Category: NATE Certification

Avoiding the Inevitable: Air Conditioning Repair

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Air conditioning repair is an unfortunate possibility for most of us living anywhere south of, let’s say, the taiga. But this harrowing experience may be avoided, if the air conditioning unit is given proper care and maintenance. Of course, not all of us are certified, experienced air conditioning repair technicians; while it’s always a good idea to have one regularly inspect your air conditioning system before each change of season, there are still minor details to which a homeowner can attend.

The first and easiest step in the maintenance of your air conditioning is to clean or replace the filters regularly. The filters will collect dust quickly when the air conditioning is in constant and regular use, so change them frequently. Check them minimally every two months; more frequent cleanings are recommended if you are using your air conditioning constantly or in dusty conditions.

The condenser coils are another part of the air conditioning unit to maintain. The condenser coils are located on the outdoor unit, and have metal fins through which the hot air is dispersed. You will want to make sure these metal fins are clear of debris, in order to let the air pass unrestricted and efficiently. Simply wipe any large debris away, and then clean with water and a brush. Our certified technicians have chemical cleaning agents to do a more thorough cleaning of the outdoor condensing coils. An efficient flow of air will let the unit function properly as well as help to prevent the need for air conditioning repair.

Why You Should Call Us for Air Conditioning Repair and All Other HVAC Needs

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

We have been the leading cooling and heating company in the Carolinas for over 40 years. Our installers and technicians are factory-trained and certified to carry out all HVAC procedures.

But, that’s not all. We also ensure that your equipment operates safely, so that you have peace of mind. We’ll also tell you how you can save money on your energy costs. And, more importantly, we can improve the quality of the air that you breathe to prevent you and your family being exposed to airborne allergens.

We guarantee:

  • Outstanding Customer Service: Whether you’re reviewing payment options, scheduling an appointment or following up on a service already provided.
  • Highly Trained Technicians: We provide continuing training and certification for our technicians. They are all NATE-certified and qualified to work on all brands of HVAC equipment. And, before we hire anyone, we check that they have a drug-free background.
  • Professionalism and Punctuality: From air conditioning repair to routine service and maintenance calls, we arrive on time and get the job done in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Cleanliness, Security and Safety: Our highest priority is the security and safety of your family and your possessions. Our installers and technicians carry vacuums and shoe covers to ensure your home stays clean.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: All services and installations come with a written 100% satisfaction guarantee.

How to Choose a Reliable, Skilled and Experienced Air Conditioning Contractor

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

The level of comfort that you and your family enjoy indoors is obviously related to the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Ventilation and insulation are also important factors in keeping your family safe and comfortable. To ensure these needs are met, you should hire a reliable and professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor.

Here are some important things to consider when choosing an HVAC contractor:

  • Ensure that the contractor is licensed to operate by the local and state municipality. Even though this is mandatory in North Carolina, not all companies are licensed.
  • If they have a website, it should be informative and provide evidence of their professionalism, reliability and knowledge. They should be members of associations that have recognized their value and commitment to the HVAC industry and the community.
  • The installers and technicians should be professionally trained and NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified. NATE is a professional body that examines, qualifies and certifies HVAC technicians in every aspect of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
  • The prospective contractor and technicians should be familiar with the climate in North Carolina and how weather conditions affect air conditioning systems at different times of the year.
  • Whether you need standard service, emergency service or scheduled air conditioning maintenance, they should be able to provide names of satisfied customers in your area.
  • They should be willing to give you a written guarantee that their products and services will be to your satisfaction – 100%.
  • Customer service, including online and telephone communication, should be professional, polite and friendly at all times.

Air Conditioning Repair, Replacement or Installation: Insist on a NATE Certified Technician

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Consumers deserve excellence – and that’s exactly what North American Technician Excellence (NATE) technicians deliver! Professionalism, pride and proficiency count. NATE certified technicians understand every aspect of heating and cooling systems, and can do any type of air conditioning repair, replacement or installation.

The North American Technician Excellence test is tough, and taking it is voluntary. The test involves:

  • All aspects of air conditioning
  • Heat pumps
  • Oil heating
  • Air distribution
  • Gas heating

Contractors, technicians, utilities, manufacturers, wholesalers, leading industry trade associations and educators endorse the test. The tests take place at 400 venues across the country and technicians can sign up for them through local organizations such as the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, or Air Conditioning Contractors of America.How else would homeowners measure success and competency? Well, basically, they couldn’t. NATE is the only nationally accredited certification program which is endorsed by all sectors of the heating and cooling industry.

In essence, a NATE certified technician has proven his or her excellence by volunteering to be tested by professionals who are the best in the HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) industry. Therefore, if you’re looking for a contractor to do an air conditioning repair, ask if his/her technicians are NATE-certified. If they are, go ahead. If not, make another call. When the technician does arrive, check that he or she is wearing the NATE certified patch.

You can also save yourself the research time and call Acosta Heating and Cooling. All of our technicians are NATE certified.

Hiring an HVAC Contractor: 8 Tips to Get the Job Done

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Selecting an HVAC contractor to come to your home deserves very careful consideration. Asking family members, friends and neighbors for referrals is a good place to start. When you’re ready to call an HVAC contractor, ask the right questions, expect straight answers and keep these eight tips handy.

  • Homework: Write down the exact reason for your service call, as well as related information, such as indoor air quality concerns or unbalanced cooling. Prepare yourself by doing a little background research on the company’s website. Many of your questions may be answered here, but don’t be afraid to ask them when you speak to a technician.
  • Professionalism: You want an HVAC contractor that has stood the test of time, and employs NATE-certified technicians. Make sure the contractor is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Accept nothing less than a BBB “A” Accredited Member rating.
  • Doing business: Make sure the contractor is someone you will feel completely comfortable doing business with for many years. Are they communicative in a productive, courteous and clear manner? Is their company vehicle clean? Your first impression speaks volumes. Listen to it.
  • Quality assurance: Ask details of service, installation and product warranties and guarantees. It’s just as important to ask what is required to maintain the warranties and guarantees.
  • Specials: Check their website for seasonal specials, service plans, product rebates, and utility rebates. Does the contractor explain how to claim rebates? If a contractor does not fully commit and provide help at the time of service in person, they may not be very helpful in the future over the telephone.
  • References: The HVAC contractor should provide several references for verification of their service, products and ongoing commitment.
  • Contract: You should receive an itemized written estimate from each contractor you’re testing out. You should receive an itemized written contract for all work ordered, labor, guarantees and warranties. Work should not begin before a contract is signed.
  • Licensed: Be sure they are Licensed by the State Licensing Board of HVAC contractors. You will be surprised as to how many companies have no license or are licensed only to do repairs, but not new installations or equipment replacements.

Remember, settle for nothing less than your complete peace of mind and satisfaction of service. To speak to a contractor dedicated to 100-percent customer satisfaction, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We’ve proudly served home and business owners in the Charlotte area for over 40 years.

You’ve Hired a Nate-Certified Technician – Job Done!

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Hiring a NATE-certified technician is a big deal. After all, your home comfort and savings depend on it. That’s why you can trust that the job will be well done, whether it’s a repair, maintenance or replacement job.

You can rest assured that a NATE-certified technician is the best possible designation to utilize when comparing technicians, because:

  • NATE is an independent, non-profit organization – Nationwide, contractors and customers alike value the NATE badge, with manufacturers, utility companies and heating and cooling contractors participating in, developing and approving its testing.
  • NATE covers all the bases – With NATE testing, technicians can attain certification in all areas of HVAC, including service and installation of all types of heating and cooling equipment, including energy-efficiency certification.
  • NATE thoroughly tests the technician prior to certification – The tests cover all factions of the heating, cooling and ventilation industry. That means that NATE tests don’t simply cover one piece of equipment, like other product-specific training organizations.
  • NATE testing covers relevant knowledge – Technicians are grilled on field knowledge, covering day-to-day problems and situations encountered by technicians.
  • NATE certification requires continued education credits – If technicians do not have acquire enough credits technicians must retest every five years to maintain NATE certification.
  • NATE testing is thorough – While the testing is rigorous, the tests are also comprehensive. Technicians must pass a core test and a specialty test. The core test ensures that technicians have a thorough knowledge of general HVAC scenarios and equipment, while the specialty test, selected by the candidate, covers unique and highly specific knowledge in several fields, like gas furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, air flow, including installation, service and maintenance.

With the value that NATE-certified technicians offer through NATE’s rigorous, comprehensive testing process, it just doesn’t make sense to use any other certification as a qualifier for selecting a technician.Get the best possible performance by choosing a NATE-certified technician. At Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we value our NATE-certified technicians, because they allows us to give our Charlotte-area customers top-notch service. If you need help with your HVAC systems, contact us today!

Is an A/C Tune-Up on Your Spring To-Do List?

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

An A/C Tune-Up should be at the top of your spring to-do list. The largest consumer of energy in your home is your heating and cooling system. Keeping your HVAC equipment running efficiently will help control energy costs.

Having a spring A/C Tune-Up will get your A/C unit ready to operate safely and efficiently throughout the summer cooling season. You’ll also avoid the panic of having to repair a malfunctioning unit in the middle of the hot summer months to come.

When you schedule an A/C Tune-Up, your technician will:

  • Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire system and its related components
  • Test the A/C’s refrigerant. An incorrectly-charged system will waste energy and not cool properly.
  • Test the system for refrigerant leaks
  • Safely capture refrigerant that must be removed, according to industry standards
  • Check the ductwork portion of your HVAC equipment, ensuring that it doesn’t leak and allows for proper airflow
  • Assess the A/C’s airflow over the evaporator coil, and clean it. Improper airflow over the coil will lead to decreased cooling capacity
  • Test the thermostat, ensuring that its controls will deactivate the heating system when you set the thermostat to cooling mode, and making sure that it will meet temperature settings
  • Inspect all electrical elements, lubricating and tightening connections as necessary
    Test the motor, checking that belts are tight, warding off wear and tear, and lubricating the motor, too

As a homeowner, you can participate in maintaining the air conditioner by:

  • Changing the air filter before you start up the A/C
  • Checking the air filter monthly once you begin to use the air conditioner regularly, ensuring that the filter is not dirty, which will restrict airflow and lead to dirt buildup
  • Assessing the conditions around the outdoor unit, cleaning up debris that has accumulated throughout the winter, as well as vegetation that can block the unit and potentially restrict airflow and reduce efficiency
  • Inspecting the registers and grilles throughout your home to ensure that airflow is optimized

Contact the home-comfort experts at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical to schedule an A/C tune-up appointment, or ask about our annual maintenance plans. We’ve served the Greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.

Choose an HVAC Contractor That Will Work to Your Ultimate Satisfaction

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

The comfort of your family in your home is undeniably related to efficient heating and cooling. Insulation and ventilation are important factors in keeping your family effectively comfortable and safe. To ensure that your home’s heating and cooling needs are sufficiently met, you need a professional, reliable and cost-effective HVAC contractor.

Here are a few things you should consider when selecting your HVAC contractor:

  • They should be able to answer your questions and service your home with the highest professionalism and expertise.
  • Be sure they are licensed by the State & local municipality to perform the work. (not all companies are licensed even thought it is a NC State requirement)
  • If they have an online presence, it should look professional and provide you with proof of their knowledge, reliability and professionalism. They should be members of organizations that recognize the company’s value and proven commitment to their profession and the community.
  • Their technicians and installers should be professionally trained and certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), a professional organization that tests, qualifies and certifies technicians in all phases of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
  • They should be familiar with the specifics of the local climate, and how weather conditions can affect your HVAC performance at different times of the year.
  • Whether it’s for scheduled maintenance, emergency service or a standard service call, your chosen HVAC service provider should have a proven history of successfully servicing residential clients in your area.
  • Your chosen HVAC contractor should provide you with a written guarantee that their services and products will be to your 100-percent satisfaction.
  • Customer service, including telephone and online communication, should be friendly, considerate and professional at all times.
  • For your safety and theirs, technicians should be clean and proceed with strict adherence to safety regulations. They should be able to be trusted on your property, in your home and with your family and possessions.

Acosta has delivered more than 40 years of professional service to Charlotte-area residents, and we are ready, willing and able to answer any and all questions relating to your HVAC systems. For information or service, please contact us today.

NATE? What Is NATE?

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Choosing a Heating & Cooling contractor is a VERY important decision. Your HVAC system is one of the most important pieces of machinery in your home, and the Safety and Comfort of you and your family relies on its performance. When you are looking for someone to perform some work on it, be it a minor job or an entire installation, you want to make sure it is being taken care of by the best in the business. Don’t settle for less — insist that your HVAC technician be NATE-certified.

NATE, North American Technician Excellence, is the only HVAC certification program in the country that is universally recognized by the entire heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry. To obtain this certification, one must prove that they have a vast amount of knowledge and real-world experience with situations they will face in a number of different fields.

Technicians get tested on subjects ranging from the expected heat pumps and air conditioners to commercial refrigeration and energy efficiency.  They must prove beyond a doubt that they are capable of confronting real world problems and handling them in the most efficient manner possible.

When you are speaking with different HVAC contractors, ask them if their technicians are all certified.

To get in touch with a certified contractor who can help you with your heating or cooling issues, contact Acosta Heating and Cooling today.  All our technicians are NATE-certified. They also get technical updates at our weekly meetings to stay on top of emerging trends and ideas. We have proudly served the Charlotte Metro Area since 1972.

Prepping Your Home for Cooler Weather

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

As the summer winds down, residents in the Charlotte Metro area are beginning to prepare their homes for cooler weather. Having a winterized home is essential to ensure that your abode will stay warm without breaking the bank, and certain preventive measures concerning your HVAC equipment are required to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

To get your home buttoned up for the impending fall and winter, there are quite a few things you can do yourself, and a professional can help with the rest. Here are a few simple, yet effective ways to get your dwelling ready.

  • Remove window air conditioning units to prevent drafts from seeping through the opening.
  • Check the weather stripping around windows and caulked areas, and add additional sealant as needed.
  • Prevent pipes from freezing by adding insulation or wrapping them.
  • To circulate warmer air throughout the home, reverse the direction of ceiling fans.
  • Lower the temperature setting when no one is at home. Consider having a programmable thermostat installed for convenience.

Some of the preparations for cold weather are best left up to a professional NATE-certified technician, and these more in depth tasks include:

  • Taking care of a full system maintenance checkup on the furnace  or heat pump and any other heating related devices such as a whole house humidifier
  • Investigating the home’s air ducts for proper sealing and placement
  • Checking the insulation levels to ensure adequacy.

Keep in mind, furnace filters will need to be replaced or cleaned monthly for optimal results during the cold weather months.

Contact us at Acosta Heating and Cooling to find out more about our preventative maintenance money saving program, which will keep all of your HVAC equipment in optimal condition for every season.