When you’re looking for quality HVAC services, you usually want a technician that understands what they’re doing. Lots of service companies advertise experienced staff, but how can you know for certain? One of the best ways to check if an HVAC technician is knowledgeable is by checking 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 a variety of HVAC certifications available. Some prioritize a core body of knowledge professionals should possess, while others are a result of industry standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. We’ll compare 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 competency, with tens of thousands of certified technicians. Other organizations like the ACCA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency cooperate with the NATE program to standardize the certification testing. To pass, participating technicians must reach a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive continued education or retake an exam every two years.
Complete certification is a multiyear process made up of four separate tests. The first two are offered for entry-level technicians while the final set of exams provide full certification and senior-level status:
- Ready-to-Work Certificate – This certificate provides core knowledge and skill sets that can reaffirm any education or training already completed. The Ready-to-Work certification is particularly beneficial for recent graduates of trade programs.
- HVAC Support Technician Certificate – After 6 to 12 months of experience, this exam is offered to teach fundamental topics relevant to full NATE certification.
- Core and Specialty Certification – After 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 types of HVAC systems.
- Senior-Level Efficiency Analyst Certification – Senior status is the highest NATE certification offered. Technicians should be certified in two specialty services—one in heating and the other in air conditioning—to be eligible to apply for the senior certificate.
ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers was founded in 1894. ASHRAE and its members provide research and education about HVAC products with the intent to promote 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.
Most of ASHRAE standards are focused on commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they typically have the highest rates of energy expenditure. They’ll research how HVAC system design can be improved as well as how equipment should be installed and serviced. ASHRAE also monitors how the engineering and architectural design of the building itself affects energy use.
ACCA Certification
Another national HVAC accreditation organization, the ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization promotes rigorous training and conducts sessions for members to complete both on-site and online. Contractors wanting accreditation have two programs to select from:
- The Existing Homes Program for Residential Service and Installation (RSI): This track ensures technicians can install, replace and maintain HVAC equipment found in residential properties including 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 conducted to make sure members maintain their proficiency.
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 separate from the NATE certification exams but encompass similar topics. Testing is available 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 have 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 instead of 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 offered for high school students who have completed qualifying HVAC education programs. Other testing is available for those seeking employment as well as for experienced technicians seeking Professional or Master Specialist accreditation.
The Best Service Comes from Certified HVAC Professionals
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. Benefits of hiring certified HVAC technicians include:
Demonstrates proficiency and dedication: Technicians who are committed to their customers’ sense of comfort will seek out certifications to demonstrate their expertise. When you find a service company in Zelienople 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 spend the time and resources required 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 the faster progress can also reduce labor expenses.
If you’re looking for certified HVAC services in Zelienople, consider requesting an appointment with Knoechel Heating. Get in touch by giving us a call at 724-425-5852 today.