Cool and Confident: Minimize A/C Costs by Hiring a Competent Contractor

ARLINGTON, Va., July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With record high temperatures throughout the country, homeowners must rely on local HVAC/R contractors to repair or replace their failing air conditioning systems.  Unfortunately, as illustrated in a recent 'Today' Show segment, some unscrupulous contractors often take advantage of their customers by overcharging or quoting unnecessary repairs. 

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120731/CG49772 )

One way today's homeowners can help protect against such exploitation is to hire a contractor who employs technicians that have been certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE).  Technician certification is not mandatory in the HVAC/R industry, however, numerous contractors require their technicians to acquire and maintain NATE certification to ensure their proficiency in the technical aspects of HVAC/R service and installation. In addition, countless individual technicians undergo stringent certification testing to be able to proudly exhibit their individual competency.  NATE is the nation's largest HVAC/R industry-endorsed, non-profit certification organization existing solely to advance the expertise of the industry.

With nearly 30,000 NATE-certified technicians nationwide, it's easy to find a professional who demonstrates his or her commitment to quality work.  As the MSNBC article states, NATE's website (hvacradvice.com) offers a contractor locator to help homeowners find a trained and reputable HVAC/R professional. 

In addition, NATE offers the following tips to keep energy bills to a minimum this summer despite high temperatures:

• Raise the thermostat. Each degree saves a percentage off your cooling energy bill.
• Don't obstruct airflow around air conditioner units. Keep them clear of plants and debris.
• Have the condenser coils on outdoor air conditioning systems checked and cleaned at least once per season.
• Clean the air filters. Check them every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer.
• Close window shades on sun-exposed windows and turn off the lights when leaving a room.

For more tips and information, visit hvacradvice.com

About North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

Headquartered in Arlington, Va., NATE was founded in 1997 as the nation's largest industry-endorsed, non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. NATE tests technicians while others train. Testing validates the technician's knowledge and a training program's instruction. NATE-approved testing organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada offer NATE tests. Candidates can earn installation and/or service certification in nine specialty areas: air-conditioning, air distribution, heat pumps, gas heating, oil heating, hydronic gas, hydronic oil, and commercial, light commercial refrigeration and senior efficiency analyst. NATE also offers the International Ground Source Heat Pump test. For more information about NATE, visit hvacradvice.com.

SOURCE North American Technician Excellence (NATE)