July 10, 2024


HVAC technicians in St. Louis, MO

What Certifications / Licenses Do Good HVAC Technicians Have?

When you hire a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company, you need technicians who know what they are doing. Often, people read reviews and ask for word-of-mouth recommendations from their friends. If you don’t already know of a local business you want to work with, it can be hard to judge their service quality and experience.

Certifications and licenses help you compare different companies. Because certifications represent a minimum standard of knowledge, you can use a company’s certifications to judge the quality of its services.

What Are HVAC Certifications?

HVAC certifications can vary significantly from one location to another. In some areas, HVAC technicians are required to have federal, state, and local certifications and licenses. Other than getting licenses for providing HVAC services, companies are also required to get business licenses and building permits.

Why Do Technicians Need an HVAC License?

An HVAC license is important because of the materials HVAC technicians use in their work. If they work with different heating and cooling systems, they will eventually have to handle refrigerants. Many refrigerants are harmful to the ozone layer if they are released into the environment.

However, refrigerants aren’t just damaging to the environment. If you are exposed to refrigerants, they can make you sick. Eventually, they can even cause cancer. Because of this, there are many federal regulations about how refrigerants must be handled and disposed of. Technicians must pass tests and demonstrate they can handle refrigerants safely.

Certifications Teach Regional Requirements and Peculiarities

On a local level, states and cities may have other requirements. For example, they may want HVAC technicians to be familiar with building codes or safety practices. Before HVAC technicians can work in a specific region, they have to learn which certifications are expected and how to receive them.

Licenses Demonstrate Knowledge

For consumers, HVAC certifications are important because they demonstrate the individual’s knowledge and skills. You go to a doctor who has a medical license. When you need an air conditioner repaired, you naturally hire a technician who has an HVAC license or certification.

A Certification Proves a Minimum Level of Competence

Most people aren’t naturally skilled at handling HVAC equipment. Because of this, it can be challenging to compare different technicians when you need services. Certifications and licenses make shopping for services easier because they weed out HVAC technicians who aren’t qualified.

What Are National HVAC Certifications?

Nationally, HVAC technicians have to take Section 608 Technician Certification tests from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This specific test is required to repair, dispose of, service, or maintain the equipment that is used with refrigerants. To recharge your air conditioner with refrigerant, your HVAC technician must have this EPA certification.

HVAC companies will typically have some type of business license. They will need to register their business with their Secretary of State. To run a business, they will need to pay workers’ compensation and follow federal rules for business taxes.

Examples of State Certifications

While the EPA’s Section 608 Technician Certification is the major federal HVAC certification, there are many different state certifications you can get. These certifications vary from state to state. Below are just a few examples of state-specific certifications.

Missouri

At Scott-Lee Heating Company, we offer air conditioner maintenance, and furnace installation services to St. Louis residents. Because of this, we are used to Missouri’s laws about HVAC certifications and licenses. In Missouri, HVAC technicians aren’t required to obtain any state-based HVAC licenses. Instead, Missouri technicians must fulfill federal and municipal HVAC requirements.

However, Missouri has specific laws about becoming a journeyman candidate or getting a master plumber certification. According to state statutes, anyone with these goals must work in a city that has at least 15,000 residents.

North Carolina

In the state of North Carolina, anyone who does HVAC work must be a licensed contractor or a technician apprentice who is working under a licensed contractor. The state is responsible for issuing licenses to HVAC companies. There are two classes and three groups of HVAC licenses in the state.

California

Within California, an individual must have an HVAC contractor’s license or be employed by a licensed contractor to do work worth $500 or more. To get this license, HVAC technicians must go to the California Contractors State License Board. In addition, anyone wishing to take the licensing exam must have four years of qualified work experience.

Louisiana

Louisiana residents must become licensed mechanical contractors or work for a licensed mechanical contractor to do HVAC work that is worth $10,000 or more. However, individual technicians are not licensed.

Case Studies of Municipality Licenses

Local cities often have specific rules about HVAC technicians. In St. Louis, the St. Louis County Department of Public Works oversees certification for the journey and master levels. There are also specific HVAC specializations, like sprinkler fitter, pipe fitter, HVAC service installer, and sheet metal. In addition to St. Louis, check out some more examples of municipality-based licenses and certifications.

Denver

Denver has four different HVAC licensing options. The basic residential HVAC license requires six years of experience working in the heating and ventilation industry. While four of these years can be as a journeyman mechanic, the last two years of experience must be in the role of draftsman, supervisor, or designer.

Seattle

To repair, install, or alter any kind of refrigeration or air conditioning device, Seattle requires a specific license. There are multiple license types someone can choose. Every HVAC license in Seattle requires a test.

Why Do Businesses and Homeowners Need Licensed HVAC Technicians?

Commercial and residential properties need licensed HVAC technicians to protect their warranties, save money, and get quality services. Also, many areas have laws about who is allowed to do HVAC work. If you don’t hire someone who is properly qualified, you may run into issues.

Fulfill Your Warranty

Warranties and insurance policies often have specific requirements about who can work on a building. If you don’t use a professional, it may void your warranty. Depending on where you live, your city or homeowners association may also have rules about who you can hire.

Avoid Unnecessary Repairs

Certified technicians can end up saving you money in the long run. They know how to fix HVAC systems the right way, so they are less likely to break down again.

Protect Your Health

Anyone who lives or works in the building will breathe air that comes from the HVAC system. Because of this, it is important to hire a technician who knows how to safely handle refrigerants.

Discover Top HVAC Services in Your Area

HVAC licenses and certifications are important because they ensure that technicians meet a minimum standard of competency and knowledge. Whether you are a homeowner or business owner, you need to find a company that has the necessary certifications. A licensed technician can make sure the work is done properly the first time.

If you need help with heating, air quality, or air conditioner services in St. Louis, we can help. Call Scott-Lee Heating Company today to find out more information.