What Does it Mean to be a NATE Certified & Licensed HVAC Technician?

There are many heating and cooling contractors out there, and choosing one can feel like rolling the dice. One key to selecting the right HVAC contractor is to make sure whomever you hire is NATE Certified. This is the best way to ensure that the technician coming into your home to service your equipment is reputable and qualified. But what exactly is NATE certification?

What Does NATE-Certified Mean?

NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. Established in 1997, NATE is the largest non-profit certification group in the nation dedicated to heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration technicians. It began as a coalition of the contracting, distribution, manufacturing and utility communities as well as several trade associations and continued to grow, adding new organizations that wished to participate in the creation and administering of a unified test under the NATE umbrella.

NATE is owned, developed, operated and supported by the HVAC industry as a whole for the purpose of maintaining the highest professional standards for the industry. NATE certification is voluntary and, therefore, pursued only by technicians who wish to perfect and showcase their skills.

How Do Technicians Get Certified?

NATE-certified technicians must demonstrate a thorough, working knowledge of HVAC systems through written tests developed by industry experts. These tests measure real-world understanding, not simply textbook fact recall, of all the systems HVAC technicians work on. From oil furnaces to air conditioners, the testing is thorough and detailed, ensuring that each technician who passes truly knows and understands the information.

In order to keep up with the frequent changes in technology and trends in the HVAC industry, NATE-certification lasts for five years. To get re-certified, technicians must complete 60 hours of continuing education or take the new, updated tests. This ensures that everyone who carries NATE-certification has the most up-to-date industry knowledge.

Why Look for NATE-Certified Contractors?

NATE certification provides a level of assurance and confidence that when you are hiring an HVAC technician to work on your home or business  the job will be done right the first time. NATE-certified technicians have the training and knowledge to properly address any problem and keep your system running smoothly all year long.

Indoor Air Quality’s NATE-certified technicians give you peace of mind as you invest in HVAC maintenance, repair, replacement, or installation. Contact us today in Highlands Ranch and throughout the Denver Metro Area for all your HVAC needs.