Make Sure Your HVAC Technician Has These Certifications

When you hire an HVAC contractor, you want to be sure you’re getting the best one available: one that knows what they’re doing and can be trusted to do good work on your HVAC system. There are several HVAC technician certifications that show a contractor has gone above and beyond what’s required to stand out as the best in their field. Here are some HVAC technician certifications to check for when looking to hire a contractor.

• NATE. Probably the most well-known HVAC certification, North American Technician Excellence provides extensive testing of the technician’s expertise. It includes a core knowledge exam, as well as a choice of specialties to be tested in, such as A/C installation. Getting a technician who’s not only NATE-certified, but certified in the specific task you need, ensures a quality job.
• HVAC Excellence. This certification requires experience as well as knowledge. In addition to a comprehensive exam, a professional-level certification requires two years of HVAC field experience, whereas a master specialist credential requires three years.
• EPA 608. There are three levels to this certification from the Environmental Protection Agency, which ensures a technician’s aptitude with A/C refrigerants. Level one allows the technician to work with window air conditioners and other small appliances. Level two certifies the technician in the handling of high pressure refrigerants. Level three certifies them in low pressure refrigerants. Unlike the other certifications, which are voluntary, an EPA 608 certification is required by the EPA for anyone buying, storing, or handling refrigerants.

When hiring an HVAC technician, always ask what certifications they have, and if possible, ask to see proof as well. It can be difficult to know whom to trust to work on your system, but if they have these certifications, they’ve distinguished themselves as the among best in their field.

To learn more about HVAC technician certifications, contact our certified experts at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. We’ve served Orlando area residents since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “koya979/Shutterstock”