A NATE-certified technician can make your life a lot easier when it comes to repairing, maintaining or installing heating and cooling equipment. The secret lies in the uniform standards of the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) organization, its stringent testing procedures, and the specialization required of technicians.
Standards
NATE’s standards were established by a cross-section of representatives from the HVAC industry, including manufacturers, contractors and utility company representatives. Designed to bring uniformity across the industry, the tests include key information technicians need to know to competently address homeowner needs, as well as scenarios they confront on a daily basis. As a result, regardless of where in the country a technician takes the NATE test, he or she will encounter the same general information in the tests.
Testing
The standards NATE outlines for its testing guidelines involve:
- Passing a generalized test that covers day-to-day knowledge
- Choosing to take the general test in service or installation
- Recertifying every five years, ensuring technicians stay up to date on changes in heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration technology
Another unique component of note with regard to NATE testing is how the organization has differentiated itself from other certification organizations. Other organizations will train technicians on specific equipment or knowledge areas and then test, and it’s to their (financial) benefit to pass technicians. As a nonprofit organization, NATE doesn’t stand to gain by passing technicians.
Specialization
Every technician must take a generalized test along with a specialized test; however, technicians can choose to specialize in air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, hydronics and more. As a result, homeowners stand to gain by choosing a technician with the general and specialized knowledge required for the job at hand. If you need a furnace installed, choose a NATE-certified technician with installation certification and furnace specialization.
When you need to hire a NATE-certified technician, give the experts at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing a call. We’re proud to wear our NATE badges, and we’ve served homeowners in greater Indianapolis since 1970 with quality HVAC installations, maintenance plans and repairs. Contact us today or visit our website for more information.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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