In Arizona, HVAC contractors must have current licenses, insurance and bonding, but they’re not required to be NATE certified. However, if you want the best service and performance from your HVAC contractor, it’s a good idea to look for one who has this prestigious certification.
NATE, short for North American Technician Excellence, is a nonprofit organization that singles out the most competent and knowledgeable contractors and technicians in the HVAC industry. NATE does so by setting stringent educational and testing requirements.
The tests for the NATE organization are written by the leading experts in the HVAC field and require extensive knowledge of HVAC equipment. Each applicant has to take a core test and can select specialty areas within the HVAC field. A small percentage of technicians who apply for NATE certification achieve it.
Customer Benefits
The energy efficiency, durability and comfort you experience with your HVAC system depends a good deal on its initial installation, followed up by the quality of the maintenance it receives. When you select a contractor who is NATE certified, it’s much more likely that the system will be installed and maintained to the exact specifications of the manufacturer.
As an organization, NATE requires all its members to follow the Energy Star guidelines for HVAC installation that allow the system to reach top energy efficiency.
Consumer surveys have also found that customers who used contractors whose technicians have NATE certifications experience fewer call backs and have higher satisfaction rates. The certification also assures you that the technicians are current with the latest developments in this industry. NATE requires continuing education coursework and technicians have to retest every two years.
What to Look For
Before hiring a contractor, ask if they have active NATE certification. Their websites may also carry the NATE symbol. You can also go to NATE’s website at natex.org to look up the contractor’s status.
Using a NATE certified contractor helps you get the most from your equipment. To learn more, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We provide trusted NATE-certified HVAC services for Yuma area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about NATE certified and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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