When you’re looking for a quality HVAC company to help you choose, install, or service your heating and cooling equipment, you are going to bump into the phrase “NATE certified”. If you’re in the midst of your search, you’re probably wondering what this phrase means and if you should hire technicians with this certification. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is NATE?
Short for North American Technician Excellence, NATE is the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization that works with HVAC and refrigeration professionals. The group is industry supported, but participation is optional. The organization was formed about 20 years ago in response to concerns that standards throughout the industry needed to be higher. Now, in that same spirit, the best most reliable companies require their technicians to be NATE Certified.
How Do You Get NATE Certified?
To become NATE certified, technicians have to pass a written test. The test goes beyond the information presented on the HVAC certification test, and it’s developed by top HVAC professionals and industry leaders. To pass the test, technicians need a solid understanding of HVAC systems. Many of the questions give the technicians scenarios that they’re likely to encounter in the field, ensuring that they are prepared for anything. The questions cover everything from gas furnaces, to air conditioning, to heat pumps, to oil furnaces, and more.
Is Certification Permanent?
To ensure that HVAC professionals with NATE certification are always current with the latest technological advances and the best practices, the certification only lasts five years. After that point, technicians need to take the test again and complete at least 60 hours of continuing education credits.
Why Should You Hire a NATE Certified Technician?
These technicians tend to have a better understanding of HVAC systems. They have studied harder and passed more rigorous tests that the average HVAC professional. As a result, when you hire a NATE certified technician, you can rest assured that you are working with a knowledgeable professional. Additionally, when you select a company that requires all of its technicians to be NATE certified, you know the company is committed to quality.
Why Choose GVEC Air Conditioning and Heating
At GVEC Home, we specialize in HVAC equipment and services, and our technicians are NATE Certified. If you’re ready for a new system, need help with installation, or want to arrange a repair or service, we can help. To learn more or to make an appointment, contact us today. We serve numerous cities throughout the South Central Texas area, and we’ve been making clients happy for over 40 years.
