When you’re looking for quality HVAC services, you usually 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 most consistent ways to verify if an HVAC technician is knowledgeable 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 important aspects of the industry.
There are many HVAC certifications available. Some are designed around a core body of knowledge technicians should have, 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 come across in your search for services.
Certification from 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 cooperate with the NATE program to standardize the certification tests. To pass, applicants must reach 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 consisting of four separate tests. The first two are designed 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 supplement 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 – After a technician has been in service for two or more years, they can achieve 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 available. Technicians have to be certified in two specialty services—one in heating and one in air conditioning—to be eligible to apply 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 founded in 1894. ASHRAE and its members offer research and education about HVAC products 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.
Most of ASHRAE standards are concerned with commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they often have the highest rates of energy use. They’ll study how HVAC system design can be improved as well as how equipment should be installed and maintained. ASHRAE also studies how the engineering and architectural design of the building itself impacts energy use.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America Certification
Another national HVAC accreditation organization, the ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization calls for rigorous training and hosts sessions for participants to complete both on-site and online. Contractors looking for 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 like 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 cover 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 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 review 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 should be specific to the equipment the technician works with and administered by an approved organization.
HVAC Excellence
The HVAC Excellence Certifications of Achievement cover a wide range of competency tests for different 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. Further testing is offered 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 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 choosing certified HVAC technicians include:
Demonstrates proficiency and dedication: Technicians who are dedicated to their customers’ sense of comfort will earn certifications to prove their expertise. When you find a service company in Big Spring 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: Technicians who spend 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 lower labor expenses.
If you’re looking for certified HVAC services in Big Spring, consider requesting an appointment with SKC AC LLC. Get in touch by giving us a call at 432-203-4881 today.