HVAC Schools

Once a luxury and now a necessity for most homes and businesses, HVAC systems have gained popularity in recent years. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. The HVAC system offers all three of these things through one convenient unit and ductwork throughout the building. HVAC technicians are sometimes called HVACR technicians; the "R" stands for "Refrigeration."

In order to choose the proper HVAC unit and ensure it works properly, a well-trained HVAC technician is an essential part of the process. The HVAC technician can choose the proper size unit, provide expert installation, conduct regular maintenance and handle repairs.

Becoming an HVAC technician

Training as an HVAC technician usually begins at a trade school or community college. HVAC schools and colleges offer programs that can last anywhere from six months to two years, and culminate in a certificate or associate degree. Courses focus on HVAC technologies, plumbing, electrical work, physics, math and more. Some schools might offer a hybrid education, with some courses taken online; however, hands-on work is a requirement for HVAC education.

Apprenticeships are another way to begin a career as an HVAC technician. Apprenticeship programs typically last three to five years and combine on-the-job training with technical or classroom instruction. As emerging technology makes HVAC systems more complex, continuing education is often an essential element of staying up-to-date with the latest trends.

Once a luxury and now a necessity for most homes and businesses, HVAC systems have gained popularity in recent years. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. The HVAC system offers all three of these things through one convenient unit and ductwork throughout the building. HVAC technicians are sometimes called HVACR technicians; the "R" stands for "Refrigeration."

In order to choose the proper HVAC unit and ensure it works properly, a well-trained HVAC technician is an essential part of the process. The HVAC technician can choose the proper size unit, provide expert installation, conduct regular maintenance and handle repairs.

Becoming an HVAC technician

Training as an HVAC technician usually begins at a trade school or community college. HVAC schools and colleges offer programs that can last anywhere from six months to two years, and culminate in a certificate or associate degree. Courses focus on HVAC technologies, plumbing, electrical work, physics, math and more. Some schools might offer a hybrid education, with some courses taken online; however, hands-on work is a requirement for HVAC education.

Apprenticeships are another way to begin a career as an HVAC technician. Apprenticeship programs typically last three to five years and combine on-the-job training with technical or classroom instruction. As emerging technology makes HVAC systems more complex, continuing education is often an essential element of staying up-to-date with the latest trends.

Some states and localities require HVAC experts to be licensed, bonded and insured. Many employers also actively seek out applicants who are HVAC certified. There are several certification exams offered through HVAC organizations that can fulfill this requirement. For instance, the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute offers a competency exam, while the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute offers secondary exams.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires certification for any technician who purchases or works with refrigerants. This certification can be obtained through exams that test knowledge on servicing small appliances, high-pressure refrigerants, low-pressure refrigerants, or all three. Most HVAC schools and colleges prepare students to take these tests.

Employment as an HVAC expert

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of HVAC workers were employed by private companies in 2010. About 16 percent were self-employed. In some states, being a member of an HVAC union is required in order to work as an HVAC technician. In other states, union membership is voluntary.

There are also many professional organizations dedicated to HVAC workers. These organizations, such as Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America can offer many benefits for members, including apprenticeship programs and help with the job search.

HVAC workers can expect to encounter a variety of working conditions. Though most of the work is done indoors, they might have to do outdoor work on exterior units. The work area might be uncomfortably warm or cold, especially if there is no HVAC unit currently working. Working in cramped, tight spaces is common, especially when installing ductwork throughout a building.

For some workers, earning HVAC certification can be a stepping stone to related occupations. HVAC schools and colleges can provide a good working knowledge of plumbing, electricity, repair and the like; this expertise can allow graduates to move into home appliance repair, pipefitting and steamfitting, sheet metal work and more.

EPA Section 608 Technician Certification • http://www.epatest.com/608/

Become an HVAC Technician •http://www.hvactraining.net/becoming-an-hvac-technician/

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers • Jul 18, 2012 • http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-1