When you’re searching for quality HVAC services, you probably want a technician that understands what they’re doing. Many service companies advertise expert staff, but how can you know for sure? One of the best ways to check if an HVAC technician has experience is by looking for their certifications. HVAC certifications should demonstrate proficiency in services like air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance services as well as other central aspects of the industry.
There are multiple HVAC certifications available. Some are designed around a core body of knowledgeable technicians should possess, while others are a result of industry standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. We’ll take a look at key details about some of the most common HVAC certifications you’ll see in your search for services.
NATE
The North American Technician Excellence certification is the largest program for HVAC proficiency, with tens of thousands of certified technicians. Other organizations like the ACCA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency assist with the NATE program to standardize the certification tests. To pass, participants must achieve a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive additional education or take another exam every two years.
Total certification is a multiyear process made up of four separate tests. The first two are specific for entry-level technicians while the second set of exams provides full certification along with senior-level status:
- Ready-to-Work Certificate – This certificate provides core knowledge and skill sets that can add to any education or training already completed. The Ready-to-Work certification is especially beneficial for recent graduates of trades programs.
- HVAC Support Technician Certificate – After 6 to 12 months of experience, this exam is offered to teach fundamental topics concerning full NATE certification.
- Core and Specialty Certification – After a technician has been in service for two or more years, they can receive NATE certification. Participants will need to pass both the core exam as well as a specialty exam for installation or servicing specific types of HVAC equipment.
- Senior-Level Efficiency Analyst Certification – Senior status is the highest NATE certification offered. Technicians have to be certified in two specialty services—one in heating and one in air conditioning—to be eligible for applying for the senior certificate.
ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers was organized in 1894. ASHRAE and its members provide research and education about HVAC systems with the intent to encourage sustainability, energy efficiency, and high indoor air quality. Through their work, ASHRAE creates industry standards with federal recognition. These standards apply not only to HVAC equipment but to the buildings themselves as well as their other systems.
Many ASHRAE standards are concerned with commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they frequently have the highest rates of energy use. They’ll research how HVAC system design can be improved as well as how equipment should be installed and maintained. ASHRAE also researches how the engineering and architectural design of the building itself influence energy use.
ACCA
Another national HVAC accreditation organization, the ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization encourages rigorous training and hosts sessions for members to complete both on-site and online. Contractors wanting accreditation to have two programs to choose from:
- The Existing Homes Program for Residential Service and Installation (RSI): This track ensures technicians can install, replace and maintain HVAC equipment placed in residential properties including homes and apartments.
- The New Homes Program: The New Homes track prioritizes designing and installing HVAC systems with ENERGY STAR®-certified equipment for qualifying homes. Random audits are completed to make sure members maintain their proficiency.
ICE
Industry Competency Exams are handled by NATE to make sure technicians meet industry standards for entry-level (one year or less) experience. These are distinguished from the NATE certification exams but encompass similar topics. Testing is offered for residential HVAC equipment as well as light commercial heating and cooling. Separate tests are even available for commercial refrigeration.
To be ICE-certified for residential equipment, technicians will have to pass both a core exam as well as specialty courses for services like furnace installation, service, or even knowledge of components. Commercial ICE certifications don’t include the core exam and will cover all relevant knowledge rather than specialty sections.
EPA Section 608
The Environmental Protection Agency provides comprehensive regulations for the HVAC industry. One of the most well-known sets of regulations is the federal Clean Air Act. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, the EPA requires technicians who work with equipment capable of releasing refrigerants to pass a certification test. To earn the Section 608 Technician Certification, the test will be specific to the systems the technician works with and administered by an approved organization.
HVAC Excellence
The HVAC Excellence Certifications of Achievement are made up of a broad range of competency tests for varying levels of proficiency in the HVAC industry. For example, the Heating, Electrical, and Air Conditioning Technology (H.E.A.T.) + student outcome assessments are written for high school students who have completed qualifying HVAC education programs. Further testing is offered for those seeking employment as well as for experienced technicians seeking Professional or Master Specialist accreditation.
The Benefits of Certified HVAC Technicians
When you receive service from technicians who are certified by organizations like NATE, ASHRAE, and the ACCA, you’re giving your HVAC system a higher standard of service. The benefits of choosing certified HVAC technicians include the:
Demonstrates proficiency and dedication: Technicians who are committed to their customer’s sense of comfort will seek out certifications to improve their expertise. When you see a service company in Huffman offering NATE- or ICE-certified staff, you’ll know they go the extra mile to improve their services such as air conditioning installation.
Can help reduce costs and speed up services: Professionals who devote the time and resources necessary for these certifications often use less time and fewer resources when servicing your equipment. Not only can things like furnace repair, maintenance, and installation proceed more quickly, but faster progress can also lower labor expenses.
If you’re looking for certified HVAC services in Huffman, consider requesting an appointment with Air Houston Mechanical LLC. Get in touch by giving us a call at (832) 501-3419 today.
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