HVAC technicians need to have a certain level of expertise and knowledge in order to work safely and effectively with HVAC systems. The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is the most widely recognized certification for HVAC technicians, and it requires technicians to pass a test of general HVAC knowledge and at least one specialized installation or service exam. NATE certifications are awarded in areas such as air conditioning, gas or oil heating, air distribution, air-to-air heat pumps, geothermal (geothermal) heat pumps, and the efficiency of air conditioning systems. Although not a legal requirement, many employers will want to see evidence that you are trained in the special features of R-410A before hiring you for a job that involves working with the substance.Southern Careers Institute has an HVAC program that will train you to work with HVAC equipment at both the commercial and residential levels, so that your career path is fully open.
Certification in the ACCA QI standard can be obtained in residential HVAC design or in light commercial HVAC design. The CHD certification is a certification that helps validate your ability to design HVAC systems that meet the requirements of future projects and buildings, including the HVAC equipment involved, room design, designs, duct and pipe specifications, load calculations, and more. HVAC technicians who routinely handle refrigerants for HVAC systems must be 608 certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. If an HVAC technician has all 3 of the above certifications, they are said to have a universal certification and can legally work with refrigerants in any HVAC equipment. A good preventive maintenance technician will be able to detect potential problems during routine maintenance calls before they become major issues that cost the customer more money in the future. Keeping up with regular air conditioning maintenance helps customers avoid emergencies, as the technician can detect and diagnose any problems that could cause major complications in the future.
An HVAC preventive maintenance certification will give you the knowledge needed to recognize and diagnose those problems early on, so your customers have peace of mind when they call you for routine maintenance. Obtaining an NATE certification is a great way for HVAC technicians to demonstrate their mastery of the trade and have skills and experience in the operations, planning, reading plans, safety, and practical installation, repair, and servicing of HVAC systems. With close to a dozen certifications available from NATE, technicians can choose which areas they would like to specialize in. Obtaining certification online is also an easy and fast way for technicians to complete their certification process so they can start working right away. For those looking to become an expert in HVAC maintenance service technician work, it is important to understand what certifications are necessary for success. NATE certifications are essential for any technician looking to work with refrigerants or design systems.
Additionally, certifications from ACCA QI and CHD are important for those looking to specialize in residential or light commercial design. Finally, 608 certification from the EPA is necessary for those who routinely handle refrigerants. With these certifications under your belt, you will be well on your way to becoming an expert HVAC maintenance service technician.
