What Licenses or Qualifications Should You Look for in an HVAC Company?

When choosing an HVAC company, it’s essential to hire a team of professionals with the right qualifications. HVAC systems are complex and require specialized knowledge for proper installation, maintenance and repair.

Whether you’re in need of a new air conditioning unit, routine maintenance or emergency repairs, the HVAC professionals you hire should have the necessary licenses and certifications to safely provide high-quality work.

Why Licensing and Certification Matter

When you hire an HVAC company, you’re not just paying for the work to be done; you’re also relying on the company’s expertise to make sure that your system is safe and operates efficiently. HVAC systems directly impact indoor air quality, energy usage and overall comfort.

You typically won’t know the individual technician who visits your house or be familiar with their experience in the field of HVAC repair and maintenance.

Licensing and certifications provide a way for consumers to quickly ascertain the level of expertise and proficiency possessed by a technician.

Licensing bodies and certifying organizations have reputations to maintain as well, which is why there is an incentive to hold technicians to high standards and only award licensing and certifications to professionals who can demonstrate their trustworthiness and abilities.

Working with a licensed HVAC professional provides several benefits:

• Ensures compliance with local and state codes
• Protects you from faulty or subpar work
• Reduces the risk of safety hazards, such as carbon monoxide leaks or electrical fires
• Guarantees that the technician is insured and bonded, reducing your liability if something goes wrong

State HVAC Licenses

In most states, including Texas, HVAC contractors must either be a registered HVAC technician working under a licensed HVAC contractor or a certified technician. Registration and certification are only granted if the technician has met specific education, experience and exam requirements. In Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) governs HVAC licensing.

Texas offers two main types of licenses for HVAC companies and contractors:

• Class A License: This license allows HVAC contractor to work on any size and capacity of HVAC systems, from residential units to large commercial buildings.

• Class B License: This license limits the professional to working on smaller systems. They can only handle cooling systems up to 25 tons and heating systems up to 1.5 million BTUs per hour.

Texas HVAC companies and contractors are also required to carry liability insurance to protect homeowners in case of any accidents or damage.

EPA Section 608 Certification

One of the most important certifications for HVAC technicians is the EPA Section 608 Certification. This certification, mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allows HVAC professionals to handle refrigerants, which are special chemicals used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

The certification is divided into three categories:

• Type I: For servicing small appliances like refrigerators and window air conditioning units.
• Type II: For servicing or disposing of high-pressure refrigerant equipment, like split-system air conditioners or heat pumps.
• Type III: For servicing or disposing of low-pressure refrigerant equipment, such as chillers.

Many HVAC professionals opt to obtain Universal Certification, which covers all three types. An HVAC company must have at least one technician on staff

with this certification to legally work with refrigerants, which is necessary for most cooling systems.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification

NATE Certification is one of the most recognized credentials in the HVAC industry. NATE-certified technicians are often preferred by consumers and employers because this certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in the HVAC field.

NATE offers a variety of specialized certifications, including:

• Air conditioning installation and service
• Heat pumps installation and service
• Air distribution
• Gas furnaces

HVAC Excellence Certification

Another notable certification is the HVAC Excellence Certification, which is designed to help technicians develop core skills in HVAC installation, service and repair.

HVAC Excellence offers several certification levels, including:

• Professional Level Certification: Designed for entry-level technicians who have completed a formal education program in HVAC.
• Master Specialist Level Certification: For experienced HVAC technicians who have several years of industry experience.

What You Should Expect From the HVAC Technicians Who Work on Your Home’s AC and Furnace

You should hold your furnace and AC installation, repair and maintenance professionals to a high standard of excellence. At Tom’s Mechanical, we only employ the best technicians who have gone through the process of proving their competency and commitment to the field:

• Education: Most technicians begin by completing an HVAC training program at a trade school or community college. These programs teach the basics of HVAC systems, electrical wiring, refrigeration and safety protocols.
  
  
• Apprenticeship: After completing formal education, aspiring HVAC technicians often work as apprentices under the guidance of licensed professionals. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and help technicians meet the minimum experience requirements for state certification.
  
  
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Exam: Once a registered technician has gained the necessary experience, they can apply to take the state certification exam. The exam typically covers topics like HVAC system design, installation practices, electrical systems and safety.
  
  
• Certification: Along with the state certification, technicians often pursue additional certifications to broaden their skills and demonstrate their expertise.

Call Arlington HVAC Technicians Who Are at the Top of Their Game

Knowledge and technical proficiency are vitally important for HVAC technicians, but it’s not the only attribute you should look for in a service provider. At Tom’s Mechanical, we place an equal emphasis on customer service and dependability.

Request service here on our website or give us a call today at (817) 277-4493.