Welcome to the HVACR Association of Louisiana
2025 Brings Changes for Membership
(See message from Fernie Soignier, State President, below)
Who is the HVACR Association of Louisiana?
(HVACR = Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration)
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The HVACR Association of Louisiana is a statewide consortium of HVACR contractors and organizations that work within the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry, formerly known as the Louisiana Heat Pump Association, which was founded in 1987. On March 6, 2020, our membership voted to change the name of our organization in order to become a more inclusive organization and establish a larger footprint in the HVACR industry. We have five chapters across the state that include HVACR contractor members that are mandated by a Code of Ethics that governs our association requiring members to adhere to the highest quality of work and best practices in the HVACR industry. Additionally, we have membership categories on a chapter level that include educational, corporate, and 'members-in-waiting.' On a state level, we also have corporate members that have a vested interest in the HVACR industry. Our membership is governed by a statewide board of directors and managed by a statewide coordinator.
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History of the HVACR Association of Louisiana
The HVACR Association of Louisiana, formerly known as the Louisiana Heat Pump Association, was created in 1987; at that time, the utility companies were the driving force behind the organization and brought significant funding to the table. Since then, the association has become a ‘contractor-driven’ and partnership organization funded by membership dues paid by contractor members, manufacturer and supplier companies, individuals, and organizations that serve the HVACR industry. Over the past decade, association members have desired to change the 'heat pump' language and requirements to 'HVACR'. Therefore, in March 2020, at our annual membership meeting, the organization voted to officially change its name to the Louisiana HVACR Association of Louisiana.
OUR CODE OF ETHICS
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I will have the integrity to say no to a job when it will do an injustice to the customer, my profession or me.
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I will prepare a heat loss and heat gain calculation in accordance with accepted industry methods and abide by applicable codes when installing a new or add-on system.
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I will discuss with the customer the characteristics of an HVACR system before completing a sale.
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I will install or modify all air distribution systems according to recommended industry standards.
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I will install and check the operation of all equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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I am committed to taking advantage of new service techniques and changes made available by manufacturers or by the HVACR of Louisiana.
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I will acquaint the customer with the system operation, owner maintenance procedures and steps that should be taken before calling for service.
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I will promptly arrange to provide service by a qualified technician upon receipt of a customer’s request.
A Message from our 2025 State President​​​
Fernie Soignier
Ram Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC
Baton Rouge, LA
​​ Fernie Soignier has agreed to serve again as our State President for 2025. Fernie was voted by acclamation as our 2025 State President. Joined by his wife, Sue, they manage their HVAC business, Ram Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC, located in Baton Rouge.
​ "We have made tremendous strides in the HVACR Association over the past few years, and have decided as a Statewide HVACR Association Board of Directors to make some significant changes for 2025 that will suit our membership," says Soignier.
First, I would like to thank our state board for agreeing to serve our membership; please allow me to introduce you to our state board for 2025:​
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Executive Committee:
President: Fernie Soignier
President-Elect: Brent Guilbeau
Treasurer: Jerome St. Pierre
Secretary: David Dupuis, Jr.
Past President: Angela Menard Morvant
Sgt-at-Arms: Allison Duplechin Simar
Chapter Presidents:
Acadiana Chapter, Ricky Gary
Capital Chapter, Ronnie George
Lower River Region Chapter, Kenny Sumera
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Past State Presidents Committee:
Barry Duplechin (1998, 2012)
Ronnie George (2017)
Brandon Hunt (2006, 2016)
Angela Menard Morvant (2022-2023)
Trent Naquin (2004)
Duane Simpson (2009, 2018)
Scott Smith (2015)
Fernie Soignier (2024-2025)
Charles Weckesser (2020, 2021)
Steve Winters (2003, 2013)
Education Representative:
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Technical Advisor:
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Corporate Representatives:
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Members-at-Large:
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As you will, see by this list, we have a distinguished array of HVACR professionals who have served this association for many years on both chapter and state levels. They bring a cadre of information on the history of our profession as well as the years of hard work poured into this association, and are to be applauded again for their continued service. It is truly an honor to serve among this group of HVACR professionals.
​ Looking back over the past few years, we have strived to make the necessary changes to our association based on the requests of our members by rebranding from our former name (the Louisiana Heat Pump Association) to the HVACR ASSOCIATION OF LOUISIANA. Part of our rebranding included some specific goal-oriented initiatives such as:
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Creating a new logo, providing new uniform patches & truck decals to contractors
Revised our By-Laws & Changed our Motto to 'The Voice of the Louisiana HVACR Industry'
Created a new website; Enhanced our social media through Facebook
Implemented a Newsletter, which will be enhanced in 2025
Conducted membership surveys to give our members a voice and gather data
Held a 5-year strategic planning session & Partnered with ACCA
Revised our Training List with a list of qualified speakers & our Safety Manual for contractor owners
Joined statewide groups such as the Energy Code Commission, addressing changes in state codes for our industry
Retained a Legislative Watchdog, to enhance our monitoring of LA Legislation affecting our industry and membership
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As we seek continued opportunities to improve our industry, we will continue to seek 'wins' on behalf of our membership, such as the 2018 SB482 which allowed state-licensed HVAC contractors to work on gas furnaces without having to obtain the state gas pipe fitters licensing, and the grandfathering associated with that legislative win.
One change our state board of directors has decided will be the types of memberships we will offer in 2025. We will maintain our 3 strongest chapters (Acadiana, Capital, and Lower River Region) while offering a NEW option for contractor members to join on a statewide level. If you live in the area of our 3 key chapters, you would join them locally; if you are outside of those areas, we encourage you to join on a state level. (See our 'Join Today' page for more detailed information on membership options.)
Thank you for the honor to serve you again this year. I see more changes on the horizon for our association and industry. My door is always open by emailing or calling me directly to discuss any initiatives or opportunities that exist. Together we will continue to move forward!
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Fernie
State President
Fernie@ramheating.com
225-317-8663
