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 certain? One of the most consistent ways to verify if an HVAC technician has experience is by checking their certifications. HVAC certifications should demonstrate proficiency in services like air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance services as well as other key aspects of the industry.

There are many HVAC certifications available. Some are designed around a core body of knowledge professionals should have, while others are a result of industry standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. We’ll take a look at key details about some 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. Other organizations like the ACCA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency work with the NATE program to standardize the certification tests. To pass, participating technicians must reach a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive continuing education or retake an exam every two years.

Complete certification is a multiyear process consisting of four separate tests. The first two are specific for entry-level technicians while the other set of exams provide full certification including senior-level status:

  1. 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 particularly 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. Technicians will need to pass both the core exam as well as a specialty exam for installation or servicing specific kinds of HVAC systems.
  4. Senior-Level Efficiency Analyst Certification – Senior status is the highest NATE certification offered. Technicians need 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 created in 1894. ASHRAE and its members provide 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.

Most of ASHRAE standards are relevant to commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they frequently have the highest rates of energy use. They’ll determine 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 encourages rigorous training and offers sessions for technicians to complete both on-site and online. Contractors hoping 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 placed 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 performed to make sure members maintain their proficiency.

Industry Compentency Exams

Industry Competency Exams are offered 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 review 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 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.

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 are made up of 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 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.

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 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 see a service company in Pacheco 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 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 Pacheco, consider requesting an appointment with Clean Air HVAC. Get in touch by giving us a call at 925-233-6238 today.