It goes without saying that when you call someone to repair, service, or install your HVAC system, you want to get someone who knows what they’re doing and can perform the task as quickly and competently as possible. You assume that your HVAC company will send its best and most reliable technician to your home, or at least someone expert enough to get the job done. But how do you know? That’s why it’s important to make sure that your HVAC technician has North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification.
What Is NATE Certification?
Currently, no official training, tests or certification are currently required to become an HVAC technician. In fact, a number of problems can be traced to poor HVAC service on previous visits, including improper installation. That’s why NATE was created. It’s a non-profit organization that sets its own standard for quality HVAC service. Founded in 1997, NATE’s mission is to recognize technicians who are experts in their vocation. NATE rigorously tests technicians on the real world knowledge that they need to install, repair, maintain or otherwise service HVAC and refrigeration systems. Certification can also specialize in a particular area such as A/Cs, heat pumps, gas and oil furnaces, etc.
NATE certification measures not only competence but excellence. When you get a NATE-certified HVAC technician, you know that you’re getting someone at the top of his/her game, who’s equipped to provide you with the service you need, to make sure your system runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
That’s why it’s essential to make sure that you get a NATE-certified technician whenever you need HVAC service. NATE certification is entirely voluntary, so if you want to be sure you’re getting the best, you need to ask. Does the HVAC company you’re calling employ technicians? Do they employ only technicians? If not, will they make sure to send someone with NATE certification to service your system? Will it be someone with a specialty certification in the particular area you require? Call several HVAC companies in the area and ask about their policies on certification, to help you decide whom to call to service your system.
Benefits of Using a NATE-Certified Technician
There are myriad benefits to getting a NATE-certified technician to service your home’s heating or cooling system. The most important one is peace of mind. Knowing that a company requires certification for its technicians shows you that the company takes pride in its work, and is a good indication that it's worth entrusting with your HVAC needs. You know that the technician will perform high quality service, quickly and efficiently.
If you need repairs, a NATE technician will not only complete the repair but help ensure that it doesn’t happen again. If you need a system installed, they’ll make sure it’s done correctly: that it’s the correct size for your home, that your A/C has the correct refrigerant charge, your thermostat is calibrated properly, etc. And if it’s your annual maintenance visit, the NATE-certified technician will make sure that everything is running as efficiently as possible.
Which brings us to another benefit of technicians: saving energy. Sub-par HVAC service can waste energy in a variety of ways, sending your energy bills soaring. With proper installation and good annual maintenance, though, your system can run at peak energy efficiency for years to come.
NATE technicians also can save you money in other ways. By making sure that the job is done correctly the first time, they can reduce your total number of service calls over the life of the system, as well as extending its life.
A NATE technician can even provide you with helpful advice that will allow you to take better care of your HVAC system on your own. Your technician can tell you how often you should change your filter based on the model you’re using and household habits, what kind of thermostat will best suit your family’s needs, whether or not you’d benefit from a zoning system or an air purifier, etc. A certified HVAC technician makes sure you’re getting the maximum amount of comfort from your system, for the least amount of money and energy. And a NATE certified technician makes sure you’re always getting top quality service, and that your system is well taken care of.
To learn more about NATE certification, or to schedule an appointment with a NATE-certified HVAC technician for your Baltimore area home, contact us at Griffith Energy Services, Inc.
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