor members serve installation and service/replacement contractors in residential and commercial markets, as well as commercial/industrial and institutional maintenance staffs. HARDI Affiliate members market, distribute, and support heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, parts and supplies.