Mobile Air Climate Systems Association

What Mobile Air Climate Systems Association does

Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) is a Pennsylvania-based non-profit trade association founded in 1981 (originally as the Mobile Air Conditioning Society, rebranded in 2020) that serves the mobile air conditioning and thermal management industry. MACS is the first organization recognized by the EPA for its Section 609 Certification program, which is mandated under Section 609 of the Clean Air Act of 1990 and required for any technician handling vehicle refrigerants. The association serves automotive technicians, service and repair shops, HVAC system and parts manufacturers, distributors, technical educators, and institutional members across North America with global connections to MACS Partners in the European Union and VASA in Australia.

MACS generates revenue through a diversified mix of recurring and transactional streams. Annual membership dues span five tiers (Technician $39.95, Service Repair Shop $200, Distributor/Supplier $400, Manufacturer $700, Educational $140). Certification testing fees range from $24 (online Section 609 test) to $29 (mail-in), with $17 card replacements. Training products include the flagship MACS Certified Training Intensive (MCTI) at $129 per person held at Pittsburg State University, webinars ($35-$55), technical manuals, instructor kits, and customized on-site training. The association publishes ACtion Magazine (reaching 90,000 digital readers and 30,000 monthly print readers, with over 100 industry awards) and MACS Service Reports, and operates a public Find-a-Service Shop directory that drives customer referrals to member shops.

The association operates with approximately 10 staff from its Lansdale, PA headquarters, which includes state-of-the-art training facilities available for rental, and a satellite training academy at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Recent strategic activity has centered on portfolio expansion with the 2026 launches of MCTI, J3126 heavy-duty certification, and J2845 best-practices certification, alongside new executive leadership under Executive Director Megan Capie (February 2024) and continued board leadership from Chairman Aaron Becker. The association maintains an event-driven and community-led go-to-market model anchored by its EPA-recognized regulatory certification franchise, award-winning editorial publications, and a cross-segment member ecosystem spanning manufacturers, service providers, distributors, and educators.

Name

Mobile Air Climate Systems Association

Legal name

Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide

Website

https://macsmobileairclimate.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MACS is a Pennsylvania-based non-profit trade association and the first EPA-recognized Section 609 certification provider, serving automotive technicians, service shops, manufacturers, distributors, and educators with certification, training, publications, and industry networking since 1981.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive HVAC Training & Certification

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

EPA 608 & Refrigerant Handling Compliance Training (EDAOACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM), Automotive Diagnostics & Electrical Systems (EDAOAEAB)

Keywords

• Automotive HVAC certification
• Mobile air conditioning training
• EPA 609 certification
• Refrigerant handling compliance
• Automotive technician education

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Certification Testing Fees: Revenue from EPA Section 609 certification tests (online $24-29, mail-in $29), retake tests, and card replacements ($17). Tests required for technicians to purchase refrigerant and service vehicle A/C systems.
2. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from multiple tiers: Technician ($39.95), Service Repair Shop ($200), Distributor/Supplier ($400), Educational ($140), Manufacturer ($700), Associate/Individual. Includes benefits like free tests, discounts, and member-only content.
3. Publications: Sale of ACtion Magazine advertising (reaching 30,000 readers monthly) and member-only publications. Digital distribution to 90,000 email inboxes.
4. Training Courses and Materials: Revenue from webinars ($35-55), training manuals, textbooks, and instructor kits for mobile A/C and thermal management education.
5. Event Registration: Fees from MCTI training intensives ($129 per person), annual conferences, and regional training events.
6. Books and Merchandise: Sale of specialty publications like Cool Mavericks book ($95 plus shipping) and merchandise including apparel and decals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

MACS delivers EPA-required Section 609 certification testing and a suite of mobile air conditioning certificate training courses (J2845, J3126, MCTI) to automotive technicians, service shops, manufacturers, distributors, and educators. It complements these certifications with a library of on-demand webinars, technical manuals, an award-winning trade publication (ACTION Magazine), a member-only technical helpline, an annual conference and trade show, and a public find-a-shop directory that channels consumers to member service providers.

Product overview

MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association) is a professional trade association offering a comprehensive portfolio of certification programs, training products, and publications for the mobile air conditioning and thermal management industry. The core offerings include EPA Section 609 Certification testing (required for technicians handling refrigerants), specialized certificate training programs (J2845 and J3126), and the new MCTI hands-on intensive training at Pittsburg State University. Training is delivered through multiple formats: online certification tests, webinars, self-study materials, and customized on-site training at MACS' Pennsylvania facility. Publications include the award-winning ACTION Magazine (90,000 readers) and MACS Service Reports. Additional products include technical manuals, training videos on EV systems and refrigerants, merchandise (patches, decals, shirts), and the public service directory for finding certified service shops.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• EPA Section 609 Certification Test Federally mandated 25-question certification test (84% passing score) for automotive technicians who service MVAC systems and purchase refrigerant above 2 lbs. Available online, mail-in, or in-person in English and Spanish.
• MACS J2845 Certificate Training and Test Certificate training course and certification test for mobile A/C best practices on passenger car and light truck MVAC systems, aligned with SAE J2845 recommended practices.
• MACS J3126 Certificate Training Heavy duty air conditioning certificate training for service technicians working on A/C systems in construction and agricultural machines, aligned with SAE J3126.
• MACS Certified Training Intensive (MCTI) One-day immersive hands-on lab training and certification at Pittsburg State University covering real-world diagnostics, compressor electrical testing, leak detection, refrigerant retrofits (R-134a to R-1234yf and R-456A), and a mini trade show. $129 per person.
• Customized Mobile A/C Training

Quantifiable outcome

• Avoid fines up to $40,000 per day for non-compliance with Section 609 certification requirements
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pittsburg State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026MCTI (MACS Certified Training Intensive) program hosted at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Partnership provides hands-on training facilities for the immersive certification program.
• Standard Motor Products / Four SeasonsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for MCTI Real-World Diagnostics training session presented by Peter McArdle. Provides hands-on training content for the intensive certification program.
• Advance Auto Parts / Carquest Technical InstituteminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for MCTI Essential Compressor Electrical Testing session presented by Peter Orlando. Supports technician training content delivery.
• Inficon and Tracer ProductsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsors for MCTI Leak Detection Methods and Techniques session presented by Matt Farel. Provides training on electronic leak detectors and UV trace dye.
• Solstice (Honeywell)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsors R-134a retrofit to R-1234yf training content presented by MaryJo VandenBrink at MCTI program. Supports refrigerant transition education.
• ChemoursminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for R-1234yf retrofit training presented by Kerry Gray at MCTI. Provides expertise on refrigerant technology transitions.
• Technical Chemical and OrbiaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsors R-134a retrofit to R-456A training content at MCTI. Supports alternative refrigerant education.
• MACS Partners (EU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMACS supports MACS Partners in the European Union as part of its global connection strategy. MACS Partners works to advance mobile air conditioning industry interests internationally.
• VASA (Vehicle Air Conditioning Specialists Association) AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMACS maintains a global connection with VASA in Australia. Co-published the Cool Mavericks book chronicling the history of automotive air conditioning with VASA.
• Automotive Video (AVI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMACS partners with Automotive Video to bring a wide variety of online classes to auto technicians. MACS members receive a discount on AVI training classes including A/C Temperature Testing, Hybrid HVAC Systems, and R-1234yf servicing courses.
• Motor Age TrainingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMACS has partnered with Motor Age Training to offer members a 20% discount on MAT's full library of books, practice tests and video resources for ASE Certification exam preparation.
• UPSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMACS and UPS partnership provides members with shipping discounts including 10% on UPS Next Day Air, 50% on Domestic Next Day/Deferred, 30% on Ground shipping, and up to 75% on UPS Freight shipments over 150 lbs.
• GE AppliancesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMACS members receive access to members-only savings of up to 25% off MSRP on appliances through the GE Appliances Store.
• LenovominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMACS members are eligible for discounts of up to 20% off everyday public web price on Lenovo products including laptops, tablets, desktops, and accessories with free ground shipping.
• Avis and Budget Rental CarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMACS members receive minimum 5% discount off lowest available discountable rates at Avis and Budget rental locations in 48 contiguous states, DC, and Hawaii.
• CintasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCintas offers MACS members discounts on uniforms, first aid cabinets, parts washers, floor mats, cleaning supplies, and PPE.
• Heartland (formerly T/SYS)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMACS partnered with Heartland for credit card processing and payroll services. Next-day funding, customized pricing, fraud protection, and 24/7 customer support available through MACS Member Rewards Program.
• Office Depot/OfficeMaxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMACS members receive discounts on core office supplies ranging from 1% to 75% plus free next day delivery on orders over $50.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• HVAC Excellence: HVAC Excellence is a nonprofit accrediting body for HVACR education programs and a provider of HVACR technician certifications. It competes with MACS in the certification and program accreditation space, particularly for technical school curriculum and instructor support.
• ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence): ASE is the dominant U.S. automotive technician certification body, administering the widely recognized ASE certifications across multiple vehicle systems. Like MACS, ASE provides federally-relevant certifications and structured training pathways for working technicians, and several MACS board members (e.g., Tim Iezzi) hold ASE Master Technician status. Both compete for the same pool of technician credentialing revenue and recognition.
• IMACA (International Mobile Air Conditioning Association): IMACA is a historical predecessor in the mobile A/C certification space, whose legacy certifications are now renewed through MACS (per the $17 card replacement program). IMACA's Pioneer Awards were assumed by MACS in 2003, making it a closely related historical peer in the same certification niche.
• ESCO Institute: ESCO Institute is a leading provider of HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) educational materials, certification, and curriculum for technical schools. ESCO is a direct competitor in HVACR-focused training content, instructor kits, and certification testing — overlapping significantly with MACS's product portfolio.
• ATTS (Automotive Technician Training Services): ATTS, founded by MACS board member Jerry Truglia, is a direct competitor providing automotive and truck inspection and repair training programs nationwide. ATTS operates in the same training content and certification-adjacent space as MACS and is closely interlinked through board membership and the broader Service Technicians Society ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• ASA (Automotive Service Association): ASA is the largest trade association representing automotive service businesses in the U.S., with a broader scope than MACS (collision, mechanical, all systems) but overlapping shop-owner membership base. ASA competes for membership dollars from the same independent repair shop segment MACS targets with its $200 Service Repair Shop tier.
• ASHRAE: ASHRAE is the global professional society for HVAC&R professionals, with a much broader stationary-building HVAC focus than MACS but overlapping refrigerant handling standards and educational content. ASHRAE represents an adjacent incumbent in the HVAC knowledge and standards ecosystem.

Emerging players

• TMC (Technology & Maintenance Council of ATA): TMC is the trucking industry's leading technical council, focused on maintenance and regulatory standards for commercial vehicles. MACS's Director of Training is involved with TMC, and MACS J3126 heavy-duty certification overlaps with TMC's domain — making it an adjacent standards/training peer.

Regional players

• VASA (Vehicle Air Conditioning Specialists Association of Australia): VASA is MACS's Australian counterpart, co-publishing the Cool Mavericks industry history book and maintaining a mutual international partnership. VASA operates the same mobile A/C technician training and certification model in Australia and represents the closest international peer relationship.
• MACS Partners (EU): MACS Partners is the European counterpart trade association for mobile A/C professionals, operating under a mutual strategic partnership with MACS to advance mobile air conditioning industry interests internationally. It mirrors MACS's service offering within EU regulatory frameworks (F-Gas regulation).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MACSMobileAir
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MACSWorldwide
• Facebookfacebook.com/MACSW
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mobile-air-conditioning-society-macs-worldwide

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Mobile Air Climate Systems Association