What Do HVAC Certifications Mean?

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 trades programs.
2. HVAC Support Technician Certificate – After 6 to 12 months of experience, this exam is offered to test proficiency on fundamental topics concerning full NATE certification.
3. 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 equipment.
4. 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.

Another nationwide HVAC accreditation organization, the ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization encourages rigorous training and facilitates sessions for participants to attend both on-site and online. Contractors wanting 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 like 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 conducted to make sure members maintain their proficiency.

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 encompass 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 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.

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 designed for high school students who have completed qualifying HVAC education programs. Additional testing is offered for those seeking employment as well as for experienced technicians seeking Professional or Master Specialist accreditation.

When you request 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 committed to their customers’ sense of comfort will earn certifications to improve their expertise. When you find a service company in Bossier City 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: Professionals who devote 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 lower labor expenses.

If you’re looking for certified HVAC services in Bossier City, consider requesting an appointment with Brooks Heating and Air Conditioning. Get in touch by giving us a call at 800-COOLING today.