When choosing a career path, starts with understanding your interests, goals, and the kind of work you’d enjoy doing day-to-day. It’s equally important to determine how much education you’re ready to commit to. For example, if you’re drawn to mechanics, a career as an HVAC technician could be a great fit. HVAC technicians take on critical tasks like installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Given the complexity of this equipment, only certified professionals should handle repairs, making proper training essential. With its stability and growing demand, pursuing a career in HVAC is a smart choice—starting with an HVAC program can set you on the right path.
What Is an HVAC Program?
In an HVAC technical program, you work towards your Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. The program is designed to give students the technical skills and knowledge to work in the heating and cooling industry.
How Long Does an HVAC Technical Program Last?
The length of time to complete the program depends first on the school's specific program. It also depends on how much time you need to finish your courses. For example, going to school part-time will increase the time it takes to complete your certification. The average program length is about two years, but some programs can last up to three years.
What Does an HVAC Technical Program's Curriculum Look Like?
The HVAC program curriculum will differ based on your school and instructors, although many topics remain consistent across different programs. It typically includes a blend of classroom and lab work. Throughout the course, you will acquire knowledge on proper techniques for cleaning and maintaining heating and cooling systems. You will also learn about pipe sizing and cutting, as well as demonstrate safe practices. The assignments encompass a range of learning approaches, including traditional classroom lessons, research, exercises, and hands-on experiences.
Some of the most common topics to learn in the program include:
- HVAC science
- HVAC electrical work
- Refrigeration and oils
- Basic refrigeration and air properties
- Commercial refrigeration systems
- Residential and commercial
- AC and heat pumps
- Construction drawings and design considerations
When reviewing a school's program, access the program of study to determine the types of classes required to finish your degree or certification.
What Are the Benefits of Trade Degree Programs?
An HVAC program will provide you with work experience. You learn how you'll be expected to behave in the field, along with the necessary skills to perform your job. One of the most important elements of the program is learning about the technology you'll encounter in the field. To be a technician, you must have a strong grasp of the latest HVAC technology. Additionally, you must understand the technology behind older units still in use in the U.S.
How Much Does the Program Cost?
While most trade schools cost less than the cost of a university, the school sets the price for tuition. The price can vary greatly. When deciding on a program, look for in-state schools for lower costs. You can also seek various forms of funding in the form of grants, scholarships and student loans.
What Does It Take To Become an HVAC Technician?
If you want to work as an HVAC contractor, it is easier to obtain a license if you attend an HVAC program. If you are unlicensed, you have a higher risk of being penalized. If you make a mistake on the job, the client may file a lawsuit against you and you will have fewer defenses. Additionally, if any contractors hire you, they could lose their licenses. Even homeowners risk penalties if an unlicensed contractor works on their HVAC equipment. If you do not have the appropriate training, licensing and certification, you cannot guarantee that you can provide quality work.
State Requirements
All states have their own rules for HVAC licensure. Generally, most states require that you are 18 years or older, have no criminal record, obtained a high school diploma, college degree or attended a formal HVAC program. Some states will consider HVAC contractors and technicians to be the same, but others will differentiate between them. In some states, HVAC contractors hire technicians to work under them. To find out what your state requires, you will have to check with your state's licensing body.
When choosing a school, look for programs within your state. The curriculum of your program will be designed to prepare you for licensure within your particular state. You will learn the specific laws and requirements of where you live.
Licensing Test
Some states may offer an HVAC or mechanical license, whereas other states will require you to have a specialty electrician's license. In addition to state licenses, some cities will require you to have special licenses to perform work within those municipalities. The trade program should prepare you for the licensing test.
What Are the Types of HVAC Certifications?
Since all states have different requirements, you may not be surprised to learn that different states require various HVAC certifications. An HVAC program in your state will have access to certification resources.
In addition to requirements, some certifications could increase your job prospects and improve your reputation. Most clients know to look for certifications and licenses on your resume. If you do not have those things, clients may not trust you.
NATE Certification
NATE is the North American Technician Excellence organization. It is a nonprofit that certifies HVAC technicians through experience and knowledge-based testing. To become NATE certified, you must retake & pass the test once every two years.
EPA Certifications
The EPA section 608 Technician Certification is required by the EPA. Any technician who services, maintains, repairs or disposes of equipment that releases refrigerants requires a certification. To obtain an EPA certification, you will pass an EPA-approved test. Each test is customized to the technician's specialization. For instance, if you want to become an HVAC technician, you will take a test on HVAC equipment.
To obtain the certification, you must go to an EPA-approved certifying organization. For Universal Certification, you must take a proctored exam. The EPA considers you a technician if you add or remove refrigerant from an appliance or attach and detach hoses and gauges to measure pressure in the HVAC system.
What Can You Expect After an HVAC Program?
Once you know what's expected of you as a student, it can help to know what your future looks like after your education. After all, becoming an HVAC technician is only the beginning of the journey.
HVAC Apprenticeship
HVAC apprentices are still in training to become technicians. As an apprentice, you learn from a skilled, experienced HVAC tech. Most apprenticeships last for about three to five years. During your time as an apprentice, you will have a mentor who teaches you how to repair, install and maintain residential and commercial HVAC systems.
You have the option to start your apprenticeship during your training or following your HVAC certification. Many trade programs will either set you up with an apprenticeship or they will help you find one.
Stable Job Outlook
Before you choose an HVAC program, it's important to pay attention to the job outlook. After all, most people don't want to enter a dying industry. Fortunately, the HVAC industry has a strong outlook. Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic jobs are projected to grow by about 5% between 2021 and 2031.
Each year, you can expect there to be about 40,000 job openings for mechanics and installers throughout the next decade. HVAC technicians will continue to be in high demand because older workers are beginning to retire.
Advancement into New Positions
The HVAC trade is challenging. You will always have access to different types of work, including repairing heat pumps, humidifiers, furnaces and more. As the seasons change and temperatures fluctuate, you'll have different types of work.
An HVAC program will lay the foundation for opportunities for advancement throughout your career. As you excel in your career, you can obtain advanced training, specialized certifications and work your way up in the industry. For example, you may begin as an apprentice and work toward owning an HVAC company. HVAC engineers can also start out as techs.
Job Independence
As an HVAC tech, you rarely work under someone's constant supervision. If you thrive in an environment where you are responsible for your schedule and do not have someone micromanaging your work, then working as a heating and cooling tech will provide you with that freedom. Technicians visit clients at their homes to make repairs, clean and install equipment.
Start Your Career Path With an HVAC Program
Following the HVAC technician career path can award you a career with job security and advancement. To become a technician, you should consider an HVAC program to become certified.
