Have you been considering enrolling in an HVAC training program but hesitating about the essential skills and job options needed to become one? This article will help clear up your questions.
What is an HVAC?
An HVAC or (Heating Ventilated Air Conditioned) system consists of several components that can monitor the temperature of a room. This includes air conditioners, heat pumps, ducts, vents, and fans. The purpose of an HVAC mechanics system is to provide comfortable indoor conditions for people and animals in residential and commercial properties.
HVAC technicians have the technical skills to preserve air conditioning equipment at commercial buildings. They also ensure that these air control systems are working properly and efficiently. To become an HVAC technician, consider the steps and benefits highlighted below.
Steps For Becoming An HVAC Tech
Are you interested in the HVAC training program and ready to learn about the educational opportunities for a successful career? This step-by-step guide will help you become one of the skilled HVAC technicians. To learn about the requirements for your career field options in the HVAC program, you can start by learning the following steps.
High School Diploma
- To be HVAC technicians, individuals must earn a school diploma or equivalent like a GED.
- The courses you select can also be beneficial, such as math, physics, vocational education, and engineering in school, which can help you before you apply for a degree in HVAC.
- If you don't have a high school diploma, you may be able to take some classes to get you to the level you need to be before you can start HVAC training.
HVAC Degree
- After earning a high school diploma, you must register for a college or university program with an accredited HVAC training course.
- You can choose from many programs, but most require two years of study.
- This degree may have a technical training program that you can complete and work toward your exams.
HVAC Tech Apprenticeship
- An apprenticeship is another way to get into the HVAC job industry without going to school.
- These apprenticeship opportunities will allow you to work on actual projects and see what it takes to succeed in different industries. Apprenticeships are usually paid, but unpaid ones exist, too, depending on how many hours you commit to your job duties.
- To ensure you're getting a quality experience, look for HVAC companies that have been around for a long time and offer legit HVAC training courses. They'll likely have a track record of providing high-quality, specialized training opportunities.
- You can discover more about which route is ideal for you on our website.
Specialized Certifications
Once finishing your preferred HVAC training, you can go on to complete the NATE (North American Technician Excellence) exams. NATE offers several different levels of certification, including the following:
- Certified Air Conditioning Technician (CAT) – This program covers all things about the repair and installation of air conditioning units. You must finish and pass a written exam and a practical activity session.
- Certified Refrigerant Specialist (CRSP) – This program focuses on working with refrigerants such as R134a, R22, and Freon. You must pass a practical examination and complete the training program.
- Certified Heating, Ventilation & Air Quality Specialist (HVQA) – This certificate program includes indoor air quality, building performance testing, and energy conservation. You must pass a practical examination and complete a practical training program.
- Certified Mechanical Engineer (CMEP) – This program covers mechanical systems, building design, and construction management topics. You must pass a comprehensive test and complete a practical program.
Here Are Some Things You Need To Know About HVAC Career
Becoming an HVAC technician will take up to a few years, depending on your route, but it's just as rewarding to learn about the career growth and possibilities ahead.
Job Growth
- The need for an HVAC technician is on the rise of job prospects. It has been reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that from 2016 to 2026, there will be a 7% increase in these occupations nationally.
- Once you start working and grow from entry-level jobs to mid-level positions, you will also see an increase in your average salary. The average median salary from 2021 was approximately $49,000 per year, which has increased from the 2016 figure of roughly $46,000 per year.
Coursework
- The coursework includes learning about ventilation systems, heating, and cooling equipment types, functions, and maintenance procedures.
- You will also discover more about the primary duties of the HVAC mechanics system, such as the furnace, boiler, controls, and other parts.
- You'll also need to know about the different types of refrigeration systems, their properties, and how they affect the environment.
- After this certificate program, you should be able to understand complex systems and go over troubleshooting problems and how to fix repairs.
Coursework Length
- If you're considering a career as an HVAC tech and decide to take the apprenticeship route, this will take you up to three years to complete in the classroom and field experience with skilled trade professionals. Completion duration can vary depending on where you take the apprenticeship.
- A college degree program may take a few years to finish, with similar indoor and outdoor all-around skills being monitored.
- At the end of each route, you'll need to pass the EPA 608 Exam before becoming fully qualified and licensed.
Requirements For License
There are various licenses that an HVAC technician can apply for. You'll need to pass the appropriate exams to demonstrate your technical skills, expertise, and knowledge about a particular field. These licenses include a focus on the following:
- Heating systems
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Air conditioning systems
- Refrigeration systems
There are state license options, which vary by location; therefore, always research the exact conditions for your region.
Federal license options are also issued nationally and allow you to work in more than one state without jurisdiction problems.
Trade Jobs
An HVAC technician from trade schools can find employment at companies, including commercial businesses, schools, hospitals, government buildings, or even residential homes.
Electricians
- HVAC technicians work for electrical fields specializing in installing heating and cooling appliances.
- They install thermostats, air conditioners, furnaces, ducts, and other unit equipment.
Plumbers
- Plumbing systems were used for water supply, sewage disposal, and drainage.
- Today, plumbing has become much more sophisticated and includes more complex issues, from regulating temperatures to home automation, by providing a streamlined service in how your central water systems work.
HVAC Mechanics for Elevators
- This group of HVAC mechanics install, repair, maintain, and service all types of elevators.
- They specialize in systems ensuring elevators and escalators can move up and down without hiccups.
Constructions Managers
- Construction managers oversee the construction process and offer solutions to issues of the systems. They have impressive HVAC skills, which they can use to help plan projects, manage budgets, and coordinate teams.
Advantages Of Being An HVAC Tech
There are additional benefits of being an HVAC technician, which we highlighted below:
Fast Job Growth
- Because there is such a high demand for HVAC technicians and the job is predicted to grow up to 15% in the next few years, there are a lot of opportunities for growth in the industry, which is faster than other occupations.
Job Security
- The HVAC industry employment growth is increasing, as stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 2 million people are employed in the field, and additional growth is expected over the next ten years.
- People will always need these services, from air conditioning and refrigeration equipment in the summer to heating equipment and electricity needs in the colder months.
- There are many roles for aspiring HVAC-R technicians, from installation, repair, maintenance, sales, service, and design.
High Average Salary
- When you start an HVAC career, you can benefit from the average salary. An entry-level technician can earn approximately $23 per hour, which is known to increase the more years you work in the career journey.
- HVAC techs have great opportunities to advance within the industry. Experienced and skilled technicians can earn up to $60 per hour, and if you go on to work for yourself, you can choose how much to charge customers.
Active Field
- There's a shortage of qualified workers across the country, meaning you should be able to always find work. This is great if you're considering starting your own business and working the hours that suit you.
- HVAC is needed in many industries like retail, healthcare, electrical and commercial businesses.
Career Advancement
- The HVAC career path is pretty straightforward if you wish to develop yourself. Once you've started working full hours, you'll be able to earn more skills if you want to create your own business.
HVAC Is Physical Demanding
You'll need to be in good form to take on this role effectively because:
- There will be a heavy equipment
- You may also be in confined spaces
- You will be on your feet in an industrial setting a lot
- You will also operate electrical systems
- You could be working with ladders and scaffolding
- You will use industrial equipment on a daily basis
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
- You'll need to research which course works for you in your state. You can then think about applying for an HVAC program, an apprenticeship course, or a college degree in the field of your choice for different job options.
How long does it take to become fully qualified?
- It will take you a few years before you become fully qualified.
- Thankfully, there will be a 14% rise in HVAC-R technicians by 2024, so you'll get the best job training beforehand.
What is a van?
- Many HVAC technicians will have a van to carry all their equipment and supplies from one construction project to the next.
Final Thoughts
Being an HVAC technician is a great benefit for people because it allows them to travel around the country helping others control their heating and cooling systems. It's a job that requires patience, skill, and knowledge through years of training and a certification exam.
There are several amazing benefits like its competitive salary, excellent job opportunities, and the ability to build your expertise to grow in the role. Whether it's a career in heating, the construction industry, or repair works, it's a great industry to be in.
HVAC Training at PCI
Discover more about life as an HVAC technician, the wide variety of training, and how this could be your ideal career choice on our website today.