Becoming a highly skilled HVAC technician might be a good career choice for you. HVAC technicians are in high demand, making them a popular career option worldwide.
HVAC technicians ensure that the climate control system is working correctly to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level in a home or building.
HVAC technicians are the first to call when our homes or a building system fails.
Right HVAC programs and mentorship are essential to mastering the craft and learning how to manipulate different materials as an HVAC technician and understanding the latest HVAC technology.
Learn the step-by-step process an HVAC tech follows to make a successful HVAC career in the HVAC industry.
What Does An HVAC Technician Do
HVAC technicians perform various heating, ventilation, and air conditioning duties. An HVAC technician installs not only new units but also replaces existing units, repairs damaged units, or performs regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good working condition.
Building units in finished structures or installing them in buildings under construction are maybe their jobs. Individual HVAC specialists or maintenance companies may perform these tasks. If you are looking for HVAC service near me then Deep Clean is the best possibility for you.
HVAC technicians may be required to perform the following duties:
- Analyzing blueprints
- Repair HVAC systems using various tools (metal cutters, current meters, flow sensors, etc.).
- Check all the system components (motors, pumps, fans, compressors, switches, thermostats, etc.) for proper functioning.
- Wire connections
- Test the electrical system
- Soldering pipe joints
- Testing tubing and pipes for leak
A career in this field involves a great deal of responsibility. In contrast, if you enjoy working with your hands and fixing things, it will be very rewarding for you.
The major responsibility of HVAC technicians is to improve HVAC systems’ efficiency and reduce their environmental impact. HVAC technicians perform several tasks to ensure these environmental goals are met, including:
- A new set of filters replaces the old ones
- Installing dehumidifiers in the appropriate places
- Saving energy and money by installing thermostats
- Utilizing heat pumps to reduce carbon emissions
A properly functioning HVAC system effectively reduces environmental pollution, saves consumers money, and provides optimal comfort. The ultimate benefit of this is improved quality of life for consumers.
How to become a HVAC Technician – Complete Guide
Do you want to become a technician in the HVAC field? You can start your new career by following these steps.
High School Degree Or Equivalent:
Physicists, mathematicians, and vocational education students can get a head start on HVAC education by completing coursework in these fields during high school.
Taking courses in plumbing, electronics, or electrical work in high school is recommended by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In most states, you can get a GED for up to $150 if you don’t have your high school diploma.
Complete HVAC Technician Training Programs:
A certificate or a college degree is awarded at the end of HVAC training. The main differences among the options are the time commitment, costs of the HVAC training programs, and subjects covered during training.
There are diploma or certificate programs that take as little as six months to complete and cost as little as $1,200. It takes two years to complete an associate’s degree and costs approximately $7,500. Those seeking HVAC training can earn a bachelor’s degree, but they are less common and more expensive.
HVAC training can consist of the following courses:
- An analysis of residential systems
- HVAC controls, the voltage, air quality, and resistance
- Equipment, such as calibration instruments
HVAC Experience:
According to the BLS, employers prefer candidates who have completed post-secondary education and an apprenticeship program that can last for three to five years.
Many contractor associations and unions offer apprenticeships involving on-the-job training, which are a great resource when you’re looking for HVAC technician jobs.
A trade apprentice works alongside trained professionals and, in some cases, receives a stipend. Apprenticeships provide knowledge of blueprint reading, tool applications, and safety practices for the industry.
Required Licenses And Certifications:
HVAC professionals must hold licenses and certifications to work as HVAC technicians. Contact the BLS in your state for more information.
Community colleges, technical institutes, and trade schools usually offer programs leading to certification. The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is one of the leading certification agencies.
Other Certifications:
You can obtain many certifications, including the NATE Certification. NATE, the largest nonprofit certification organization, certified HVAC technicians.
NATE tests represent real-world working knowledge of HVAC systems and validate the professional competency of service and installation technicians. Contractors, manufacturers, and HVAC distributors across the industry partner with NATE to develop knowledgeable, competent HVAC technicians.
Passing the NATE Ready to Work Certification means the HVAC Technician student has demonstrated the fundamental job knowledge and skills for an entry-level technician in component identification, tools, measurements, electrical safety, general safety, and basic heat transfer.
Continue Additional Degree Programs:
HVAC technicians can specialize and increase earnings by earning an associate or bachelor’s degree or by completing a certification program in:
- A heat pump pool heater
- Installation in a commercial building
- Unit ventilators
- Residential boilers
HVAC technician jobs are more plentiful the more education you have. An associate degree can prepare you for careers in electricity for HVAC systems, technical physics, heat pumps, and metal fabrication.
A bachelor’s degree is offered in addition to control theory, energy audit and analysis, hydronic system design, contracting issues, and commercial HVAC system design.
Time It Takes To Become An HVAC Technician
It varies from state to state what it takes to become an HVAC technician. Depending on the state, the course can be completed in 9 to 10 months. You can earn an associate degree in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating in two years. Companies and unions offer apprenticeship programs that last between 2 and 5 years.
HVAC technicians must provide proof of experience in states where licensure is required. States require 2 to 6 years of experience or apprenticeship to become licensed. Experience requirements also vary according to the job classification. Deep Clean is offering HVAC cleaning St John’s and they do guide on how to become an HVAC technician.
Obtaining An HVAC License
While an HVAC certification license isn’t mandatory in all states, it is a fantastic asset. A license can help you fortify your skillset and serve as one of your USPs when seeking employment.
The licensing requirements, exams, and mandates may vary from state to state. The following are a few ways to become a licensed HVAC technician:
By Training:
Get a formal education in HVACR technology – this is perhaps the most reliable and comprehensive way to ensure that you have the right training and a solid understanding of what you need to do.
Ensure you enroll in a program at an accredited, reputable college for HVAC training.
Apprenticeship:
The rules around an HVAC apprenticeship’s duration to obtain certification or licensure differ from region to region. In some cases, you need to clock a set number of hours before becoming eligible for a certification exam.
But get in touch with local associations such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America or the Associated Builders and Contractors to explore HVAC apprenticeship opportunities.
Practical Experience:
Get on-the-job training by working under an HVAC journeyman or contractor since most certifications will need you to have 12 months of field experience.
Components Of HVAC Technician Career
Skills:
HVAC technicians must understand heating, air conditioning, and sometimes refrigerant systems. To effectively troubleshoot and fix them, they must be able to troubleshoot what is wrong with them and have mechanical skills.
Traits:
As for soft traits, an HVAC technician needs strong problem-solving skills.
They should also know how to interact with customers well, such as explaining what is wrong with the system and telling customers what needs to be repaired while remaining professional and courteous.
An HVAC technician may also have to work well as part of a team.
Tools:
An HVAC technician also needs to know how to work with hardware tools to repair HVAC systems. They may also use computer equipment in diagnosing problems in the system.
HVAC technicians can work in a wide variety of environments. Repairs and routine service work may be performed both in the home and at the workplace by technicians.
Installing a new system may occur in an existing building by replacing an existing system, adding one to a building that lacked one, or during new construction.
An HVAC technician might be hired by a large building or multi-building facility to handle all HVAC concerns. HVAC technicians typically work on units scattered throughout their working area.
HVAC and HVACR technicians perform similar duties, but they differ in their specializations. Unlike HVAC technicians who work on several aspects of heating and cooling systems, HVACR technicians specialize in installing and repairing refrigeration systems.
The primary responsibility of an HVAC technician is to install and maintain heating and cooling systems. HVAC technicians may visit a building experiencing heating or cooling problems to diagnose and fix the problem.
HVAC technicians often provide routine maintenance in addition to repairs. Cleaning vents and ducts, replacing filters, and checking the unit’s basic functions are all part of regular maintenance.
Conclusion
Becoming an HVAC technician can be a great career choice, especially if you’re interested in working with your hands and like to problem solve. It’s a growing industry that is always in demand so that you can be assured of job security.
Plus, the pay is good, and there are many opportunities for advancement. Once you have completed your training, it’s important to get certified to work in this field.