HVAC Training - Heating and Air Conditioning

What would those living in Chicago do without heating, those in Miami do without air-conditioning, or blood banks all over the country do without refrigeration? Not a whole lot.

Heating and Air Conditioning / HVAC Training Job Outlook

So not surprisingly, job prospects for heating and air-conditioning mechanics and installers are expected to be good, particularly for those with technical school or formal apprenticeship training.

Because heating and air conditioning often occur from the same systems, the field is commonly reduced to the acronym HVAC. And because our economy increasingly requires climate control, HVAC training is definitely worth looking into.

Heating and air-conditioning systems consist of many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and switches. In central heating systems, for example, a furnace heats air that is distributed throughout the building via a system of metal or fiberglass ducts.

HVAC technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout the entire system.

Because of the increasing sophistication of HVAC systems, employers prefer to hire those with HVAC training. Many mechanics and installers, however, still learn the trade informally on the job.

Heating and Air Conditioning / HVAC Training

Many trade schools offer 6-month to 2-year HVAC training programs. Students study theory, design, and equipment construction, as well as electronics. They also learn the basics of installation, maintenance, and repair. Good HVAC training programs will offer courses in shop math, mechanical drawing, applied physics and chemistry, electronics, blueprint reading, and computer applications.

HVAC technicians often specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair, although they are trained to do both. Some specialize in one type of equipment—for example, oil burners, solar panels, or commercial refrigerators.

Technicians may work for large or small contracting companies or directly for a manufacturer or wholesaler. Those working for smaller operations tend to do both installation and servicing, and work with heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment. Service contracts—which involve heating, and air-conditioning for particular customers on a regular basis—are becoming more common. Service agreements help to reduce the seasonal fluctuations of this work.