Frequently Asked Questions

When your heating and cooling equipment acts up, you want only the best HVAC technician to fix it. With dozens of contractors in the Racine and Kenosha area to choose from, how can you possibly narrow down your options? One way to spot the true professionals is to consider their certifications.

At First Call Heating & Cooling, we are a Trane® Certified Comfort Specialist™, member of the Better Business Bureau, and installer of Energy Star-qualified equipment. Our technicians are also NATE-certified. Here's your chance to learn more about NATE certification and why you should never hire a contractor without this distinction.

What is NATE?

North American Technician Excellence, or NATE, is the country's largest non-profit organization that provides training and testing for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians. This is the only nationally accepted certification program of its kind, and participation by HVAC technicians is strictly voluntary.

What Does NATE Certification Entail?

To earn this distinction, HVAC technicians must not only undergo training-they must also pass written and practical exams with a grade of 70% or higher to prove their understanding. Passing the exams confirms that the technicians have become experts in all areas of the HVAC industry, including servicing and installing gas furnaces, air conditioning, heat pumps, oil furnaces, and air distribution systems. Technicians can also specialize in areas like hydronics and refrigeration to further enhance their resume.

Most NATE certification categories last for five years. To become re-certified, techs must complete 60 hours of continuing education or retake the exams. This requirement ensures that HVAC industry employees remain up-to-date with the latest technologies and safety techniques.

Passing the NATE certification exams isn't easy. The organization has worked hard to create challenging but practical training and tests that enhance the skills of those who complete the program. The ultimate goal is to ensure customers receive reliable service when they hire an HVAC contractor.

Why Hire a NATE-Certified Technician?

While many heating and cooling companies provide training for their technicians, this isn't nearly as comprehensive as the training and testing NATE provides. Don't settle for anyone other than a NATE-certified technician if you want to enjoy:

• Certified installation: Poor system setup can reduce efficiency by up to 30%. Enjoy the improved performance and peace of mind that comes with a NATE-certified installation.
• Reliable services: Whether you need routine maintenance or an emergency repair, you can expect more thorough, efficient services when you work with a NATE-certified technician.
• Fewer callbacks: You want your HVAC equipment repaired correctly the first time around. Thanks to their advanced education, NATE-certified professionals complete callback-free repairs in 74% of cases. This is compared to 68% of jobs for techs without certification.
• Better system performance: You can count on a NATE-certified technician to ensure your system performs at its peak. The benefits of smooth, efficient operation include better home comfort, lower energy bills, safer performance, and longer system lifespan.
• Access to expert advice: Do you want to know how to change the air filter? Are you concerned about your rising energy bills? NATE-certified technicians have the knowledge and experience to answer your questions and help you get the most from your HVAC equipment.

Hire a NATE-Certified Technician in the Racine/Kenosha Area

While participation in the NATE certification program is voluntary, First Call Heating & Cooling only employs technicians with this distinction. This means when you choose us to install, repair, maintain, or replace your HVAC equipment, you'll always receive the very best service.

Life without air conditioning would be pretty uncomfortable here in the Midwest in mid-summer. Still, for most local residents, the AC system is "out of sight and out of mind" until the hot day when you need it most–and it stops working. The key to staying cool all summer requires just a quick call to your local air conditioning experts for an AC tune-up. Make the call now, before the warm weather (and our busy season) hits, so we can schedule your AC maintenance service at your complete convenience.

Advantages of an AC Tune-Up

Take a few moments to schedule preventative air conditioner maintenance and you’ll avoid an inconvenient (and possibly expensive) AC breakdown. Ideally, our well-trained HVAC technicians should inspect and tune-up your cooling system every spring, to make sure your air conditioner is ready for heavy summer use. 

Major benefits of our AC tune-up service include:

• An AC maintenance visit allows our technicians to clean and oil your air conditioning system and change out the air filter if needed.
• During your AC tune-up, your technician can catch any potential equipment problems before they cause a complete system breakdown.
• You save money by replacing faulty or worn parts before they damage your AC system.
• You enjoy the convenience of a reliable air conditioner that will be there when you need it. 
• You could soon see lower energy bills, because tune-ups ensure your system is always running at peak performance and maximum energy efficiency. 
• You’ll get many more years of service from your cooling system with professional maintenance. Delaying the need to replace your AC system, and invest in a new AC, is a huge savings. 

The First Call AC Tune-Up Checklist

During your maintenance call, our air conditioning specialist will perform crucial preventive maintenance tasks and inspect your entire AC system.

Here’s a partial list of essential maintenance tasks that your technician will take care of:

• Your technician will talk you with to learn about any AC performance problems you have noticed (such as hot or cold spots in your home or unusual noises from the system).
• We test system controls to be sure that your AC cycles on and off properly.
• We calibrate thermostat settings and suggest temperature set points that could lower your upcoming energy bills.
• We lubricate all moving parts.
• We check the AC condensate drain for clogs. 
• We clean the AC coils to eliminate any mold and remove dirt buildup to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and prevent damage to the system.
• We inspect electrical connections for safety and efficiency reasons.
• We adjust blower if needed for optimal energy use and comfortable home airflow.
• We check the refrigerant level and adjust if necessary.
• We monitor the expansion valve.
• We test the safety controls.
• We inspect, replace or clean your air filters. (Homeowners are well-advised to do this on their own between service calls. Make a note on your calendar to change or clean the AC filter at least monthly during the months you use it. Your technician can show you how, if you like.)