When you’re trying to find quality HVAC services, you likely want a technician that understands what they’re doing. Lots of service companies advertise expert staff, but how can you know for certain? One of the most consistent ways to confirm if an HVAC technician is knowledgeable is by checking their certifications. HVAC certifications can demonstrate proficiency in services like air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance services as well as other central aspects of the industry.
There are a variety of HVAC certifications available. Some prioritize a core body of knowledge 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 a few of the most common HVAC certifications you’ll find 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. Many organizations like the ACCA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency cooperate with the NATE program to standardize the certification testing. To pass, participants must reach a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive continued education or take another exam every two years.
Total certification is a multiyear process consisting of four separate tests. The first two are created for entry-level technicians while the final set of exams provide full certification along with senior-level status:
- Ready-to-Work Certificate – This certificate provides core knowledge and skill sets that can add onto any education or training already completed. The Ready-to-Work certification is especially beneficial for recent graduates of trade programs.
- HVAC Support Technician Certificate – After 6 to 12 months of experience, this exam is offered to test proficiency on fundamental topics relevant to full NATE certification.
- Core and Specialty Certification – Once a technician has been in service for two or more years, they can receive NATE certification. Technicians will need to pass both the core exam as well as a specialty exam for installation or servicing specific kinds of HVAC products.
- Senior-Level Efficiency Analyst Certification – Senior status is the highest NATE certification available. Technicians need 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 offer research and education about HVAC equipment with the intent to encourage sustainability, energy efficiency and high indoor air quality. Through their efforts, 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 of ASHRAE standards are concerned with commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they typically 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 serviced. ASHRAE also studies how the engineering and architectural design of the building itself impacts energy use.
ACCA Certification
Another nationwide HVAC accreditation organization, the ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization promotes rigorous training and conducts sessions for technicians to complete both on-site and online. Contractors wanting accreditation 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 common in residential properties like homes and apartments.
- The New Homes Program: The New Homes track focuses on designing and installing HVAC systems with ENERGY STAR®-certified equipment for qualifying homes. Random audits are completed to ensure members maintain their expertise.
Industry Compentency Exams
Industry Competency Exams are offered 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 review similar topics. Testing is provided for residential HVAC equipment as well as light commercial heating and cooling. Separate tests are also available for commercial refrigeration.
To be ICE-certified for residential equipment, technicians will need to pass both a core exam as well as specialty sections 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 equipment the technician works with and administered by an approved organization.
HVAC Excellence
The HVAC Excellence Certifications of Achievement are made up of a wide range of competency tests for varying levels of proficiency in the HVAC industry. For example, the Heating, Electrical, 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 available for those seeking employment as well as for experienced technicians trying to get Professional or Master Specialist accreditation.
The Benefits of Certified HVAC Professionals
When you request service from technicians who are certified by organizations like NATE, ASHRAE and the ACCA, you’re giving your HVAC system a better standard of service. Benefits of hiring certified HVAC technicians include:
Demonstrates proficiency and dedication: Technicians who are dedicated to their customers’ sense of comfort will earn certifications to improve their expertise. When you see a service company in Thedford 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 required for these certifications often take up less time and fewer resources when servicing your equipment. Not only can things like furnace repair, maintenance and installation proceed more quickly, but the faster progress can also reduce labor expenses.
If you’re looking for certified HVAC services in Thedford, consider requesting an appointment with Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. Get in touch by giving us a call at 519-296-4437 today.