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An
HVAC engineer or HVAC technician may be certified through a
technical school, or receive HVAC training and experience from
an apprenticeship program. As the demand for air-conditioning
and heating continues to be consistent around the country, HVAC
specialists provide the necessary installation, maintenance, and
repair services. HVAC training provides an HVAC engineer or HVAC
technician with the training and knowledge required for both
residential and commercial building systems.
Job Description and Responsibilities of HVAC School Graduates
Graduates of HVAC school, or
those who have received formal HVAC training may be involved with:
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Installation and repair of
furnaces, oil burners, solar panels, or machinery
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Installation of heating and
air conditioning systems
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Implementing fuel and water
lines
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Installing ducts and vents as
needed
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Combustion testing
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Ensuring proper functioning
of furnaces, burners, and thermostats
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Inspections and maintenance
procedures for heating systems
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Replacement of ducts and
filters
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Working with commercial
refrigeration systems
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Reviewing blueprints,
equipment specs, and piping specifications
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Communicating with team
members through mobile phones
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Ensuring all safety standards
are met
An HVAC license allows an HVAC
engineer or HVAC technician the ability to operate and maintain various types of
machinery. HVAC training can provide many skills and a comprehensive knowledge
base for a long-term career in the field. An HVAC mechanic is most commonly
involved with maintenance and installation of motors, compressors, ducts, pipes,
and thermostats. An HVAC technician can specialize in one type of equipment and
often works with installation and servicing of heating, cooling, and
refrigeration equipment.
Career Options After HVAC Training
HVAC training provides many
opportunities for students interested in the engineering, mechanics, heating,
and air conditioning industry. Students of an HVAC school may chose to pursue a
career as a:
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HVAC Technician
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HVAC mechanic
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Duct Installer
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Refrigeration Specialist
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Electrician
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Sheet-metal worker
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Plumber
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Electronics Technician
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Facilities Maintenance
Supervisor
HVAC Certification,
Licensing, and HVAC Training Programs
Although an HVAC school
provides comprehensive training for an HVAC career, many students also receive
HVAC training through an apprenticeship program. An HVAC class that specializes
in a specific area can also help improve a student’s skills and job
opportunities. Most HVAC school programs range from 6 months to 2 years in
length, and can HVAC certification can be received through trade and community
colleges. An HVAC class can be comprised of courses such as:
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Installation and maintenance
of HVAC Systems
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Equipment construction
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Design theory
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Electronics
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Equipment design
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Maintenance and Repair
Procedures
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Furnace Materials and
Insulation
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Cutting and Soldering Pipes
An HVAC license is required for
any HVAC technician or HVAC engineer who are involved with handling and
purchasing refrigerants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administers an
exam to various organizations, and the written examination covers three key
areas:
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Servicing small appliances
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Low-pressure refrigerants
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High-pressure refrigerants
HVAC Certification is available
through the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) board which offers an
Air-Conditioning Excellence program. Certification allows students to apply for
positions with higher levels of responsibility such as cost estimators, team
supervisors, and managers of a business.
HVAC Online Training
A student who is interested
from completing their education from a distance may choose an HVAC Online
Training program instead. Through an independent study format, a student can
still learn about the general rules and regulations of the industry, along with
receiving HVAC certification through the Air-Conditioning Excellence Program.
HVAC Online training can be extensive, and still provides solid training for an
HVAC career.
The best foundation for
pursuing an HVAC career can start as early as high school. Prospective students
may choose to take subjects such as applied physics, electronics, plumbing,
electrical work, computer applications, or mechanical drawing. A technician must
also learn basic business practices such as how to draft a contract and
fundamental mathematics.
HVAC School and HVAC Training Accreditation
An HVAC school or training
program receives accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools
and Colleges of Technology. Each school and program must also comply with all
local, federal, and state regulations. The North American Technician Excellence
(NATE) board is the only organization that administers the Air-Conditioning
Excellence program.
HVAC School Graduates Earning Potential and
Employment Prospects
Job opportunities for students who pursue an HVAC career look
promising, and occupations are expected to increase with advances in technology
and increased demand for skilled workers. The increased population and demand
for residential and commercial climate-control systems makes this an attractive
industry for an HVAC technician or engineer. The heating, air conditioning,
refrigeration, and cooling industry is project to grow faster than average
through 2012. Advancements in the industry include an emphasis on
energy-efficiency and ongoing maintenance of current systems.
The average hourly wage of an HVAC technician was $16.78 in 2002.
These earnings vary depending on certification and HVAC training received.
Related occupations include:
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