When you need furnace repair when the weather turns cold you might be tempted to just choose the first option in your search results. However, doing so can result in choosing someone who isn’t fully qualified to work on your furnace.
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when choosing an HVAC contractor in Syracuse, NY to handle your expensive home comfort systems and it pays to do a little research. Many people know that they should look for a contractor that hires technicians who are licensed, insured, and background-checked. But what other important qualifications should you be on the lookout for?
In your search for qualified HVAC contractors, you may come across the terms “NATE certified.” Having this qualification is highly desirable and we’re not just saying that because our technicians are NATE-certified. Let’s look at what NATE certification entails and why you can feel confident about hiring a contractor with this qualification.
What Is NATE Certification?
NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. NATE is the largest heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) organization in the US. Homeowners who hire NATE-certified technicians can feel confident that a highly experienced technician will be working on their HVAC system.
What Is Required to Obtain NATE Certification?
For technicians to become NATE-certified, they must have 2 full years of HVAC experience in the field. They must also pass a rigorous series of exams. These exams are created by a nationwide committee of HVAC experts who draw from their own real-world experience in developing the exams. If a technician passes all the exams with a score of 70% or higher, they become NATE-certified.
What Is Required for Continued NATE Certification?
One of the great things about NATE certification for homeowners is the fact that once a technician is qualified, they must complete continuing education to keep their skills updated. This is highly important in the fast-changing world of HVAC where technology is advancing at a rapid pace.
NATE certification only lasts for two years. As the 2-year mark approaches, the technician is required to complete continuing education or retake a specialty exam to maintain their certification. This ensures that their skills are up to date and that they possess a demonstrated knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated HVAC systems.
This requirement for continuing education should provide extra confidence that you’re choosing a qualified HVAC contractor. Many technicians can pass initial exams, receive their license and certification, and then never make an effort to learn more about HVAC throughout their career.
The Bottom Line
We know that the process of choosing an HVAC contractor can be a stressful one and that you have a lot of choices. We’ve been in business since 1997 and are proud of our NATE-certified technicians. As consumers ourselves, our goal is to be dependable customer advocates, and we achieve this with the support of our carefully selected team members.
Live a happier, healthier, and more comfortable life—trust Breathe Easy of CNY Heating & Cooling for your HVAC services! We are consumers too! Contact us today!