HVAC Technician |
Who Are HVAC Technicians?Is This Program in My Area?What Do HVAC Technicians Do? HVAC Technicians are trained to read blueprints and spec sheets for installing oil, gas, electric, solid-fuel, multiple-fuel heating systems and air-conditioning systems. They also install fuel and water supply lines, air ducts, vents, pumps, and other climate control system components. After installation, HVAC & Refrigeration techs perform maintenance and repairs that ensure the complex systems operate efficiently. Along with overseeing the heating/cooling needs of buildings; HVAC Techs manage the systems, equipment and machinery used to store and transport foods, medicines and other perishable goods. Those with HVAC certification and license have the expertise to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout an entire heating or refrigeration system. HVAC Technician Training Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems operate using sophisticated equipment, therefore employers prefer hiring people who have completed HVAC training from air conditioning school or accredited HVAC school. HVAC certification and training is offered by several technical and trade schools. Training can take approximately 6-months to 2-years depending on the HVAC program. Students at Refrigeration and HVAC schools receive comprehensive HVAC training in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installation, maintenance and repair. They also study theory of temperature control, equipment design, construction and electronics. HVAC Technician Certification Nearly all states are requiring certification and HVAC license. Each state issues a test that must be passed. HVAC schools prepare students to take the test and earn their HVAC certification. Local HVAC school programs are the best resources to prepare for the certification test. Some states test the students on electrical codes while others focus on HVAC-specific knowledge. In addition, HVAC Technicians working with refrigerants must be certified in their proper handling. To learn about the specific HVAC license and HVAC certification requirements in your state consult with the career specialist at your HVAC school. HVAC Technician Job Prospects HVAC & Refrigeration Techs are in demand in all industries. HVAC licensed professionals work for plumbing, heating, air-conditioning contractors, fuel oil dealers, refrigeration and air-conditioning service and repair shops, schools, heating and air-conditioning stores, local, state and federal governments, hospitals, office buildings, and other organizations that operate large air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating systems or climate-control equipment. Basically, everyone is looking for them because everyone needs them. HVAC Job Security and Salary The Bureau of Labor projects the job outlook for HVAC Technicians will be excellent, particularly for those who have completed HVAC certification from an accredited technical HVAC school. Those with formal HVAC training can expect to earn salaries between $14.12 p/hr and $28.57 p/hr. Some HVAC & Refrigeration technicians have been promoted and advanced to managerial positions while others have moved into sales and marketing. Others have moved up the professional ladder to become building superintendents, cost estimators, system test and balance specialists, or teachers. Some have even become their own bosses by opening their own contracting business. The skyscraper is the limit so start your new career in HVAC today! |