*The Angi rating for Central Vacuum Installation companies in Everett, WA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Central Vacuum Installation needs.
*The HomeAdvisor rating for Central Vacuum Installation companies in Everett, WA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Central Vacuum Installation needs.
Last update on May 23, 2025
As a provider of essential services here in the Puget Sound Region, Seatown Electric Plumbing Heating & Air remains open to serve you. To ensure the safety of our customers our technicians' health is monitored closely and we are following the highest safety recommendations, including the use of masks and protective gloves. The health and wellness of our customers and employees will always come first. We are here for you! Seatown provides Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, and A/C services in the Greater Puget Sound region, concentrating in King and Snohomish county. With our customer satisfaction guarantee, you can rest assured that your system will outlast industry standards, providing safety, and comfort for your home, for many years to come. You will never have to search for a new electrical, plumbing or heating and air contractor again. That is our promise. Seatown continues to lead Angie's List, with overall "A" reviews, by serving one customer at a time and giving top-notch service. We hope to build long-lasting customer relationships, throughout Washington State. Our world-class technicians will show up to your door in clean uniforms, with visible ID and state certification, trained to over-exceed your expectations, and never leaving a mess behind. We are Seatown Electric Plumbing Heating And Air, Washington's all in one contractor.
"Install and function went smooth. Tech even applied a WA state tax break that I was unaware of. Saved me hundreds of dollars on tax. Professional, quick work, suggesting ways to save money. Excellent all around."
Austin T on April 2025
As a provider of essential services here in the Puget Sound Region, Seatown Electric Plumbing Heating & Air remains open to serve you. To ensure the safety of our customers our technicians' health is monitored closely and we are following the highest safety recommendations, including the use of masks and protective gloves. The health and wellness of our customers and employees will always come first. We are here for you! Seatown provides Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, and A/C services in the Greater Puget Sound region, concentrating in King and Snohomish county. With our customer satisfaction guarantee, you can rest assured that your system will outlast industry standards, providing safety, and comfort for your home, for many years to come. You will never have to search for a new electrical, plumbing or heating and air contractor again. That is our promise. Seatown continues to lead Angie's List, with overall "A" reviews, by serving one customer at a time and giving top-notch service. We hope to build long-lasting customer relationships, throughout Washington State. Our world-class technicians will show up to your door in clean uniforms, with visible ID and state certification, trained to over-exceed your expectations, and never leaving a mess behind. We are Seatown Electric Plumbing Heating And Air, Washington's all in one contractor.
"Install and function went smooth. Tech even applied a WA state tax break that I was unaware of. Saved me hundreds of dollars on tax. Professional, quick work, suggesting ways to save money. Excellent all around."
Austin T on April 2025
There are so many options for keeping your home comfortable. Lifetime Heating & Air Conditioning is the "only" HVAC business in Washington that offers a Lifetime Warranty on your equipment while enrolled in our maintenance program. That means, no more diagnostic calls, after hour fees, upselling, or technicians who "always" find something wrong on your equipment. Our heating and cooling technicians carry the highest level of certifications including WA L&I Electrical licenses, NATE certifications, EPA certifications and are licensed, bonded and insured. Employees are background checked, drug tested and comply with safety and driving requirements. We are specialists in furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, indoor air quality, and weatherization service, repair and installation. We can service gas fireplaces, humidifiers, generators, tankless and standard water heaters and more! We guarantee your comfort for a LIFETIME!
"Wow, these people were great! After seeing another company struggle to get two very old fas fireplaces to work, our property manager was directed by another fireplace repair place (who no longer services gas fireplaces) to call Lifetime. They sent Travis McKibben to our home, and he was fast, efficient, and most of all, he got the job done and done well. He really knows what he's doing, and is a really nice guy too. If you have to get service on a gas fireplace (especially an older model), or need HVAC work, I highly recommend this company and this technician."
Suzanne M on April 2023
There are so many options for keeping your home comfortable. Lifetime Heating & Air Conditioning is the "only" HVAC business in Washington that offers a Lifetime Warranty on your equipment while enrolled in our maintenance program. That means, no more diagnostic calls, after hour fees, upselling, or technicians who "always" find something wrong on your equipment. Our heating and cooling technicians carry the highest level of certifications including WA L&I Electrical licenses, NATE certifications, EPA certifications and are licensed, bonded and insured. Employees are background checked, drug tested and comply with safety and driving requirements. We are specialists in furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, indoor air quality, and weatherization service, repair and installation. We can service gas fireplaces, humidifiers, generators, tankless and standard water heaters and more! We guarantee your comfort for a LIFETIME!
"Wow, these people were great! After seeing another company struggle to get two very old fas fireplaces to work, our property manager was directed by another fireplace repair place (who no longer services gas fireplaces) to call Lifetime. They sent Travis McKibben to our home, and he was fast, efficient, and most of all, he got the job done and done well. He really knows what he's doing, and is a really nice guy too. If you have to get service on a gas fireplace (especially an older model), or need HVAC work, I highly recommend this company and this technician."
Suzanne M on April 2023
Thank you for considering Greener Cleaner Heating and Cooling, where excellence in heating and mechanical services meets personalized care. Founded by Robert, our small, family-owned business brings over 20 years of combined experience to every job. Our journey began with a shared passion for providing reliable, top-quality HVAC solutions, and we’re thrilled to extend that expertise to you. At Greener Cleaner Heating and Cooling, we are dedicated to offering clean, green energy home solutions that not only enhance your comfort but also support a sustainable future. Whether you need a new heating system, emergency repairs, or routine maintenance, we approach each project with dedication and a keen attention to detail. Robert’s hands-on experience ensures that every task is completed with precision and care, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
"Great service! They were able to get my work done a few days after inquiring, the job went great, good price, great communication and I’ve already recommended this business to my neighbors."
Tom H on October 2024
Thank you for considering Greener Cleaner Heating and Cooling, where excellence in heating and mechanical services meets personalized care. Founded by Robert, our small, family-owned business brings over 20 years of combined experience to every job. Our journey began with a shared passion for providing reliable, top-quality HVAC solutions, and we’re thrilled to extend that expertise to you. At Greener Cleaner Heating and Cooling, we are dedicated to offering clean, green energy home solutions that not only enhance your comfort but also support a sustainable future. Whether you need a new heating system, emergency repairs, or routine maintenance, we approach each project with dedication and a keen attention to detail. Robert’s hands-on experience ensures that every task is completed with precision and care, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
"Great service! They were able to get my work done a few days after inquiring, the job went great, good price, great communication and I’ve already recommended this business to my neighbors."
Tom H on October 2024
PMG Mechanical has been servicing the greater King County and surrounding areas since 1993. With over 32 years of heating and cooling experience, you can rely on us to keep your heating and cooling systems running at peak performance. We specialize in Carrier, Mitsubishi, Goodman, and Daikin products for Heating and Air Conditioning. We also offer Bradford White, A.O. Smith and Rynnai for both tanked and tankless water heaters. If you're looking to add or replace units in your home, give us a call. We offer a complimentary heating and cooling consultation of your home to ensure that all of your comfort needs are met!
"Joseph was very professional and everything was done efficiently and was finished faster than I had anticipated! Would use him again if needed!"
Candice I on February 2025
PMG Mechanical has been servicing the greater King County and surrounding areas since 1993. With over 32 years of heating and cooling experience, you can rely on us to keep your heating and cooling systems running at peak performance. We specialize in Carrier, Mitsubishi, Goodman, and Daikin products for Heating and Air Conditioning. We also offer Bradford White, A.O. Smith and Rynnai for both tanked and tankless water heaters. If you're looking to add or replace units in your home, give us a call. We offer a complimentary heating and cooling consultation of your home to ensure that all of your comfort needs are met!
"Joseph was very professional and everything was done efficiently and was finished faster than I had anticipated! Would use him again if needed!"
Candice I on February 2025
As COVID-19 continues to impact the global community, we at Blue Flame want to update you on the steps we have taken to ensure the safety of our employees and customers, please visit our website at www.blueflamecomfort.com for a detailed statement. Blue Flame Comfort specializes in residential install, service as well as maintenance with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Ask us about tankless water heaters, high-efficiency furnaces, and heat pumps! Our office and standard hours are listed but our dedicated team of background-checked and thoroughly trained technicians are ready and willing to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency services.
"I had a technician come in to determine why my dining room light did not come on. The tech opened up my light switches and determined that the fixture had failed. Kind of surprising but not entirely unreasonable. He pointed out that one of the light switches should be replaced as it was cracked. I also asked him to replace a light switch in a different room. On his way out he hit his head on the light fixture he was reviewing and broke it (glass chandelier). As the fixture was broken and needed to be replaced, I didn't care much about the accident. Later that evening I went to turn on the switch he replaced and it was not functioning properly. I pulled the switch to take a look if something came loose and noticed that he failed to attach the ground wire. I attached the ground wire and the switch still is not working correctly. The switch that he mentioned was cracked was not working either, upon opening up the switch I saw that it was fully broken and not a crack. I suspect he damaged it while troubleshooting the original issue as it was working perfectly fine prior to him opening up the switch. So with all of this, I'm now wondering if he even troubleshot the issue properly and just blamed it on the fixture. Hard to say. That being said, I would probably not use their service again."
Anthony D on February 2021
As COVID-19 continues to impact the global community, we at Blue Flame want to update you on the steps we have taken to ensure the safety of our employees and customers, please visit our website at www.blueflamecomfort.com for a detailed statement. Blue Flame Comfort specializes in residential install, service as well as maintenance with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Ask us about tankless water heaters, high-efficiency furnaces, and heat pumps! Our office and standard hours are listed but our dedicated team of background-checked and thoroughly trained technicians are ready and willing to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency services.
"I had a technician come in to determine why my dining room light did not come on. The tech opened up my light switches and determined that the fixture had failed. Kind of surprising but not entirely unreasonable. He pointed out that one of the light switches should be replaced as it was cracked. I also asked him to replace a light switch in a different room. On his way out he hit his head on the light fixture he was reviewing and broke it (glass chandelier). As the fixture was broken and needed to be replaced, I didn't care much about the accident. Later that evening I went to turn on the switch he replaced and it was not functioning properly. I pulled the switch to take a look if something came loose and noticed that he failed to attach the ground wire. I attached the ground wire and the switch still is not working correctly. The switch that he mentioned was cracked was not working either, upon opening up the switch I saw that it was fully broken and not a crack. I suspect he damaged it while troubleshooting the original issue as it was working perfectly fine prior to him opening up the switch. So with all of this, I'm now wondering if he even troubleshot the issue properly and just blamed it on the fixture. Hard to say. That being said, I would probably not use their service again."
Anthony D on February 2021
Washington Energy Services has been helping homeowners throughout Western Washington save money and live more comfortably since 1957. As one of the largest home improvement companies in the Seattle-Tacoma area, we are able to provide you with top-quality products and services, installed by our professional craftsmen. Our free in-home estimates ensure you get the right product for your home. We'll be with you through all aspects of your project from the purchase decision, expert installation, quality maintenance and service, and even warranty work should you need it. We assist with permits and rebates, too. Give Washington Energy Services a call today to learn more or to schedule your service.
"This review is long overdue in my praise of Washington Energy Services for their customer service, pricing and workmanship ! My first interaction was in 1999 when they installed windows throughout my house. They are still in excellent condition. I might note I called them over 20 years later to inquire on how I could repair a broken slider and they sent someone right out, charging a very nominal amount to repair it. In 2020, I needed to replace my hot water tank, and the extremely knowledgeable Christy presented several options, answering my many questions. I settled on one with a booster that seemed to best fit my needs. Finally, in December 2023, I purchased a new gas furnace from WES. I had a minor issue with a fan switch and they responded quickly to rectify the situation. Within the past two months, I seemed to be having an issue with my thermostat (something they had not installed), and the manager, Greg, came out twice with his crew to explore the problem. Today they installed a new thermostat FREE OF CHARGE! Their excellent response and customer service is beyond any company I have hired. And I particularly love that they are family owned and have been around for decades. Their employees seem to be there for the long haul, which speaks highly of the owner. I refer all my friends and family and I won't go anywhere else for services that they offer. Many thanks to the staff I have interacted with over the past 25 years!"
Joan K on March 2025
Washington Energy Services has been helping homeowners throughout Western Washington save money and live more comfortably since 1957. As one of the largest home improvement companies in the Seattle-Tacoma area, we are able to provide you with top-quality products and services, installed by our professional craftsmen. Our free in-home estimates ensure you get the right product for your home. We'll be with you through all aspects of your project from the purchase decision, expert installation, quality maintenance and service, and even warranty work should you need it. We assist with permits and rebates, too. Give Washington Energy Services a call today to learn more or to schedule your service.
"This review is long overdue in my praise of Washington Energy Services for their customer service, pricing and workmanship ! My first interaction was in 1999 when they installed windows throughout my house. They are still in excellent condition. I might note I called them over 20 years later to inquire on how I could repair a broken slider and they sent someone right out, charging a very nominal amount to repair it. In 2020, I needed to replace my hot water tank, and the extremely knowledgeable Christy presented several options, answering my many questions. I settled on one with a booster that seemed to best fit my needs. Finally, in December 2023, I purchased a new gas furnace from WES. I had a minor issue with a fan switch and they responded quickly to rectify the situation. Within the past two months, I seemed to be having an issue with my thermostat (something they had not installed), and the manager, Greg, came out twice with his crew to explore the problem. Today they installed a new thermostat FREE OF CHARGE! Their excellent response and customer service is beyond any company I have hired. And I particularly love that they are family owned and have been around for decades. Their employees seem to be there for the long haul, which speaks highly of the owner. I refer all my friends and family and I won't go anywhere else for services that they offer. Many thanks to the staff I have interacted with over the past 25 years!"
Joan K on March 2025
CM Heating Inc. has been providing quality service in residential heating and air conditioning since 1983 in the Snohomish and North King County areas. We are dedicated to delivering a high quality product with excellent customer satisfaction. We service and install a variety of products to meet your needs. Peace and quiet... and the comfort of knowing your home's heating and cooling systems are dependable. CM Heating Inc. can assure you that your home system is performing efficiently and dependably, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to relax and enjoy the comfort of your home. We are a versatile company, which means we can handle just about anything having to do with heating and cooling. We have held strong while other companies came and went because we take pride in our work and take responsibility for the satisfaction of our customers. Whether you are replacing existing equipment or converting to a new system, we will work with you to provide just the right system for your home. Our trained technicians provide fast, dependable service for both repairs and installations. Alternate Phone Numbers: (866) 496-5757 & (425) 771-4381.
"I have used this company before for plumbing repairs, and I have to agree with many of the reviews. They were prompt, professional and I thought they charged a reasonable fee. So when I decided to install a water softener in my home, I immediately thought of them and asked them for a price estimate. I was told that they charged $69. When I balked at that, they said they would waive the fee and send someone out. I thought that was really nice of them to do that and was looking forward to getting their estimate. I was going to supply the water softener myself, so all I needed was to have them install it. I am fairly handy around the house myself and I knew that this wasn't going to take much more than a hour or so of their time and a few parts. It was not a big job. I was absolutely floored when I go their estimate. They wanted $4,243 for installation only. I find it hard to believe that they would want so much money for so little. I truly felt like they were trying to rip me off. I found a licensed plumber on Angis's List who did the job for $600, which as about what I had estimated the job would cost. I was extremely disappointed in CM Heating's highly overpriced estimate for a simple job. It certainly didn't inspire confidence in the company. They have lost my business forever."
Vernon C on February 2025
CM Heating Inc. has been providing quality service in residential heating and air conditioning since 1983 in the Snohomish and North King County areas. We are dedicated to delivering a high quality product with excellent customer satisfaction. We service and install a variety of products to meet your needs. Peace and quiet... and the comfort of knowing your home's heating and cooling systems are dependable. CM Heating Inc. can assure you that your home system is performing efficiently and dependably, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to relax and enjoy the comfort of your home. We are a versatile company, which means we can handle just about anything having to do with heating and cooling. We have held strong while other companies came and went because we take pride in our work and take responsibility for the satisfaction of our customers. Whether you are replacing existing equipment or converting to a new system, we will work with you to provide just the right system for your home. Our trained technicians provide fast, dependable service for both repairs and installations. Alternate Phone Numbers: (866) 496-5757 & (425) 771-4381.
"I have used this company before for plumbing repairs, and I have to agree with many of the reviews. They were prompt, professional and I thought they charged a reasonable fee. So when I decided to install a water softener in my home, I immediately thought of them and asked them for a price estimate. I was told that they charged $69. When I balked at that, they said they would waive the fee and send someone out. I thought that was really nice of them to do that and was looking forward to getting their estimate. I was going to supply the water softener myself, so all I needed was to have them install it. I am fairly handy around the house myself and I knew that this wasn't going to take much more than a hour or so of their time and a few parts. It was not a big job. I was absolutely floored when I go their estimate. They wanted $4,243 for installation only. I find it hard to believe that they would want so much money for so little. I truly felt like they were trying to rip me off. I found a licensed plumber on Angis's List who did the job for $600, which as about what I had estimated the job would cost. I was extremely disappointed in CM Heating's highly overpriced estimate for a simple job. It certainly didn't inspire confidence in the company. They have lost my business forever."
Vernon C on February 2025
We at Allred Heating, Cooling and Electrical hope to become your trusted friends and partners in keeping your homes safe, comfortable, and a pleasant environment for you and your families. How Allred Got Started Our company was founded by Dan and Matt who discovered they had complimentary areas of expertise. Matt began as an electrician about a decade ago and besides doing electrical work began working with HVAC as well. Dan had been doing contractor work in Alaska and when they met they realized they were a perfect match to begin a business, hence Allred Heating, and Cooling and Electrical. Between the two of them all of the right bases were covered to offer complete electrical and HVAC systems, both installation and repair. Allred Heating Family Hopes to Help Your Family We are a family owned company and we know how important it is to keep our homes working economically and safely. We hold ourselves and our work to the highest standards and that is why we offer a one year parts and labor guarantee. We are bonded, licensed and insured to and we’d like to show you why you can have the utmost confidence in us. We will give you upfront estimates so you’ll know what your bottom line will be.
"I recommended AllRed to my mother, they told her that they would give her a 10% discount on the phone when she called. They only gave her a 5% discount, they also didn't provide any information about the system? No information was provided also about health of system or checkpoint system used; (PSI of freon, lubrication, filters, drain lines, etc) When I called up Allred and asked for them to provide the 10% discount like they promised they said they would, and she would see it on her Credit Card. A couple of weeks went by and nothing. I called again, they apologized and said they would follow up ensure that the service team sent the information to us and provided the discount and called me back directly. After another week, NOTHING! While the work was completed successfully. The communication and follow up of this company are terrible to say the least. I wouldn't recommend Allred to anyone, or trust them at all :-("
Justin H on December 2024
We at Allred Heating, Cooling and Electrical hope to become your trusted friends and partners in keeping your homes safe, comfortable, and a pleasant environment for you and your families. How Allred Got Started Our company was founded by Dan and Matt who discovered they had complimentary areas of expertise. Matt began as an electrician about a decade ago and besides doing electrical work began working with HVAC as well. Dan had been doing contractor work in Alaska and when they met they realized they were a perfect match to begin a business, hence Allred Heating, and Cooling and Electrical. Between the two of them all of the right bases were covered to offer complete electrical and HVAC systems, both installation and repair. Allred Heating Family Hopes to Help Your Family We are a family owned company and we know how important it is to keep our homes working economically and safely. We hold ourselves and our work to the highest standards and that is why we offer a one year parts and labor guarantee. We are bonded, licensed and insured to and we’d like to show you why you can have the utmost confidence in us. We will give you upfront estimates so you’ll know what your bottom line will be.
"I recommended AllRed to my mother, they told her that they would give her a 10% discount on the phone when she called. They only gave her a 5% discount, they also didn't provide any information about the system? No information was provided also about health of system or checkpoint system used; (PSI of freon, lubrication, filters, drain lines, etc) When I called up Allred and asked for them to provide the 10% discount like they promised they said they would, and she would see it on her Credit Card. A couple of weeks went by and nothing. I called again, they apologized and said they would follow up ensure that the service team sent the information to us and provided the discount and called me back directly. After another week, NOTHING! While the work was completed successfully. The communication and follow up of this company are terrible to say the least. I wouldn't recommend Allred to anyone, or trust them at all :-("
Justin H on December 2024
Affordable Heating has been serving the greater Seattle area since 2009. Since our inception, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional service, top-quality products, and unparalleled expertise to homeowners and businesses across the region. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for customer satisfaction, we have earned a reputation as a leading HVAC service provider in the area. We specialize in new construction homes, accessory dwelling units (ADU), water heaters, and replacing or adding to existing systems like furnaces and air conditioners. We are a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer which has best-in-class performance across all categories.
"Very responsive and honest. Quality work. Thank you!"
Sydney P on June 2024
Affordable Heating has been serving the greater Seattle area since 2009. Since our inception, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional service, top-quality products, and unparalleled expertise to homeowners and businesses across the region. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for customer satisfaction, we have earned a reputation as a leading HVAC service provider in the area. We specialize in new construction homes, accessory dwelling units (ADU), water heaters, and replacing or adding to existing systems like furnaces and air conditioners. We are a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer which has best-in-class performance across all categories.
"Very responsive and honest. Quality work. Thank you!"
Sydney P on June 2024
For over a decade, the professionals at Thermo Direct Inc have worked hard for our friends and neighbors in the Triangle area. Helping homeowners and business owners, our comfort system technicians will make sure that your property’s heating and air conditioning equipment works as reliably and energy efficiently as possible. For projects big and small, we provide honest, cost-effective service. Relax... The Doctor is in the House!
"Thermo Direct replied quickly and was able to perform the services I required. I would recommend them to anyone that requires the services of a plumber."
Johnathan B on August 2024
For over a decade, the professionals at Thermo Direct Inc have worked hard for our friends and neighbors in the Triangle area. Helping homeowners and business owners, our comfort system technicians will make sure that your property’s heating and air conditioning equipment works as reliably and energy efficiently as possible. For projects big and small, we provide honest, cost-effective service. Relax... The Doctor is in the House!
"Thermo Direct replied quickly and was able to perform the services I required. I would recommend them to anyone that requires the services of a plumber."
Johnathan B on August 2024
Common repairs for central vacuum cleaners include motor repair, electrical repair, and blocked filters. Central vacuum motor issues typically come with a burning smell and loss of suction. With these issues, you might need simple lubrication to keep it running smoothly, or for more extreme problems, you could need a motor replacement.
Electrical problems or losing suction strength, might be reasons to swap out electrical components for new ones. However, a local central vacuum repair professional can tell you the best plan of action for your system.
The average cost for central vacuum cleaner repair is $310, though prices can range from $120 to $500. Your total cost will depend on the type of repair needed and the type of central vacuum you own.
A minor motor repair, like lubrication, only costs around $50. However, if you need to replace your motor, you’ll be looking at a much higher price tag with a total of $100 to $500. Other fixes, like electrical work, are charged by the hour, which ranges from $15 to $55 per hour.
A central vacuum system can last between 10 and 20 years if maintained properly. The frequency of use and amount of maintenance dictate its lifespan. These central systems last significantly longer than portable vacuum cleaners, which last 8 to 10 years on average. Keep your central vacuum system in good condition by checking the hose, wand, and attachments for clogs and emptying the debris bag regularly.
The average cost to hire an HVAC contractor is between $50 and $150 per hour if charging hourly. However, some HVAC contractors will charge a flat fee by the type of service they are performing—for example, an inspection can cost between $150 to $500. Keep in mind that emergency repairs—which are made after business hours or around major holidays—generally cost more than scheduled repairs.
Yes, most states require HVAC technicians to be certified, and for good reason. Hiring an unlicensed HVAC technician could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations.
As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:
The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
Required to have applicable state and local licenses
Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review
Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi
Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.