The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 will provide financial incentives to homeowners who use NATE-certified technicians for home energy efficiency improvements. The bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently under review by the U.S. Senate.

North American Technician Excellence developed an efficiency analyst exam in an effort to promote HVACR installation practices that save energy and reduce peak demand. The exam was created in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. The senior-level certification exam, which requires that the technician already possess at least one cooling and one heating service certification, tests a technician’s knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance and repair of HVACR system operations to maintain high levels of energy efficiency or suggest ways in which energy usage can be dramatically reduced.

“The HVAC efficiency analyst senior certification validates the ability of technicians who have passed the exam to help consumers take advantage of incentives available through the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 as they upgrade heating and cooling equipment,” said Patrick Murphy, vice president of certifications at NATE. “The exam also provides a way for HVACR technicians to differentiate themselves as energy efficiency experts, which is so important at a time when energy costs are on the minds of most Americans.”

According to Murphy, the exam tests the technician’s knowledge of load calculation, equipment selection, air and hydronic distribution, indoor air and environment quality, planned maintenance and system performance.

The efficiency analyst certification is one of six NATE certifications held by Robert Millen, a technician with Adams Electric in Pratt, Kan.

“NATE exams and certifications are relevant to today’s highly competitive HVAC market,” said Millen. “The efficiency analyst certification, for example, tests a technician’s ability to perform day-to-day service calls. But just as importantly, this senior technician test equips him or her to look beyond a simple furnace or air-conditioning repair to the big energy picture and uncover important opportunities for energy savings in homes and businesses.”