When you’re trying to find quality HVAC services, you probably want a technician that understands 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 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 multiple HVAC certifications available. Some concentrate on a core body of knowledge technicians 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.

North American Technician Excellence Certification

The North American Technician Excellence certification is the largest program for HVAC proficiency, with tens of thousands of certified technicians. Other organizations like the ACCA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency work with the NATE program to standardize the certification tests. To pass, participants 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 made up of four separate tests. The first two are created for entry-level technicians while the other set of exams provide full certification along with senior-level status:

  1. Ready-to-Work Certificate – This certificate offers 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.
  2. HVAC Support Technician Certificate – After 6 to 12 months of experience, this exam is offered to teach fundamental topics relevant to full NATE certification.
  3. Core and Specialty Certification – Once a technician has been in service for two or more years, they can achieve NATE certification. Participants will need to pass both the core exam as well as a specialty exam for installation or servicing specific types of HVAC products.
  4. 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 the other in air conditioning—to be eligible to apply for the senior certificate.

Certification from ASHRAE

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers was founded in 1894. ASHRAE and its members offer research and education about HVAC equipment 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 concerned with commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they often have the highest rates of energy expenditure. They’ll study 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 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 encourages rigorous training and hosts sessions for participants to attend both on-site and online. Contractors hoping for 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 found in residential properties such as 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 ensure members maintain their expertise.

Industry Compentency Exams

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 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 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 instead of specialty sections.

Section 608 of the EPA’s Clean Air Act

The Environmental Protection Agency provides substantial 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 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. Additional testing is available for those seeking employment as well as for experienced technicians seeking Professional or Master Specialist accreditation.

Why You Want 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 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 seek out certifications to prove their expertise. When you find a service company in Lake Worth 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: Technicians who spend the time and resources necessary for these certifications often require 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 Lake Worth, consider requesting an appointment with Smyth Air Conditioning. Get in touch by giving us a call at 561-533-6066 today.