HVAC organizations set the tone and standards for the industry that many companies follow. They also provide several tools for members and some give you a leg up on the competition.
NATE and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) are great ones to be associated with. NATE gives technicians certification that will carry them into their career and poise your company as experts. ACCA is perfect for HVAC businesspeople and follows well-respected industry standards.
Advantages:
- Having your company name associated with an organization can help build your reputation and place you as an expert.
- You have an instant built-in network of businesses and industry leaders.
- Being in the know about the latest issues affecting your industry, and being able to have an impact on the outcome of those issues on a larger scale.
Disadvantages:
- Depending on exclusivity, some organizations can have binding rules that make it difficult to join or network elsewhere.
- Joining may not be cost-effective for a new or budding company.
- Joining as an individual could hinder your job opportunities, depending on which organization you join and how widely accepted their practices are.
If you think professional HVAC organizations are for you, research your options. It's important to join an established organization with a wide network of resources.