The first step to starting your career as an HVAC technician is completing a training program at an accredited HVAC school. Courses can be completed at a campus location or online.
About HVAC Careers & Education
HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. The HVAC industry is made up of skilled professionals, known as HVAC technicians, who perform a very important service: installing and maintaining the HVAC systems found in structures of all kinds. Air quality, temperature control, humidity regulation, refrigeration, heating, and other aspects of climate control are all handled by the HVAC systems found in such buildings as residences, commercial centers, office buildings, schools, hospitals, and retail establishments. Without the HVAC system, climate controlled transportation, habitation, and preservation would be impossible. HVAC systems are made up of a complex network of mechanical and electronic parts such as fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and switches. HVAC technicians are responsible for correctly installing HVAC systems, as well as providing year-round maintenance.
As the HVAC industry becomes more concerned with their environmental impact, as well as the development of new and more intricate HVAC systems in response to these concerns, the demand for HVAC technicians is expected increase quickly. Starting a career as an HVAC technician isn’t difficult, but requires training in the intricacy of the HVAC system. Training is available either through an educational program or apprenticeship.
Education
The majority of HVAC technicians receive their training in technical and trade schools or community colleges that have programs in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installation and repair. These programs can take from 6-months to 2-years to complete. Another popular way to receive HVAC training is in the United States Armed Forces.
HVAC programs cover the basics of standard industry practice. Subjects taught include electronics, blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, theory of temperature control, equipment design, equipment construction, installation, maintenance, and repair. It is also recommended that potential HVAC technicians start their training in high school by enrolling in courses such as math, applied physics, chemistry, shop, and computer science. These subjects are directly related to the skills used by HVAC technicians in their day to day work.
A very important factor to consider before enrolling in any HVAC program is whether or not the school is accredited. Accreditation demonstrates a high level of academic training that is in line with standards set by various HVAC organizations. A credential from an accredited program will be necessary should graduates choose to seek certification later on. Currently there are three accrediting agencies for HVAC programs: HVAC Excellence, the National Center for Construction Education and Research, and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration.
After graduation, HVAC technicians need to complete up to 2-years of on-the-job training before they are considered proficient in their chosen field.
Apprenticeship
Many HVAC technicians receive their training through apprenticeships. Rather than enrolling in an HVAC program offered by a vocational or community college, which often include general education classes and no field experience, an apprenticeship is a combination of in-class instruction and on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are a great choice for individuals who are completely sure they want to pursue a career as an HVAC technician. Apprenticeships usually last 3 to 5 years.
Apprenticeships are offered by local committees that represent various HVAC industry organizations such as the Air-Conditioning Contractors of America, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association, the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association, and the United Association of Journeymen, an Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
Classes offered in apprenticeship programs do not differ radically from those in vocational colleges. The main difference is that apprentices will work alongside an experienced HVAC technician by performing the most basic tasks related to the job, such as carrying materials, insulating heating lines, and cleaning furnaces. Other, more difficult, tasks such as soldering pipes and checking circuits are also part of the apprentice’s education.
In order to be eligible for an apprenticeship, individuals should have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as strong math skills. One large benefit of enrolling in an apprenticeship is that graduates are considered skilled trade workers immediately after completing the program. Certification is also more readily available to HVAC technicians who have received their training from an apprenticeship program.
