Keeping a solid workforce and attracting new workers to the HVAC industry was in question as rising premiums and slowed legislation marred the advantages of working in the field. "In a competitive market for outstanding performers, we have to offer health insurance, so we will have to find a way to absorb the costs, regardless," said Ruzwa Cooper of Buzz Oates Air Conditioning Inc., Sacramento, Calif.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and other national HVACR trade associations supported new legislation designed to ease the financial pressure of providing benefits.
An ACCA 2004 report brought to light that 90 percent of contractors had experienced a premium increase, and 50 percent of those increases averaged approximately 47 percent.