How to Recognize a Licensed HVAC Professional

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the largest and most essential building systems in any modern residence. It is expensive, specialized, and complex, requiring skillful installation and continual care by a trained professional.

Why is it important to find a qualified technician to install and service your HVAC system?

• Your HVAC system has a manufacturer’s warranty, which requires the system to be installed and maintained by a licensed HVAC professional. Find a licensed professional who can keep your warranty intact.
• A licensed professional is registered with the state and has appropriate background checks. This adds safety for everyone involved.
• A licensed professional will use industry standards to keep everyone safe. Liability and worker’s compensation insurance will protect the homeowner from potential damages.

What distinguishes a licensed HVAC professional?

• It begins when someone at least 18 years of age registers with the State agency.
• The next 24 months will be spent under the watchful eye of a licensed supervisor—an extensive period of on-the-job training.
• After 24 months, the next step is either 2,000 hours of technical training or another 48 months of on-the-job training.
• A class A licensed technician is qualified to work on any size system, while a class B licensed technician can work on AC systems up to 25 tons and heating systems up to 1.5 million BTUs

Further training can yield specialty endorsements for work on coolers, freezers, and ice makers.

This is similar to the difference between a shade-tree mechanic and a factor-trained service tech working on a specific brand of vehicles. But is all of this professional training necessary?

Licensed HVAC Professional Hiring Tip 1

HVAC systems employ a variety of chemical refrigerants. All of them combined are commonly called Freon. The refrigerant is contained within a closed loop of tubes, and for it to work properly, it must be kept within a narrow range of pressure.

All the refrigerant gases are tightly regulated since they damage the ozone layer of the earth. It must be reclaimed during repairs and replacements and disposed of properly. Licensed HVAC technicians are trained and licensed to handle refrigerant gases.

Licensed HVAC Professional Hiring Tip 2

Families rely upon the HVAC system to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Beyond comfort, the system cleans allergens and pathogens from the air. As the air is cooled, the system removes excess moisture from the air. Excess moisture will ruin finishes and can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can be extremely harmful to occupants. Since the HVAC system goes beyond comfort, homeowners rely on a licensed professional to maintain it and keep it in good working condition.

Licensed HVAC Professional Hiring Tip 3

The HVAC system is a significant financial investment; it impacts the value of the entire home. Professional maintenance can add years to the useful life of the system—on average, maintenance will add at least 5 more useful years. Quality installation, followed by years of quality maintenance, is an investment in the building’s future.

Licensed HVAC Professional Hiring Tip 4

While a professional may work on the system, a homeowner lives in the home. A licensed professional can assist the homeowner with performance and maintenance tips. Some simple instructions concerning setting temperature changes for programmable thermostats can be very helpful. The peace of mind that comes from trusting a person to enter a home, complete good work, and have the homeowner’s best interest at heart is priceless.

Hiring a Licensed HVAC Professional is quite the undertaking. Know the right questions to ask and signs to know quality work.

Houston Trane can connect you with a Trane Licensed HVAC professional who can help you design an HVAC system that will fit your home and your family’s needs. To find a local Trane HVAC maintenance technician, visit our Local Dealer search tool.