While the state of Ohio’s requirements for HVAC professionals cover competency and safety issues, organizations within the HVAC industry take certification programs even further. Independent, non-profit groups ensure you’re working with a contractor who exceeds basic performance standards, directly benefiting homeowners.
Minimum Requirements
Ohio is one of many states in the U.S. that require HVAC contractors to be licensed. HVAC systems affect public safety because they use high voltage power, chemical refrigerants and combustible fuels. The requirements for technician licensing include five years of field experience, passing a licensing test, a $500,000 liability insurance policy, and passing state and federal background checks.
Additional Certifications
- NATE. Obtaining NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification is the most difficult certification task in the HVAC industry. The requirements for field work are extensive, and the tests are the most challenging in the industry. When you hire a contractor who has earned NATE designation, you’re working with the best in the business. Once earned, the technician has to continue his or her professional education and retest every two years to maintain status with this program.
- ACCA. Membership in the Air Conditioning Contractors Association gives an HVAC contractor access to state-of-the-art information about HVAC equipment. ACCA is a nonprofit organization that works with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to write the standards that further the goals of healthy indoor environments and energy efficiency.
More Credentials to Consider
- BBB. Many HVAC contractors join the Better Business Bureau because a good standing with this organization gives consumers unbiased information about their performance. The BBB rates members from A+ to F based on consumer input and the bureau’s own research.
- Factory authorization. The larger, prominent HVAC manufacturers have strict criteria they use to select their authorized dealers. Working with an authorized dealer means that the technicians tending to your system have access to much more in-depth information that benefits you.
If you’re looking for a top-notch HVAC contractor in the Lorain area, contact Energy 1 Heating & Cooling. We are NATE certified, a proud member of ACCA and a Lennox Premier dealer.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area