Originally published on July 29, 2016

What is the worst thing that could happen to your home in the middle of summer?

Your air conditioning unit fails you.

There you are, sweating and uncomfortable, wishing you had implemented a plan to prepare for such an event. As we transition from the spring into the heat of summer, it becomes increasingly important to have a plan in place to ensure you are not stuck with no AC in the middle of August heat. How do you prepare?

One of the most important questions you can ask yourself is: What contractor should I use? When selecting a contractor, it is imperative to consider whether your contractor employs certified technicians.

There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting an honest, reliable contractor, some of which include:

• What experience and level of training do they have?
• Where does their level of proficiency and expertise currently stand?
• Do they understand the problem and your needs as a customer?

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and North American Technician Excellence (NATE) are two nationwide, nonprofit HVAC accreditations that support many of the values found in reputable contractors.

Air Conditioning Contractors of America 

ACCA prides itself on its history. With over 40 years of experience, the organization is actively involved with all aspects of the HVAC industry, from the streets of Washington D.C. all the way to your home. ACCA promotes rigorous, comprehensive training of their accredited technicians, and brings together technicians through onsite and online community training sessions, where contractors are able to fine-tune their skills to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Technicians are held to a high standard of proficiency to ensure they are thoroughly prepared to fix the problem in a timely manner. Search for a professional contractor in your area here.

North American Technician Excellence

For over 20 years, NATE-certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge of today’s heating and cooling systems by passing a nationally recognized test developed and supported by all segments of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning industry. NATE provides technicians with online resources to further ensure that their certifications remains up-to-date and relevant to the needs of their customers. In addition, NATE technicians are required to continue their education by getting recertified every two years. Consumers can rest assured that with a NATE-certified technician, they are getting high-quality installation and service for maximum comfort and economy in their heating and cooling system. Search for a NATE-certified contractor in your area here.

Determining which contractor to use is a difficult decision. Choosing a contractor who is not certified, though, could end up costing you big time. With this in mind, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure you are making an educated decision when choosing a contractor. Luckily, both ACCA and NATE have high expectations for their technicians and value the needs of their customers by providing proficient technicians to fix the problem right the first time.