NATE-Certified Technicians Offer the Best in HVACR Installation and Repairs

When it comes to choosing a repair or installation technician in the heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration industries, the first thing homeowners should look for is whether a technician is NATE-certified. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is a non-profit certification organization that tests the real-world working knowledge of HVACR technicians, ensuring those that are certified have the highest level of knowledge and understanding of one or more specialty areas.

About NATE Certification

While other organizations provide training to HVACR technicians, NATE is the only organization that actually tests their knowledge. In fact, NATE is the only certification organization supported by the HVACR industry as a whole, developed by industry experts as a way to validate a technician’s knowledge. HVACR professionals with NATE certification have demonstrated superior knowledge in one or more of the following specialties:

- Air Conditioning

- Air Distribution

- Heat Pumps

- Gas/Oil Heating

- Hydronics Gas/Oil

- Light Commercial Refrigeration

- Commercial Refrigeration

- Ground Source Heat Pump Loop Installation

- HVAC Efficiency Analysis

Technicians who have completed NATE certification have taken the organization’s rigorous multiple choice tests for installation or service in their designated specialty areas. Most certifications are good for two years, which ensures that technicians are constantly up-to-date with the latest industry technology and best practices. NATE also encourages technicians to enroll in continuing education courses in order to continuously provide clients with the best services possible.

How NATE Certification Benefits Customers

While any contractor can claim to be an expert, NATE-certified businesses and technicians have demonstrated that they have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide the highest quality services to customers. Surveys show that nearly nine out of 10 homeowners prefer to have a certified installer or technician when possible, and NATE certification is the highest level of expertise an HVACR can reach professionally. Whether looking for a contractor or an individual technician, NATE is the only certification homeowners need to look for to be sure their technician is among the best in the industry.

Why Air Conditioner Maintenance Should be at the Top of your Priority List

Before summer hits, it is important to have air conditioner maintenance performed. There's nothing worse than your AC unit breaking down on one of the hottest days of the year. In addition to preventing a future problem, there are a few additional key reasons why having your machine inspected and serviced are essential.

Reduce Energy Usage

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, something as simple as replacing a clogged filter can lower the amount of energy you use by 5 to 15 percent. That may not sound like a great deal, but over the course of several months, it really adds up. It makes more sense to have a professional clean or replace the filter each year, especially since this task takes just a few minutes.

Keep Your Warranty in Good Standing

Don't forget to read the fine print when obtaining a warranty for your AC unit. Some specifically state that if you do not perform yearly air conditioner maintenance, the warranty is null and void. This means that if your machine breaks down during the warranty period, the company is not obligated to fix it, which is more money out of your pocket.

Extend Equipment Life

The better you care for your AC system, the longer it will last. You'd be surprised at how quickly one small problem can turn into a big problem that requires you to replace the entire unit. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you'll extend the amount of time the equipment runs, which means you'll save money by not having to buy a new unit before the proper time.

When hiring a professional to service your air conditioner, you'll want to make sure that a few things are on his checklist. You'll need all of your coils cleaned out, your refrigerant level checked, and all of the system's moving parts lubricated. All controls and thermostat settings should also be checked.