UBCNews - Business - HVAC Professional Hiring Tips: How To Find Top Heating & Air Technicians Fast

Episode Date: February 25, 2026

Welcome back to the show, everyone. Today we're tackling something that's really on the minds of home and business owners just about everywhere - finding quality technicians. Have you ever wondered what actually separates a great HVAC tech from an average one? Engle Services City: Sylacauga Address: 40300 U.S. 280 Website: https://engleservicesheatingandair.com/

Welcome back to the show, everyone. Today we're tackling something that's really on the minds of home and business owners just about everywhere. Finding quality technicians. Have you ever wondered what actually separates a great HVAC tech from an average one? That's the million dollar question, honestly. You know, when I was working at a smaller outfit years back, we hired someone who looked great on paper, but couldn't troubleshoot his way out of a wet cardboard box.

It taught me that certifications matter, but so does real world experience. Right, exactly. So let's start with the basics. What should people be looking for when they're evaluating companies? Well, first off, licensing is non-negotiable. Every technician needs to meet their own state's requirements for HVAC work. But beyond that, I'd say look for Nate certification. That's North American technician excellence. and it's really the gold standard in our industry. Nate certified technicians, that's key. What does that certification actually tell you about someone? It means they've proven their knowledge in real-world scenarios, not just theory.

Nate evaluates text based on actual industry standards and practical skills. So when you see that certification, you know they can handle installations, repairs, and maintenance work properly. Make sense, and I imagine in different climates, with hot summers and sometimes unpredictable winters, you need people who can respond quickly to emergencies too. Absolutely. The ability to do prompt emergency callouts is huge. Homeowners expect fast response times when their AC dies in July, or their furnace fails in January. A good tech has to be reliable under pressure. Um-hum, I hear you. Now you mentioned installations and reports. What's the range of skills a well-rounded technician should have? A strong candidate should be comfortable with three main areas. Installation, maintenance, and repair.

That includes working on various brands, not just one manufacturer. For example, being a Ream Pro partner is great, but you also need techs who can service carrier, train, Lennox, whatever the customer has. So versatility is really important. important. What about specializations? Should people be looking for techs with experience in specific areas like indoor air quality? Oh, definitely. Indoor air quality services are becoming more important to customers. We're talking about air duct cleaning, installing air purifiers and filters,

humidity control systems. A tech who understands those systems brings added value. Plus, Um, customers are way more aware of air quality issues these days than they were even five years ago. That point about indoor air quality really sets up our next piece, the broader skill requirements, but first a quick word from our sponsor. This episode is brought to you by Engel Services. Since 2001, this family-owned company has provided expert heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing services throughout Central Alabama, with Nate certified technicians, an A-plus Better Business Bureau rating, and locations serving Birmingham, Pell City, Silicaga, Alabaster, Wetumka, Talladega, and Dataville.

They deliver reliable home comfort solutions. They offer preventative maintenance plans and financing options for HVAC replacements and installations. Learn more at Engel Services, Heating and Air.com. Picking up on indoor air quality, how do you ensure your technicians stay current with evolving industry standards. Training is ongoing in this field. The best techs are constantly learning about new equipment, updated building codes, and emerging technologies. You want people who take their professional development seriously. Continuous education, regular training. However you phrase it,

keeping skills sharp is what separates good companies from mediocre ones. And I imagine that affects customer service too. When a tech knows their stuff, homeowners feel more confident, right? 100%. High-quality customer service starts with technical competence. When a technician can explain what's wrong, offer clear options, and complete the work efficiently, that builds trust. In-home assessments need to be thorough, but not overwhelming for the homeowner. So for everyone listening, what's your number one piece of advice for finding a good HVAC Pro. I'd say, uh, prioritize quality over speed. It's tempting to book services quickly, especially during busy seasons, but hiring the wrong person costs you more in the long run.

Look for licensed, Nate certified candidates with a solid track record. I remember one summer my company got desperate and hired three guys without proper vetting. Two were gone within a month. and we had to redo work for four different customers. Expensive lesson. And homeowners might face similar issues if they hire too quickly. Ouch, yeah, that'll do it. And once you've found those people, how do you keep them? The industry has pretty high turnover.

Great question. Competitive compensation is part of it. Technicians need to feel valued. You should also provide benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth. Show your team there's a future with your company, not just a paycheck. When they're happier, they'll serve customers better too. Right, exactly.

And honestly, a little appreciation goes a long way. Recognize good work, celebrate wins, maybe throw in some pizza on a tough Friday. Sound simple, but morale matters. Homeowners will feel the difference when an upbeat worker is fixing their their AC. Pizza solves most problems, let's be honest. Now let's circle back to something we touched on earlier, service area coverage. How important is it that techs are familiar with the specific regions they serve?

It matters more than people think. Someone who knows the common issues in their own regions, who understands local building codes and typical home construction in those areas, is going to be more efficient. knowledge speeds up diagnostics and helps avoid mistakes. That's a great point about regional expertise. Now what about routine maintenance? How does that factor into what you're looking for in a technician? Preventative maintenance is where the money is for businesses, honestly. Technicians who can perform seasonal tune-ups, thorough inspections, and explain the value of maintenance plans to customers are assets. These plans typically include

priority service for emergencies too. That's huge, no doubt. Any final thoughts for our listeners who are looking to source a solid crew? Just remember that the right technician will save you money through quality work that's done right the first time. Look for positive word of mouth and take the time to find people who align with industry standards. Excellent advice. Together, we've covered licensing, certifications, customer service, regional knowledge, and retention strategies. Thanks for joining us today and sharing your expertise. My pleasure. Thanks for having me.