Are you looking for a reliable HVAC company near you? If so, it is important to make sure that the technicians you hire are certified and qualified to do the job. In this article, we will discuss the different types of certifications that HVAC companies must have in order to operate in Florida. In order to become a certified air conditioning contractor in Florida, you must meet certain requirements set by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). These requirements include being at least 18 years of age and having a high school diploma or GED.
The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is a nationally recognized and respected certification for HVAC technicians. While this certification is not a legal requirement, many employers prefer their technicians to have it. NATE covers different knowledge-based tests, such as air conditioning, gas ovens, and oil heating. Certification can be obtained in one or more of these specialty areas, and obtaining it demonstrates that a technician has the professional knowledge to diagnose and repair HVAC equipment. Why seek HVAC technician certifications? The NATE certification is one of the most common, but also the most prominent, of the HVAC technician certifications available.
To obtain NATE certification, HVAC technicians must demonstrate in-depth subject-specific knowledge, technical skills, and practical skills. The certification process 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. HVAC technicians who regularly handle refrigerants for HVAC systems must be 608 certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. The HVAC Installation Quality (QI) standard is managed by one of the most important professional and technical organizations in the HVAC industry, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).Licensing requirements for HVAC workers and contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from location to location. At a minimum, any HVAC technician or company you work with must be properly licensed by state or local agencies.
The requirements for all license applicants include verifiable work experience in the HVAC industry, typically working in an established company under the direction of a current licensed professional. For HVAC contractors, obtaining a license is more than a legal requirement to work; it's a reassuring sign, both for customers and for future employers, that they have overcome a difficult and demanding process and that they can count on us to perform the highest quality HVAC work. The first major license for HVAC contractors is the Florida Class A HVAC license, certified by the state, which allows HVAC professionals to work anywhere in the state. Certification to the ACCA QI standard can be obtained in residential HVAC design or light commercial HVAC design. When you hire an HVAC technician for your residential or commercial project, you want to make sure that the person who will be working on your HVAC equipment is trained and well-informed.
Knowing the different types of certifications is essential when hiring a professional HVAC company near you. The third main HVAC license for HVAC contractors is the state-certified Class B HVAC license, which is the same as the state-certified Class A Florida HVAC license when it comes to its basic requirements. After you pass the HVAC license test, you can start working as an authorized contractor for an HVAC company established in Florida, or you can start your own business. In conclusion, when looking for an HVAC company near you, it is important to make sure that they are properly licensed and certified.
This will ensure that they are qualified to do the job correctly and safely. It is also important to make sure that their technicians are certified by organizations such as NATE or 608 certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
