Their conversations and combined insights led them to form the National Balancing Institute (NBI), the precursor to NCI. From 1994 to 1998, Guarino and Falke developed the industry’s first residential and light commercial airflow testing, diagnostics, and balancing certifications.
As Guarino explains, “Testing was the key element. The more we tested, the more we realized that by solving comfort issues, we were also addressing energy waste.”
In 1998, they transitioned NBI into National Comfort Institute, adding combustion and carbon monoxide training. This change elevated safety as a core focus. Today, the HVAC industry recognizes NCI as a premier training and certification organization, with nearly 50,000 professionals trained over 30 years and an unwavering commitment to high-performance HVAC.
Raising the Bar: NCI’s Mission and Evolution
Since its inception, NCI’s mission remains focused on raising the industry standard. “From day one, our mission has been to educate HVAC professionals on creating safe, healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient indoor environments,” Guarino states.
“By integrating real-world training with in-depth diagnostics, NCI aims to transform contractors from tradespeople into craftsmen, a goal it pursues with a rigorous, hands-on curriculum.”
As part of its expanding mission, NCI launched a membership organization in 2000. This organization provides HVAC contractors access to exclusive resources like technical support, training discounts, marketing materials, and an online knowledge base. Today, the company boasts more than 250 member companies and is widely respected for its advanced education in system performance.
Guarino notes, “While only about seven to eight percent of HVAC contractors adopt the high-performance approach, those who do often grow more rapidly. Some NCI-certified companies surpassed $10 million in revenue within a decade!”
HVAC Summit: A Gathering of Industry Leaders
One of NCI’s most significant contributions to the industry is its annual High-Performance HVAC™ Summit. Launched in 2003, the Summit provides a platform for like-minded contractors to discuss high-performance contracting techniques and emerging industry challenges.
Initially attended by 90 members, the event has grown to include more than 200 attendees, with a substantial portion being non-members. Guarino says the Summit is more than just a conference; it’s a “community of people with shared values and a commitment to delivering the best to their customers.”
The Summit also represents NCI’s dedication to continuous improvement, as it drives industry conversations on high-performance HVAC standards.
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