In the eyes of contractor John Lettner, there is only one technician certification group: North American Technician Excellence (NATE). In fact, all of his techs at his Morton Grove, Ill., business, Pure Air Heating and Air Conditioning, are NATE certified.

“Certification is important because we want to be able to provide the highest level of service and knowledge to our customers,” said Lettner, who also made sure his brother, Peter, became certified in gas heating installation.

Pure Air has four techs, but Lettner could have 20 or more techs and the thought process would be the same.

“We prefer that any tech who works for us is NATE certified,” he said. “However, if they aren’t, we would send them to get certified. They may not have had the chance to do it with another company.”

Lettner chose NATE not only because it is a nationally recognized certification, but also because Trane requires each of its Comfort Specialist dealers to have at least one tech certified.

“We felt if it was important enough for Trane to have one tech certified, then it was more important to our customers to have our entire team who works on their homes to be certified,” he explained.

There are currently more than 23,000 NATE-certified technicians throughout North America, but only a handful of contractors have 100 percent of their technician workforce NATE-certified. Lettner is proud his business is among the few.

“We try to include our accomplishment on all of our publications and mailings,” said Lettner. “It has market value because more consumers are doing their own research and getting educated on our industry before choosing a contractor, and they will realize that our company and our techs are committed to our industry and committed to providing excellent service.

“We do feel that we have an advantage because all of our techs have the highest level of knowledge in our industry and other companies may not.”

In addition to Peter Lettner, Jason Guerra is also certified in gas heating installation, as well as gas heating service. Fellow techs Matthew Polizzi and James Hamilton have the same specialties, but are also certified in both air conditioning service and installation.

“We paid for the techs’ certification, and, yes, we did increase each of their salaries,” said Lettner. “Their incentive, aside from the pay increase, was the increased confidence of knowing they are the best in the industry.”

Since 1974, Pure Air has been providing service, installation, and maintenance on residential and light commercial applications. It will continue to do so with NATE-certified techs.

“Yes, contractors should all support NATE,” offered Lettner. “We aren’t aware of any other program.”

Carl Smith, director of marketing and public relations for NATE, said 100 percent technician certification demonstrates a vigorous commitment to training and professional development.

“NATE certification is the industry standard for certification. Manufacturers, contractors, wholesalers, the U.S. Department of Energy, the EPA and its Energy Star Program, trade associations, trainers, and utilities nationwide support this standard of HVAC excellence.”