When you’re searching for quality HVAC services, you generally want a technician that knows what they’re doing. Many service companies advertise experienced staff, but how can you know for sure? One of the most consistent 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 many HVAC certifications available. Some prioritize 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 come across 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 cooperate with the NATE program to standardize the certification tests. To pass, participants must meet a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive continuing education or retake an exam every two years.
Full certification is a multiyear process made up of four separate tests. The first two are created for entry-level technicians while the second set of exams provide full certification along with senior-level status:
- 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.
- 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 achieve NATE certification. Participants will need 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 should be certified in two specialty services—one in heating and one in air conditioning—to be eligible for applying for the senior certificate.
Certification from 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 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.
The majority of ASHRAE standards are relevant to commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they frequently have the highest rates of energy use. They’ll research how HVAC system design can be improved as well as how equipment should be installed and maintained. ASHRAE also researches 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 attend both on-site and online. Contractors looking for 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 ensure members maintain their expertise.
NATE’s ICE Standardized Testing
Industry Competency Exams are offered 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 need 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 rather than specialty sections.
EPA Section 608
The Environmental Protection Agency provides substantial 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 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 equipment the technician works with and administered by an approved organization.
HVAC Excellence
The HVAC Excellence Certifications of Achievement encompass 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 Benefits of 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 Ames 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 need 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 Ames, consider requesting an appointment with Haselhoff Air Solutions. Get in touch by giving us a call at 515-450-8739 today.