You Should Look for an HVAC Pro With These Certifications
August 25, 2016
When looking for an HVAC pro for your heating or cooling project, you should take the time to check the individual's qualifications. HVAC certifications are a generally reliable indicator that the person you're hiring has the technical knowledge, experience, and skills to take care of your heating or cooling system. Look for some of the following HVAC certifications before making your hiring decision.
HVAC Quality Installation Standard
The HVAC Quality Installation Standard certification is administered by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), one of the industry's most respected professional organizations. This certification covers either residential HVAC design or light commercial HVAC design, along with duct design and load calculations.
HVAC Excellence
HVAC Excellence is another prominent industry organization that certifies technicians in heating, cooling, and ventilation. The professional level certification requires two years of industry experience and the passing of a comprehensive examination covering equipment such as air conditioners or heat pumps. The master specialist level requires three years of direct experience and successful completion of the professional-level examination.
NATE Certification
North American Technician Excellence, or NATE, is a widely known and respected testing and certification organization providing certifications for HVAC technicians in the United States. To obtain NATE certification, technicians must pass a thorough test of general HVAC knowledge as well as a comprehensive examination in a specialized area, such as air conditioning, gas or oil heat, geothermal systems, or HVAC efficiency.
EPA 608 Certification
This certification is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for HVAC professionals who regularly use, handle, or dispose of refrigerants, such as R-22 or R-410. Since HVAC refrigerant is considered environmentally dangerous, only those with this certification are legally allowed to purchase, use, or get rid of refrigerant. This could be important if, for example, your air conditioner needs to charged with refrigerant to regain its cooling ability.
For more than a century, Lozier Heating and Cooling has served the heating and cooling needs of customers in and around Des Moines. Contact us today for more information on HVAC certifications and what they mean to you and your HVAC specialist.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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