What Does an HVAC Career Entail?
As an HVAC technician, that is a heating and air conditioning mechanic, you’ll install, troubleshoot, and repair heating and cooling systems, including domestic refrigeration systems and commercial refrigeration systems. These skilled trade professionals may deal with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technologies. Customers could be homeowners, business owners, or government entities. As an air conditioning mechanic or HVAC technician, you’ll diagnose problems with old-fashioned mechanical control systems and newer programmable control systems after asking the customer a series of questions regarding the issue. Once you have that information, you can inspect the unit and attempt to pinpoint the issue. Once you’ve determined the problem, you present the customer with a solution and an estimate for the cost of the repair, whether than includes simple maintenance or replacement of all temperature control equipment. If the customer agrees, you order parts as needed and start to repair the unit. You might also be called upon to help a customer determine the right size unit for their home. This is done by examining the layout of the home, finding out which rooms will be connected to the system and matching this criterion with the overall climate surrounding the home.
Various excellent employment opportunities throughout the HVAC industry require certain industry certifications if you expect to get the job. Many of these industry certifications are available only through the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), which requires hands-on training and the passing of exams. Type I covers small appliances, heating and air conditioning technology, and domestic refrigeration systems. Type II, HVAC-R, covers high-pressure appliances, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technologies. Type III is for low pressure appliances and chillers. And the Universal certification covers all of the above.
Components of A Successful "HVAC Career"
Once you earn an Associate of Applied Science in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC-R), you’ll be ready to work for companies that offer HVAC-R services. Contractors may need a refrigeration & HVAC technician for new construction and renovations that are incorporating new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. You’ll also find work repairing and replacing existing equipment in both residential and commercial refrigeration settings. Depending on your geographic location, the predominate system can vary, so being knowledgeable about the entire HVAC system is ideal because it makes you more versatile than someone who knows how to fix air conditioners or furnaces but not both.
What Do They Do?
HVAC technicians install and repair heating, venting and air conditioning units. They assist with new construction by installing HVAC units and wiring, and they also troubleshoot, repair, and replace existing systems. HVAC technicians work in both commercial and residential segments and are knowledgeable about the requirements of each. HVAC technicians also conduct routine inspections for the HVAC systems and their wiring to ensure the system is in good condition and in compliance with pertinent laws.
The difference between HVAC and air conditioning is that an HVAC system is more complex. With an air conditioner, you are dealing with a unit used to cool a home during warm months. The unit might be small, fitting in a window; or large, installed outside the home. A Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning unit (HVAC) not only provides air conditioning, but heating and ventilation as well. The air conditioning and heat are distributed throughout the structure through a series of vents that go to each room. The HVAC system is generally a larger unit that is installed outside the home, either in a side or back yard.
Trade School Requirements
To apply for admission to a HVAC training trade school, a student should have a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the institution, an ACT or SAT exam score might be required.
Typical Certifications Needed
Certification requirements generally vary by state, but there is one certification that HVAC technicians who work with refrigerant recovery and recycling must go through. If they are working with refrigerant, because of the materials involved, they must complete and pass an EPA-approved training program. The Section 608 Refrigeration Recycling Rule that was added to the Clean Air Act of 1990 requires all HVAC technicians who work with CFCs know the rules of compliance to protect the environment, such as leak repair compliance, recovery cylinders for dangerous materials, and ozone depletion.
Academic Standards
Students enrolled in an HVAC training degree or certification program will have to demonstrate understanding of the courses taught by achieving passing grades in all required classes, including major classes and general requirement courses. Once all courses are taken and passed, the student is prepared to take specific certification classes and exams in whatever area of HVAC they choose to explore.
Exam and Experience Needed for Certification
No prior experience is required to start an HVAC training program past the desire to learn how to install, troubleshoot, and repair the equipment. Some two-year schools might require potential students to take the ACT or SAT exams or complete a skills assessment for English and math placement.
Professional Organizations
AMCA
Air Movement and Control Association
This organization helps shape the atmosphere for those who work in the air control industry. They offer legislation, protection, and education for those who work in the industry. They are at the forefront of design and adaptation of air control equipment having designed many of the units currently in service. A technician who joins the organization must sell AMCA approved equipment, so this organization is ideal for any HVAC tech planning to incorporate unit sales in their career.
ACCA
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
This organization represents contractors, HVAC companies, and customers. Through the “Find a Contractor” service on its website, HVAC techs gain access to a plethora of potential clients. They also offer conferences for managers as well as a large conference for the entire organization annually. Techs can also achieve accreditations and certifications to help them further their careers.
ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
As the largest and most influential HVAC organization in the country, members enjoy access to education, collaborations, and certification across the HVAC specializations. Members can conduct research regarding a variety of HVAC topics and at the annual conference, technicians can meet with other members and share insight and ideas about the HVAC industry.