Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (ACR): Internet Resources

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating and commercial refrigeration equipment. An internationally-recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI’s 350+ member companies account for more than 90 percent of the residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment manufactured and sold in North America.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry. Through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s built environment today.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry that provides education, training, useful resources, etc., to support all firms, individuals, providers, suppliers, and contractors. AGC works to ensure the continued success of the commercial construction industry by advocating for federal, state and local measures that support the industry; providing opportunities for firms to learn about ways to become more accomplished; and connecting them with the resources and individuals they need to be successful businesses and corporate citizens.

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.

NADCA: The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association, otherwise known as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), was formed in 1989, as a nonprofit association of companies engaged in the cleaning of HVAC systems. Its original mission was to promote source removal as the only acceptable method of cleaning and to establish industry standards for the association. NADCA’s mission has expanded to include qualified companies engaged in the inspection, cleaning and restoration of HVAC systems. NADCA supports members' success with standards, education, certification, marketing and advocacy to promote ethics and the highest quality services. The goal of the association is for its members to be the number one resource for consumers and other entities seeking air duct cleaning and HVAC inspection, cleaning and restoration.

NCCER is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation created in 1996, as The National Center for Construction Education and Research. It was developed with the support of more than 125 construction CEOs and various association and academic leaders who united to revolutionize training for the construction industry. Sharing the common goal of developing a safe and productive workforce, these companies created a standardized training and credentialing program for the industry. This progressive program has evolved into curricula for more than 70 craft areas and a complete series of more than 70 assessments offered in over 6,000 NCCER-accredited training and assessment locations across the United States.

Founded in 1997, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. As our business evolves to meet the growing demands of the HVACR workforce, the company's vision - to be the leader in developing and recognizing professional HVACR technicians - remains clear. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, NATE is the certification organization that was developed by, and has been supported by, the entire HVACR industry for over 20 years.

The premiere organization for the p-h-c professional, PHCC provides legislative advocacy, education and training to approximately 3,300 plumbing and HVACR open shop and union businesses and 65,000 technicians. Their members work in the residential, commercial, new construction, industrial and service and repair segments of the construction industry. Members of PHCC have access to a wide variety of resources and services, strengthening their reputation as the best choice for professionalism, reliable products and knowledgeable service—and as a proud protector of public health and safety and the environment.

The United Association (UA) is a multi-craft union of journeymen and apprentices of plumbers, fitters, welders, and HVAC service technicians across the United States, Canada, and Australia providing training programs, certifications, information, latest news, etc.