How to Tell If You Are Using a Certified HVAC Tech

The HVAC technician you allow to work on your heating system or air conditioner should be a competent professional. Certifications are among the best indicators of an HVAC specialist's knowledge and skill. These certifications are granted after a technician meets the certifying body's precise requirements, which may include participating in technical or professional programs, demonstrating technical knowledge, and passing rigorous exams. Here's how to know if you're working with a fully certified HVAC tech.

Verify the HVAC Certificate

You should start by asking to see the local heating and cooling specialist's HVAC certificate. Contact your state's department that's in charge of licensing and registration after noting the HVAC professional's certification number. The department representative will confirm whether the certification number exists and belongs to that HVAC contractor. If the number can't be found, you can ask the department representative to search for the professional's name to verify that they are a certified HVAC tech. You can also ask the representative for more information on the HVAC professional's training and education.

Check the EPA Certification Card

The Environmental Protection Agency requires HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants to hold the EPA 608 Certification, making them a certified HVAC tech. Passing the EPA's exams shows that an HVAC specialist can safely handle these dangerous chemicals. To verify a technician's certification, ask the technician for his or her certification card. The card should have the technician's name, certification number, and the date the technician took the certification test or became certified.

Keep in mind that hiring an HVAC technician who hasn't been certified may void your manufacturer's warranty. Therefore, make sure you do your homework and only work with a certified HVAC tech. If you're looking for outstanding technicians to handle your HVAC needs in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance. We've won many awards over the years and were the first in the country to provide customers with an all-NATE-certified technician staff.