When you’re trying to find quality HVAC services, you likely want a technician that knows what they’re doing. Many service companies advertise expert staff, but how can you know for certain? One of the easiest 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 core aspects of the industry.
There are multiple HVAC certifications available. Some are designed around 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 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 competency, with tens of thousands of certified technicians. Many organizations like the ACCA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency work with the NATE program to standardize the certification testing. To pass, participating technicians must meet a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive continued education or take another exam every two years.
Full 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 and senior-level status:
- Ready-to-Work Certificate – This certificate offers 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 be tested for full 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 products.
- 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 one in air conditioning—to be eligible for applying for the senior certificate.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Certification
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers was organized in 1894. ASHRAE and its members share research and education about HVAC products with the intent to promote 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.
The majority of ASHRAE standards are focused on commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they frequently 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 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 facilitates sessions for members to attend both on-site and online. Contractors wanting accreditation have two programs to pick 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 such as 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 expertise.
Industry Compentency Exams
Industry Competency Exams are administered 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 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 review all relevant knowledge instead of specialty sections.
Section 608 of the EPA’s Clean Air Act
The Environmental Protection Agency provides in-depth regulations within 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 handle equipment capable of releasing refrigerants to pass a certification test. To earn the Section 608 Technician Certification, the test should be specific to the products the technician works with and administered by an approved organization.
HVAC Excellence
The HVAC Excellence Certifications of Achievement cover a broad 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 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. Benefits of choosing certified HVAC technicians include:
Demonstrates proficiency and dedication: Technicians who are committed to their customers’ sense of comfort will seek out certifications to prove their expertise. When you find a service company in Savage 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 lower costs and speed up services: Professionals who spend the time and resources needed 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 Savage, consider requesting an appointment with Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning. Get in touch by giving us a call at 952-373-0377 today.