When you’re looking for quality HVAC services, you probably want a technician that knows what they’re doing. Many service companies advertise experienced staff, but how can you know for certain? One of the easiest ways to verify if an HVAC technician has experience is by looking for 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 many HVAC certifications available. Some are designed around a core body of knowledge technicians should possess, while others are a result of industry standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. We’ll review key details about a few of the most common HVAC certifications you’ll find 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 assist with the NATE program to standardize the certification exams. To pass, participating technicians must meet a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive continuing education or take another exam every two years.
Total certification is a multiyear process made up of four separate tests. The first two are designed for entry-level technicians while the other set of exams provide full certification including 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 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 be tested for full NATE certification. Technicians will have 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 created in 1894. ASHRAE and its members offer research and education about HVAC systems with the intent to encourage sustainability, energy efficiency and healthy indoor air quality. Through their work, ASHRAE creates industry standards with federal recognition. These standards are applicable 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 often 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 researches how the engineering and architectural design of the building itself affects energy use.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America Certification
Another national HVAC accreditation organization, the ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization promotes rigorous training and hosts sessions for technicians to attend both on-site and online. Contractors hoping 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 conducted to ensure members maintain their expertise.
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 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 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 instead of specialty sections.
Certification Through the EPA
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 will 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 designed for high school students who have completed qualifying HVAC education programs. Additional testing is offered for those seeking employment as well as for experienced technicians trying to get 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 hiring 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 see a service company in Central Point 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 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 Central Point, consider requesting an appointment with Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. Get in touch by giving us a call at 541-286-6617 today.