Most states require a high school diploma or GED to become a certified HVAC technician. Professional HVAC schools teach the basics of HVAC physics, as well as the installation, maintenance, and repair of indoor climate control systems. Most also include the fundamentals of refrigeration. Both technical training and education are key requirements for becoming an HVAC technician.
To become a maintenance technician for HVAC systems, formal education is not usually necessary. While the requirements of HVAC technicians vary by state, there are some popular certifications in this sector, such as those offered by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the Association of Refrigeration Engineers and Technicians (RETA), and HVAC Excellence (in partnership with the Esco Group). Shorter programs can last just six months and result in an HVAC technician certificate, while longer programs can last up to two years and earn an associate's degree. Two institutions that offer accreditations for HVAC classes are HVAC Excellence and Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
Future HVAC technicians participating in these programs learn the theory and practice of weatherization, and can also work with HVAC technicians for hands-on training. For example, a non-specialized HVAC technician who works for a construction company may need to obtain a certification in the area of installing air conditioning systems to advance and supervise new buildings. Learn more from Lainey Brooks, architect and HVAC sustainability expert, on how to make HVAC systems sustainable and how regulations help increase sustainability. In addition, the most successful HVAC technicians can explain the intricacies of an HVAC system to a customer who may not be familiar with the specific features of their building system.
Over time, it will be dedication and experience to the trade that will determine if an HVAC technician continues to rise through their ranks in terms of responsibility and salary. Since HVAC technicians are trained in all HVAC systems in general, some technicians specialize much more in the types of work they do as they advance in their careers. The most common job titles before becoming an HVAC system maintenance technician include maintenance technician, HVAC technician, and service technician. While the technical skills needed to complete HVAC repairs are essential, certain personality traits increase a potential HVAC technician's odds of success.
Some HVAC technicians choose to gain their skills through an internship, where they complete 2000 hours of practical HVAC training per year and 144 hours of technical education. First, HVAC technicians must be well-informed about the specific features of HVAC systems to perform repairs. As part of these programs, students will delve into topics such as residential gas heating, the introduction to the electrical theory and application of air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, the fundamentals of copper, the operation and maintenance of boilers, automatic HVAC controls, industrial electricity, problem solving and equipment cooling, among others. The HVAC programs offered at Wallace State Community College help students gain the skills and knowledge needed to pass licensing and certification procedures, so that they can start working in this high-demand field of HVAC.
