What Do HVAC Certifications Mean?

When you’re looking for quality HVAC services, you generally 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 check 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 important 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 take a look at key details about a few of the most common HVAC certifications you’ll find in your search for services.

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 collaborate with the NATE program to standardize the certification testing. To pass, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive additional education or retake an exam every two years.

Full 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:

Ready-to-Work Certificate – This certificate provides core knowledge and skill sets that can reaffirm any education or training already completed. The Ready-to-Work certification is especially beneficial for recent graduates of trades 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 – Once a technician has been in service for two or more years, they can receive NATE certification. Participants will have to pass both the core exam as well as a specialty exam for installation or servicing specific types of HVAC products.
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 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 provide research and education about HVAC equipment with the intent to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and healthy indoor air quality. Through their efforts, 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.

Many of ASHRAE standards are relevant to commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they typically 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 maintained. ASHRAE also researches how the engineering and architectural design of the building itself influences energy use.

ACCA

Another nationwide HVAC accreditation organization, the ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization calls for rigorous training and offers sessions for members to complete 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 found in residential properties like 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 make sure members maintain their proficiency.

ICE

Industry Competency Exams are administered 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 offered for residential HVAC equipment as well as light commercial heating and cooling. Separate tests are even available for commercial refrigeration.

To be ICE-certified for residential equipment, technicians will have 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 rather than specialty sections.

EPA Section 608

The Environmental Protection Agency provides in-depth 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 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 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 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 Abilene 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 devote the time and resources required for these certifications often use 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 Abilene, consider requesting an appointment with Abilene Air-Tech Inc. Get in touch by giving us a call at (325) 692-5850 today.