What Do HVAC Certifications Mean?

When you’re trying to find 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 certain? One of the easiest ways to check 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 important aspects of the industry.

There are multiple HVAC certifications available. Some prioritize a core body of knowledge professionals 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 find in your search for services.

North American Technician Excellence Certification

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 assist with the NATE program to standardize the certification testing. To pass, participating technicians must meet a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive continued education or take another exam every two years.

Total certification is a multiyear process consisting of four separate tests. The first two are offered 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 provides core knowledge and skill sets that can add onto 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 concerning full NATE certification.

3. Core and Specialty Certification – After a technician has been in service for two or more years, they can be tested for full 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 equipment.

4. Senior-Level Efficiency Analyst Certification – Senior status is the highest NATE certification offered. Technicians have to be certified in two specialty services—one in heating and another in air conditioning—to be eligible to apply for the senior certificate.

ASHRAE

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers was founded in 1894. ASHRAE and its members share research and education about HVAC equipment 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.

Many of ASHRAE standards are concerned with commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they often 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 serviced. ASHRAE also researches how the engineering and architectural design of the building itself influences energy use.

ACCA

Another national HVAC accreditation organization, the ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization encourages rigorous training and conducts sessions for members to attend both on-site and online. Contractors looking 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 common in residential properties such as homes and apartments.

• The New Homes Program: The New Homes track specializes in designing and installing HVAC systems with ENERGY STAR®-certified equipment for qualifying homes. Random audits are completed to make sure members maintain their expertise.

NATE’s ICE Standardized Testing

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 review 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.

EPA Section 608

The Environmental Protection Agency provides comprehensive 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 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 are made up of a broad 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. Other testing is offered for those seeking employment as well as for experienced technicians trying to get Professional or Master Specialist accreditation.

Why You Want Certified HVAC Professionals

When you request 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 dedicated to their customers’ sense of comfort will earn certifications to prove their expertise. When you see a service company in Warrenton 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: Professionals who devote the time and resources needed 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 reduce labor expenses.

If you’re looking for certified HVAC services in Warrenton, consider requesting an appointment with Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning. Get in touch by giving us a call at 636-456-5041 today.