NATE-certified Technicians
NATE-certified Technicians | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Chattanooga
When Chattanooga’s weather swings from humid summers to crisp winters, HEP’s NATE-certified technicians keep your home breathing easy with expert ventilation and air quality solutions. We dig deeper than temperature control—evaluating duct layouts, balancing airflow, and installing advanced filtration so every room feels fresher, healthier, and perfectly conditioned. Backed by rigorous training and local know-how, our team pinpoints hidden pollutants and humidity issues before they become comfort-sapping problems.
Whether you need a whole-home air purifier, energy-saving ERV, or a precision tune-up for your HVAC system, we deliver service that’s friendly, fast, and always focused on long-term value. Count on HEP to boost indoor comfort, protect your family’s health, and lower utility costs—all with craftsmanship trusted across Chattanooga since 1981. Breathe better, live better, and let HEP handle the details.
FAQs
What does it mean for your technicians to be NATE-certified, and why should Chattanooga homeowners care?
NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification is the HVAC industry’s highest standard of technical competence. To earn it, a technician must pass comprehensive, proctored exams covering installation, service, and safety for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. When you invite a NATE-certified professional into your home, you’re assured that: • Diagnostics and repairs are completed correctly the first time, saving you repeat visits and added costs. • Equipment is sized and installed to manufacturer specifications, maximizing efficiency and warranty protection. • Industry best practices for airflow, duct sealing, and indoor air quality are followed, which is critical in Chattanooga’s humid climate. • All work complies with local mechanical codes and TVA energy-efficiency guidelines. In short, NATE certification is your guarantee of skilled labor, lower utility bills, and a healthier living environment.
How does proper ventilation improve indoor air quality in Chattanooga’s humid climate?
Hamilton County experiences high humidity, long pollen seasons, and frequent temperature swings. Without controlled ventilation, moisture and contaminants become trapped indoors, leading to mold growth, musty odors, and aggravated allergies. Balanced or mechanical ventilation: • Removes stale, humid air and replaces it with filtered, conditioned outdoor air. • Dilutes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, new furnishings, and building materials. • Controls excess moisture, reducing the risk of wood rot, peeling paint, and biological growth inside ductwork. • Maintains adequate fresh-air changes to satisfy ASHRAE 62.2 standards for homes. Our technicians measure your home’s air-change rate, evaluate pressure imbalances, and design a ventilation strategy—such as ENERGY STAR–rated exhaust fans, supply vents, or whole-house ventilators—that keeps indoor air fresh without driving up energy costs.
What air-quality products do you offer to reduce allergens, odors, and airborne pollutants?
After a no-obligation indoor air analysis, we may recommend one or a combination of the following solutions: 1. High-MERV Pleated Filters or Media Cabinets: Capture dust, dander, pollen, and smoke down to 0.3 microns with minimal static-pressure drop. 2. HEPA Bypass Filtration: Hospital-grade particulate control for homes with severe allergies or respiratory conditions. 3. UV-C Germicidal Lamps: Installed inside the air handler to inactivate mold spores, bacteria, and viruses on coils and in airflow. 4. Electronic Air Cleaners (EACs): Use ionization to trap ultrafine particles and neutralize odors. 5. Whole-House Dehumidifiers: Maintain 45–50 % relative humidity, discouraging dust mites and mold. 6. Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs): Exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture to keep operating costs low. All equipment is matched to your existing HVAC system, professionally installed, and backed by factory warranties plus our own workmanship guarantee.
How often should filters and ventilation components be inspected or replaced?
Frequency depends on system usage, filter type, and household conditions—pets, smokers, and construction dust all shorten service life. General Chattanooga guidelines are: • 1-in. disposable filters: Inspect monthly and replace every 30–60 days. • 4–5-in. media filters: Replace every 6–12 months. • HEPA canisters and carbon beds: Replace every 12–24 months, or as pressure drop indicates. • UV lamps: Replace bulbs every 18–24 months to maintain germicidal output. • ERV/HRV cores and pre-filters: Vacuum or wash quarterly; deep-clean cores annually. • Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans: Clean grilles twice a year and verify airflow with a CFM test. During each preventive maintenance visit, our NATE-certified techs document readings, photograph components, and provide a written report with any replacement recommendations.
Are Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) effective for homes in the Chattanooga area?
Yes. Because our region sees both hot-humid summers and cool-damp winters, ERVs are usually the better choice. They transfer both heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air streams, which: • Reduces the latent load on your air conditioner in summer, lowering energy use up to 40 % compared with exhaust-only ventilation. • Adds beneficial humidity back into overly dry indoor air during winter. HRVs transfer only heat, so they are often preferred in colder, northern climates. However, in high-performance or tightly sealed homes on Lookout Mountain or North Shore, an HRV paired with a dehumidifier can also work. Our team performs Manual D and ventilation sizing to determine the right model, airflow rate, and control strategy for your specific residence.
Do you offer maintenance plans and emergency service for ventilation and air-quality equipment?
Absolutely. Our Peak Performance Plan includes two seasonal tune-ups per year, priority scheduling, and 15 % discounts on parts and labor. Each visit covers: • Full HVAC and ventilation inspection (filters, blower, coils, drain pans, duct static pressure) • Calibration of thermostats, humidistats, and ERV/HRV control boards • Airflow verification to meet manufacturer specs • Safety checks for carbon-monoxide levels and electrical integrity 24/7 emergency service is available within the greater Chattanooga metro—typically within 2 hours. All work is performed by background-checked, NATE-certified professionals and backed by our 100 % satisfaction guarantee.