NATE certification Archives - Richmonds Air Houston

A How-To Guide for Hiring the Best HVAC Company

December 12, 2016 by Richmond’s Air

No one enjoys a broken HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system, especially while at work or home. Nothing is worse than trying to focus your tasks and chores while freezing cold or dripping in seat.

Unfortunately, breakdowns happen, and you’ll likely need to hire an HVAC company to take care of the repairs. An honest, capable local HVAC repair company can make the process easier.

Here’s our advice on how to go about finding one:

Take Advantage of Social Media

Social media is a valuable tool when doing research for potential HVAC companies. Clients post both positive and negative reviews on sites like Facebook and Twitter, and they can help you decide which company to hire. Once you’ve hired someone, you’ll have the opportunity to leave your own feedback.

Check Industry Organizations

Trustworthy HVAC companies are likely members of an industry organization that offers membership based on the company’s good reputation and qualifications. Some organizations you can check out for HVAC include:

Compile a List and Call

Using the tools above, take note of the best HVAC companies in your area and make a list of what you find. Call each and ask questions concerning your needed services, price estimates and warranties, and an estimate for how long the project will take. Record and compare their answers for a well-rounded look at the industry in your area.

If your home is located in the greater Houston area, start by contacting Richmond’s Air for all of your HVAC repair needs. Our experienced, professional technicians are ready to provide you with the expert and professional maintenance services you deserve.

3 Things to Look for in a Houston A/C Specialist

May 20, 2016 by Richmond’s Air

With the typically warm, humid weather conditions in the Houston area, you may find yourself reliant on your home’s AC system throughout much of the year. When your system breaks down and you need Houston air conditioning repair service, you may wonder which of the many professionals you should contact.

Not all AC repair contractors in the Houston area are the same, so take time to explore the options so that you make the best decision possible for the care of your residential system.

1. A Reputable Company

Before you hire a company to assist you with AC repair services in Houston, take a moment to research their rating with the Better Business Bureau, and only choose to work with companies with an A rating or higher. Ideally, the company will also be affiliated with the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association, and this affiliation is usually posted on the home page of the company’s website. Finally, read consumer reviews posted online on sites like Angie’s List to determine what other customers’ experiences with the company have been.

2. Licensed and Insured

In Texas, AC repair companies should have a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Mechanical License. In addition, they should only employ technicians to work on your system that have a designation from NATE, or the National Comfort Institute’s Air Balancing and HVAC System Performance program. In addition, the company should carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and you can ask if their policy is up-to-date when you make an appointment.

3. A Customer Guarantee

The best AC repair companies in Houston are those that will stand behind their work with a guarantee. The last thing you want is to call an AC repair technician to your home multiple times and accumulate various fees and charges for doing so simply because the work was not done right the first time. Look for a company that has a satisfaction guarantee and that will not charge you a secondary fee if the work is not done right upon the initial visit.

These are only a few of the most important factors to look for in a Houston AC repair company. You also want to find a company that will provide you with a free up-front estimate for the work that needs to be done and that has a professional demeanor. As you shop around to find the right AC repair company to use for your home’s needs, keep these important points in mind.

For the best heating and cooling services in Houston, contact Richmond’s Air. We have an A+ rating by the BBB, are Nate-certified, Texas licensed and insured professionals who have installed thousands of heating and A/C systems to residents in the Spring, Bellaire, Katy and Houston area.

We invite you to learn more about us and our services.

What Does It Mean to Be NATE-Certified?

October 15, 2014 by James Richmond

It is a harsh reality that cases of dishonesty and fraud are a common problem in the HVAC industry. Insurance companies regularly receive claims from homeowners and businesses who were duped by greedy technicians or fell victim to con artists masking as contractors.

Sadly, this is nothing new.

To make matters worse, insurance companies routinely overpay on HVAC claims, which perpetuates fraudulent behavior.

“This ultimately affects us all, and by ‘all,’ I mean anyone who pays property and casualty insurance premiums,” said Damon Stafford of HVAC Investigators of Charlotte, NC, after a string of reported cases of fraud in the area. “Most homeowners don’t even know they’re a part of the scam. They’re just looking for relief.”

To avoid getting caught in this trap, it is becoming more and more important to do research to ensure you are letting an honest contractor into your home and not a crook. This is where NATE comes into play.

Introducing NATE

For 15 years, the non-profit organization known as North American Technician Excellence, or NATE, has set the standard for the HVAC industry by recognizing superior technicians and air conditioning companies through a voluntary testing procedure and certification. NATE is the largest heating, ventilation and air conditioning organization of its kind in America, and was developed by a committee of the nation’s leading industry experts.

Why Hiring a NATE-Certified Technician Matters to You

A NATE certification earns technicians a special distinction amongst his or her colleagues and the industry at large, but its real purpose is to help consumers identify the knowledgeable, honest HVAC service experts from the frauds.

By dealing exclusively with NATE-certified contractors, customers can rest easy knowing they are dealing with experts who are not only honest and reliable, but also know what they are doing and are committed to their profession.

Plus, since NATE certification has such high, industry-approved standards, HVAC contractors who are awarded this honor are more likely to provide exceptional repair and installation services from the start, resulting in better customer service and a stronger reputation.

NATE-Certified HVAC Repair in Houston

Here at Richmond’s Air, we care about our customers and our reputation as one of the best HVAC service companies in Texas, which is why we make sure all of our field techs have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the industry and are NATE-certified.

In addition to being licensed and insured, we are also proud to have an A+ rating accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.

Read more about NATE certification here, or contact our exceptional team of HVAC technicians serving Spring, SugarLand, West University Place and other communities in the metro-Houston region.