Find a Certified Air-Conditioning Technician Near You at www.HVACRAdvice.com


ARLINGTON, VA--(Marketwire - April 20, 2009) - In response to homeowners' desires to hire qualified heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the only technician certification organization supported by the HVAC/R industry, is introducing a Web site for consumers, www.HVACRAdvice.com.

HVACRAdvice.com features a contractor locator where homeowners can type in their zip code and find local companies that employ NATE-certified technicians. NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVAC/R industry by passing specialized NATE certification tests.

Why use a certified technician?

--  Lower utility bills through proper installation and maintenance
--  Fewer callbacks and warranty returns
--  Fast, efficient service; Job done right the first time
--  Equipment that runs at peak efficiency
--  Advice and knowledge from a skilled, certified technician
    

"Satisfaction is higher when consumers hire certified technicians. Among consumers who know NATE and have used a NATE-certified tech, 84 percent said they would select the same contractor again. Why would you NOT choose a certified technician?"

- Ray Isaac, Chairman, NATE and President, Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning

"This year, in particular, there is little room for inefficiency as consumers nationwide watch costs go up and budgets increasingly tighten. Using a certified HVAC technician ensures your HVAC system will be functioning at its best and as efficiently as possible this season."

- Rex Boynton, President, NATE

Contractors that employ NATE certified technicians will also be knowledgeable about high-efficiency systems, such as those with an ENERGY STAR® label, which can reduce the impact on the environment and can also save homeowners money -- not to mention the new federal tax incentives. With the passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, homeowners are now eligible for expanded tax incentives on energy-efficient HVAC systems.

What else can I find at HVACRAdvice.com?

In addition to a contractor locator, a number of useful documents and information pages are also available in the Tips and Resources area of HVACRAdvice.com including:

-- An Energy Savings Calculator

-- A Heating/Cooling Checklist

-- Maintenance Tips

-- Information on how to make your home more energy efficient

-- Details on carbon monoxide safety and detection

-- Definitions of efficiency ratings (AFUE, SEER and HSPF)

So, what are you waiting for? Find a contractor with certified technicians near you -- visit www.HVACRAdvice.com.

About North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

Headquartered in Arlington, Va., NATE was founded in 1997 as the nation's largest 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. For more information about NATE, visit www.natex.org.

Contact Information: Contact: Abby Butt 717.393.3831 abby@godfrey.com

Ask about high-efficiency systems, which can reduce the impact on the environment and can also save homeowners money. NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVAC/R industry by passing specialized NATE certification tests. Find a certified technician near you at www.HVACRAdvice.com. NATE-certified technicians can provide advice on ways to save energy.