Consumers

Welcome to the North American Technician Excellence Web site (NATE). If you are looking for an HVAC contractor to install or service your heating and cooling system, you have come to the right place. Do you want a dependable and skilled technician who has demonstrated ability and expertise? If you answered "Yes," that's not surprising. Nearly nine out of ten consumers say they want the same thing. And that's where NATE comes in. Consumers demand technician excellence. NATE-certified technicians provide it.

Consumer Reports says "It's a plus if technicians are certified by North American Technician Excellence..." Consumer Report, May 2001

NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge of heating, cooling and refrigeration systems by passing the NATE certification tests. NATE is the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. And, NATE is the only technician certification organization governed, owned, operated, developed and supported by the HVACR industry. Learn more about NATE by clicking here.

You can depend on NATE-certified technicians because they are the best in the business. So when you call a contractor, ask if they use NATE-certified technicians. If they do, ask them to send a NATE technician to your home. If they don’t, click here for a list of NATE contractors.

When Your NATE Technician Arrives What Should You Tell Them?

Even Superman can't read minds. When your technician arrives to fix your broken heating or cooling unit, he or she needs details that will help them accurately and quickly diagnose your unit’s problem.

Give them the facts. You know the "personality" of your heating or cooling unit. No fact is insignificant and might just help your technician diagnose and fix your problem more quickly so your home can return to its normal level of comfort.

Be prepared to tell the technician:

The make of your heating or air conditioning system
How old your heater or air-conditioner is
When was it last serviced and who last serviced it
When the filters were last changed
You checked your circuit breakers to make sure none were "tripped"
When you first noticed that it seemed to be working improperly
If it was making any unusual noises
If there were any unusual odors
If there was any unusual weather activity before the equipment began acting up
If you saw unusual fluids or leakage around the unit

If you're considering purchasing a new unit, find out what units are suitable for your size home and how much they will cost.

Tests determine what problems your equipment may have, but the more detail you provide, the faster your technician can fix the problem. Remember time is money. Save time, save money, give the technician ALL the facts.

For articles on purchasing or maintaining your heating and air conditioning systems click here.