Industry Information

 

Glossary

Want to know more about heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and security? Click here to view a complete glossary of industry-related terms.

Associations

		The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is the nation's premiere trade association of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) contractors. With 68 state and local chapters across the country, ACCA's member network of more than 9,000 contractors nationwide also includes manufacturers of HVACR equipment, wholesalers and distributors, vocational and technical schools, facilities operators, and others.
		The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) created industry standards, credentialing programs, and a system of continuing education for air duct cleaners. The founding members of NADCA made it their goal to bring professionalism to the business of air duct cleaning. Through the association's efforts, NADCA has helped create a safe, better-educated industry.
		One certification program. One standard of excellence. Technicians working in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry now have a single, clear choice for voluntary testing and certification: the new Air Conditioning Excellence (ACE) program offered through North American Technician Excellence, Inc. (NATE).  "As an organization whose sole purpose is to recognize high-quality industry technicians through voluntary testing and certification, NATE is uniquely qualified to provide the HVAC/R industry with an inclusive and independent certification program valuable to technicians, contractors, and consumers," said John Garvelink, chairman of NATE and past president of Plumbing- Heating- Cooling Contractors National Association.  Some of the certification topics incude: Workplace Safety Customer Relations Physics of Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Fundamentals of Refrigeration & System Servicing Copper Systems & Heat Exchangers Electrical Fundamentals Electrical Diagrams, Controls & Troubleshooting Motors & Starting Devices Combustion & Venting; Electric Heat, Hydronic and Piping Systems Gas Fired Systems Oil Fired Systems Heat Pump Systems Troubleshooting Heating Systems Air Properties A/C Systems & Heat Pumps
		Quality One is a network of well established locally owned, independent Heating & Air Conditioning contractors in Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia with a reputation for quality and high customer satisfaction. We have pledged to uphold the highest ethical standards, maintain the proper state and local licenses, comply with all local codes and regulations, and carry the proper insurance. This combination assures you a higher standard of services and unparalleled excellence.  As "Quality One Contractors," our mission is to deliver the highest level of excellence in our respective trades coupled with strictly upholding our code of ethical business practices.  Quality One associate companies are totally committed to providing their customers with a high degree of professional services in all areas. Using only state-of-the-art top quality material and installation or service techniques.  Our goal is to exceed the expectations of our customers and earn their loyalty. Providing complete customer satisfaction is in our mutual interest. We believe success is truly achieved when our customers recommend us to their friends and family.
		The mission of the Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals of Virginia (PMPV) is to provide networking, information, education, and training to its statewide membership as well as tracking legislation and providing a forum for problem solving. The vision of PMPV is to provide a growing membership with the resources, education, and public recognition they need to expand their businesses in the most professional and profitable manner. What this means for the public is that PMPV member companies are committed to upholding the most ethical, professional, and quality business practices.
		Comfort Institute, Inc. (CI) is an international indoor comfort research, training and consumer protection organization based in Bellingham, Washington with trainers and offices located throughout the United States and Canada. Comfort Institute's Consumer Protection Division provides homeowners with valuable consumer information and tips that cover many aspects of home comfort including ways to reduce or completely eliminate common problems such as: hot and cold spots excessive dust allergy and asthma suffering dry or damp indoor air unhealthy indoor air noisy or unreliable heating/cooling equipment excessive utility bills Government and utility research has proven that most new "high efficiency" heating and cooling systems don't deliver anywhere near the comfort and low utility bills they are capable of. Comfort Institute is dedicated to informing North American homeowners about why this happens and how to avoid it. Comfort Institute also provides training and support to a network of independent comfort contractors across North America. These programs help member contractors solve problems like those listed above for their homeowner customers. They also help contractors provide the highest possible quality of heating and cooling service and installations, at the lowest possible competitive prices.

Other Associations
Washington Gas Certified Contractor
The Better Business Bureau
Excellence Alliance Inc. (EAI)
Qualified Gas Contractors Association (QGC)
The Chamber of Commerce
Plumbing Mechanical Professionals of Virginia (PMPV)
PEPCO Power Watchers Contractor
The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)