HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is a field of engineering that deals with the design, installation, and maintenance of systems that heat, cool and provide air to buildings.

The HVAC industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world because it has become so necessary to maintain comfort levels inside buildings. If you are interested in working as an HVAC engineer or technician then you will need to take classes on how to do this work safely and efficiently. There are many online courses available for those high school students, career changers and others who don’t want to pursue a college degree but still want some type of formal training before entering into this profession full time.

Do you want to learn the ins and outs of HVAC? Are you looking for a refresher certificate program on what it takes to be an HVAC technician? Then this guide is for you!

We’ve compiled a list of the 6 best HVAC programs, courses, training, classes & tutorials online. These are the most reputable sources that will help get your foot in the door as an HVAC engineer or technician and gain a professional certification. You can take these courses at your own pace and from anywhere with internet access. So if you’re ready to become a HVAC specialist and start learning about heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) then let’s go!

If you want to become a certified professional in the field of heating systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems & air conditioning units, then we have just what you need right here. Here’s our list of the 6 best HVAC courses, training, classes & tutorials online so that anyone who wants to work in this industry can do so safely and efficiently.

Here are six of the best! 

1. HVAC Udemy course

– Udemy offers courses training, classes, and tutorial online for HVAC, These HVAC courses are designed for beginner, intermediate and expert level HVAC students.HVAC Udemy course is one of the best HVAC courses in providing extensive information about HVAC systems design, installation & maintenance.

This certification will help you to get started your career as an HVAC professional or advance your current skills in the field of heating ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC).

The following are some of the benefits that you can enjoy by taking this course: 

• No prior field knowledge is needed for enrolment in lessons.
• Explore terms, components, and definitions to better understand how each system works with an emphasis on multiple examples demonstrating their functions
• Work through assignments that will help assess your grasp on curriculum content over time as well as regular updates from instructors who have a lifetime commitment towards ensuring all students get what they need not just now but down pat!

Enrol now by visiting this link: HVAC Udemy Course

2. Penn Foster HVAC Technician course

– HVAC training is one of the most popular courses at Penn Foster, so it is well known as a HVAC school. You can choose your career and continuing education classes on topics like air conditioning, heating ventilation, refrigeration, indoor air quality controls & more!

• The HVAC Technician program prepares students for entry-level employment in residential or light commercial HVAC installation with a concentration on basic theory, components operation and safety procedures required to install & repair central/ducted forced hot water systems used in homes today. Included are terms associated with home construction codes as well as national standards currently being followed by industry professionals
• Upon completion of this course, you will have earned two valuable certifications: EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Handler Certification (for service technicians) and HVACR Technician Certification from the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

Enrol now by visiting this link: Penn Foster HVAC Course

3. HVAC AYPO Tradesmance HVAC course

At Your Pace Online offers a wide variety of continuing education courses to suit every individual’s needs. The available package includes Electrician, HVAC, and Plumber programs which can be customized according to your state or licensing requirements with our trade professionals on board!

• They have courses which is designed for HVAC technicians who need to renew their licenses. It contains 2 hours’ worth of safety training, with additional material from OSHA and NIOSH that provides a common-sense approach on how tradesmen can have a safer work environment while completing this process successfully!

Enrol now by visiting the: HVAC AYPO Tradesmance HVAC Course

4. Ivy Tech Community College HVAC Course

The instructors of these comprehensive certifications encourage you to get your hands on and practice with genuine gear.

• This is a course that covers thermal storage solutions like solar panels or geothermal systems for homes in an environmentally conscious way! Go over how they work before getting your own certification by completing all required credit hours of learning about them from experts at this curated syllabus.
• One key goal here is imparting real-world skills needed on today’s job market so students can build up their resumes while earning national level qualifications–plus it will make sure those who pass know exactly what needs doing when things go wrong during installation projects too big (like installing an entirely new AC system!) or small (like an HVAC service call) for most people.

Enrol now by visiting the Ivy Tech Community College HVAC Course

5. Skillshare HVAC course

Skillshare offers an HVAC course that is perfect for those looking to learn HVAC maintenance and installation from the ground up! This course equips students with all they need to get HVAC jobs in the future from a proper understanding of HVAC equipment to how it can be maintained and even repaired!

And also, the HVAC course talks about how to work on HVAC units in all different kinds of buildings so you’ll be prepared for anything–and it explains HVAC fundamentals, safety precautions, and maintenance for HVAC systems.

Enrol now by visiting the HVAC Course at Skillshare HVAC Course: 

6. PluralSight HVAC design course

The design process for HVAC systems is a complicated one. The difference between good and great designs can often come down to understanding how much power an appliance needs, what materials it’ll be made of (and how), as well as their dimensions in relation to each other- but it all starts by knowing your load! In this course we will walk through everything you need to know about loads when designing with Revit MEP:

• From setting up calculations using data inputs like amperage requirements or temperature distributions over time
• Creating measurable units like watt densities so that designers have complete control over energy consumption rates
• applying calculated values back onto Ductwork layouts. When finished, you will understand HVAC loads and HVAC designs how to apply them back onto HVAC layouts.

Enrol now by visiting the PluralSight HVAC design course

You’ve just taken an amazing step towards your future career by reading this article. Now it is time to take the next one and start learning about HVAC online!

We hope you found this list informative and helpful! Remember, when it comes to heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) knowledge is power. So get out there and learn all that you can about HVAC today!

Are you considering a career where you can help people stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter? If you like working with your hands and solving puzzles, perhaps becoming an HVAC Technician is for you! Here is a list of tools every new HVAC technician should have:

#1. A good toolbox

A basic toolbox will be sturdy, have enough room to fit all the necessary tools, and come equipped with different compartments for smaller items. You should also get one that can take some wear and tear because it will inevitably get banged up while being transported from house to house. Toolboxes are easy to find at any hardware store or online retailer. However, before doing so it would be best to check if the HVAC company you plan on working for has a toolbox they provide, especially if it is your first time as an HVAC technician.

#2. Torque Wrench

A torque wrench will make sure that all fasteners are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. This way you can ensure that everything stays in place and doesn’t fall off, which could be very dangerous not only to yourself but also your clients! The torque wrench should be part of any HVAC technician’s arsenal; many manufacturers even supply them with their products. These tools aren’t too expensive either, starting from around $20.00 USD and going up from there depending on which type of torque you need.

#3. Hacksaw

A hacksaw, or Hacksaw, is one of the most versatile hand-powered saws you can own. They usually come with three blades that get mounted to the frame by two screws; it also comes with a metal backstop in between them which functions as a guide for your work piece. Hacksaws are great for making cuts in thin metals and plastics but they also do a fantastic job at cutting through thicker pieces of wood in a pinch. Keep this in mind when looking for a Hacksaw because many models will be able to cut through thin metal but not much else. Hacksaws aren’t expensive either, starting from only around $10 USD all the way up to about $60 in some cases depending on the Hacksaw model. Hacksaws are also really easy to find at any hardware store which is great if you’re already out and about looking for the rest of your tools.

#4. Pliers

A pair of pliers will be handy when working HVAC systems that use threaded fittings because they’ll give you a good grip on it while you tighten or loosen them with your other hand. A HVAC technician’s toolbox isn’t complete without a set of pliers, especially one of the adjustable models which can come in very handy when a situation calls for a different size than what’s being offered from another pair of pliers! They don’t cost much either, starting from around $4.00 USD up to about $20 depending on the HVAC technician’s needs.

#5. HVAC System Leak Detection Dye

HVAC System Leak Detection Dye is a liquid that can be mixed with your HVAC system’s refrigerant supply, which will allow it to flow more easily throughout the whole system while also highlighting any leakages in red! Although HVAC technicians have been using this for decades already, it has only been available to regular people in the last decade or so. HVAC companies typically offer their employees a free bottle or two of this HVAC System Leak Detection Dye each year when they go back to school for training certifications so you shouldn’t have to spend any money on it unless you plan on using HVAC System Leak Detection Dye outside of HVAC systems. HVAC technicians typically use HVAC System Leak Detection Dye to find the source of a system that’s low on refrigerant or just isn’t cooling properly, which can help cut down repair times considerably!

#6. HVAC Multimeter

An HVAC multimeter will allow an HVAC technician to diagnose various problems found in either air conditioning or heating systems all around the home or business. HVAC technicians use these devices to make sure the voltage and current flow is constant through your HVAC system; if there are any irregularities found then there may be something wrong with the HVAC system and it will need to be repaired before any further problems occur. HVAC Multimeters can also be used to find resistances in a HVAC system’s wires, which HVAC technicians often do as part of finding out what circuit component has failed or is failing (i.e; fan limit switch / compressor overload). HVAC Multimeters are expensive though, starting from around $75 USD up to about $500 depending on the HVAC technician’s needs!

#7. Flashlight

A flashlight will come in handy when working on HVAC systems at odd hours such as during nighttime or early morning, which may not have enough light for an HVAC technician to see properly. HVAC technicians are often called to HVAC systems that are in dark or dimly lit spaces since 3 out of 4 HVAC service calls take place after 5 PM. Make sure you get a flashlight with good battery life because it will be useless if the batteries can’t last long enough! Flashlights usually start around $10 USD up to about $60 depending on the HVAC technician’s needs.

#8. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is one of the most inexpensive tools any HVAC technician should own because it’ll help them cut through many different types of material including thin metals, plastics, wood, copper piping, nails, bolts, screws and much more without much wear-and-tear on the Hacksaw itself. Hacksaws usually start around $10 USD up to about $50 depending on the HVAC technician’s needs!

#9. Funnel

A funnel will come in handy for when HVAC technicians need to refill refrigerant tanks especially since HVAC refrigerant bottles typically don’t have a nozzle that can be used to fill it directly, which means they’ll need to use the HVAC system’s gauges and valves instead so they know how much refrigerant goes into each part of their HVAC system. Refilling HVAC systems with the wrong mixture of refrigerants may cause more damage than good if done incorrectly so always do your research before trying anything dangerous! Funnels are often found in HVAC service vans so HVAC technicians can use them anytime they need to. Funnels usually start around $5 USD up to about $10 depending on the HVAC technician’s needs!

#10. Combination Wrench Set (Standard / Metric Sizes)

A combination wrench set will come in very handy every HVAC technician because different HVAC system components are usually held together with either threads or bolts that require a specific size of combination wrench to undo, which many HVAC systems may even have multiple sizes like 1/2″, 9/16″, 3/4″, 7/8″ and more for both standard sized wrenches and metric sized wrenches! you ever plan on working on HVAC systems or know anybody who does? HVAC technicians use these all the time so they definitely need to be bought, but they are very inexpensive starting from about $5 USD up to $20 USD depending on the HVAC technician’s needs.

#11. HVAC Tape Measure

A tape measure will come in handy for HVAC Technician especially when trying to figure out how far an HVAC system is away from any electrical outlets since some HVAC systems may need a couple feet of clearance incase there are short circuits, which can cause fatal injuries if anything comes into direct contact with electricity! HVAC tapes measures are also used by HVAC technicians to determine much material is needed before HVAC systems can be repaired or replaced. HVAC tapes measures usually start at about $5 USD up to about $10 depending on the HVAC technician’s needs!

#12. Hacksaw Blades

HVAC Hacksaw blades will come in handy for HVAC technicians since Hacksaws wear out quickly when used to cut through metal and that’s where Hacksaw blades come into play, which won’t wear-out as fast as Hacksaws do so they can cut through many more metals before needing replacement! Hacksaw blades usually start around $4-5 USD so they are extremely affordable!

#13. Allen Wrench Set (Standard / Metric Sizes)

An Allen wrench set will come in very handy for HVAC technicians since HVAC system components are usually held together with either threads or bolts that require a specific size of allen wrench to undo, which many HVAC systems may even have multiple sizes like 1/8″ up to 3/4″. HVAC technicians use these all the time so they definitely need to be bought, but they are very inexpensive starting from about $5 USD!

#14. HVAC (Dryer) Lint Trap Brush

A HVAC dryer lint trap brush is extremely helpful for HVAC technicians because it can remove any leftover debris on an HVAC dryer lint trap screen before the HVAC dryer’s lint trap screen gets clogged which could cause HVAC dryers to, in turn, catch fire! HVAC technicians use these all the time so they definitely need to be bought, but they are very inexpensive starting from about $4 USD!

#15. Hacksaw Frame

A Hacksaw frame will come in handy for HVAC technicians since Hacksaws where out pretty quickly because the Hacksaw blade itself is held into place with two nails or rivets that can easily come loose over time and that’s where Hacksaw frames come into play by holding Hacksaw blades securely in place while protecting your hands because Hacksaws are sharp! Hacksaw frames usually start around $5-10 depending on HVAC technician’s preferences and HVAC needs.

#16. HVAC (Dryer) Lint Trap Screen

An HVAC dryer lint trap screen is very helpful for HVAC technicians because it can collect any leftover debris that could clog up HVAC dryers which could cause HVAC dryers to catch fire! HVAC technicians use these all the time so they definitely need to be bought, but they are very inexpensive starting from about $5 USD each!

#17. Hacksaw Handle with Blade

A hacksaw handle with blade will come in very handy for HVAC technicians since it allows them to cut through metal even more efficiently than before which saves HVAC technicians time and money! Hacksaw handles with blades usually start around $10 USD so they are affordable!

#18. HVAC Portable Scissors

HVAC portable scissors will come in very handy for HVAC technicians since they can cut through HVAC components, HVAC tapes, HVAC ducts, HVAC vinyl material, HVAC wires, etc. without being too heavy to carry since they are extremely lightweight! HVAC portable scissors usually start at about $5-6 USD depending on HVAC technician needs.

#19. Pipe Cutter

A pipe cutter will come in very handy for HVAC technicians since it is used to easily cut pipes of any diameter whether HVAC technicians need to cut HVAC pipes, HVAC air ducts, HVAC vinyl material, HVAC wires, etc. easily! HVAC pipe cutters usually start at about $10-25 USD depending on HVAC technician needs.

#20. Hacksaw Blade Sharpener

A hacksaw blade sharpener will come in very handy for HVAC technicians since it can make existing Hacksaw blades even more efficient by grinding out any small pieces of metal that could be slowing down the efficiency of Hacksaws every time there was a small chunk of metal that needed to be removed to install or replace an HVAC system part! Hacksaw bladepeners usually start around $10 USD so they are extremely affordable!

#21. Hacksaw Handle with Hacksaw Blade

A Hacksaw handle with Hacksaw blade will come in very handy for HVAC technicians since Hacksaws where out pretty quickly because the Hacksaw blade itself is held into place with two nails or rivets that can easily come loose over time and that’s where Hacksaw handles with blades come into play by holding Hacksaw blades securely in place while protecting your hands because Hacksaws are sharp! HVAC technicians use these all the time so they definitely need to be bought, but they are very inexpensive starting from about $14 USD depending on preference and HVAC needs

#22. Safety Goggles

Safety goggles are very important HVAC tools that HVAC technicians need to have in order to protect their eyes from any debris that could fly up into their eyes while HVAC technicians are working on HVAC systems since Hacksaws can be extremely dangerous if Hacksaw blades fly into HVAC technician’s eyes! Safety goggles usually start at about $15 USD so they are moderately affordable.

#23. HVAC Pipes

HVDC pipes will come in handy for HVAC technicians because the make transporting large amounts of refrigerant much easier which also makes installing or replacing an HVAC system part much faster than before! HVC pipes usually start around $12-20 USD depending on preference and HVAC needs.

#24. HVAC Vinyl Material

HVAC vinyl material will come in very handy for HVAC technicians because HVAC systems need to be repaired or installed every once in awhile and HVAC vinyl material is needed for HVAC technicians to temporarily patch HVAC systems up until the time comes that HVAC system parts can be replaced! HVC pipes usually start at about $5-6 USD depending on preference and HVDC needs.

#25. Wrench Set

An wrench set will come in very helpful for HVAC technicians since it allows them to tighten loose nuts & bolts with ease which makes installing or replacing an HVDC system part much faster than before! HVAC HVAC technicians will definitely need to buy an HVDC wrench set because HVAC systems are everywhere all the time. HVC wrenches usually start at about $20-25 USD depending on preference and HVAC needs.

#26. HVAC Tape Measure

A HVAC tape measure will come in very handy for HVAC technicians because it allows them to accurately measure existing HVAC system sizes so they know precisely how much of any type of HVDC, HVDC material, etc is needed to install or replace an HVDC system part! A strong yet compact steel tape measure should do just fine but if you’re someone who does lots of roofing then a water & ice resistant HVAC tape measure will come in handy if HVAC technicians have to climb on roofs. HVAC HVAC tape measures usually start at about $12-20 USD depending on HVDC needs.

#27. Hvac Wire Stripper

HVC wire strippers are very important HVAC tools that HVAC technicians need to have in order to strip insulation off of any type of DC or AC wires, HVDC wires, etc. A good electrical HVDC wire stripper can make stripping insulation off of all different types of HVDC wires much faster than before which saves you time when needing to install or replace an HVDC system part! HVC wire strippers usually start at about $15-20 USD depending on HVAC needs.

#28. HVAC Hacksaw Blade Holders

HVAC hacksaw blade holders will come in very handy for HVAC technicians since they hold Hacksaw blades in place which makes Hacksaws much safer than they already are because Hacksaw blades can fly off of Hacksaw handles if not held securely in place! Hacksaws are one of the most dangerous tools used by HVAC technicians so they definitely need to be bought, but they are very inexpensive starting at only about $11 USD depending on HVDC needs.

#29. 4″ Side-Cutting Pliers

4″ side-cutting pliers will come in very handy for HVAC technicians since they cut HVDC wire & HVAC piping with ease which makes replacing HVDC system parts much faster than before! Hacksaws are one of the most dangerous tools used by HVAC technicians so they definitely need to be bought, but 4″ side-cutting pliers are only about $8 USD.

#30. HVAC Needle Nose Pliers

HVC needle nose pliers will come in very handy for HVAC technicians because they hold HVSF fittings, wires, etc in place which makes installing or replacing an HVDC system part much easier than before! HVC needle nose pliers usually start at $8-10 USD depending on preference and HVAC needs.

#31. HVAC Hacksaw Blade

HVC hacksaw blades are very important HVAC tools that HVAC technicians need to have in order to saw HVDC piping, HVDC tubing, etc with ease which makes replacing HVDC system parts much faster than before! HVC hacksaw blades usually start at about $3-5 USD depending on preference and HVAC needs.

#32. HVSF Clamps

HVSF clamps will come in very handy for HVAC technicians because they allow them to secure hoses & piping together which makes installing or replacing an HVDC system part much easier than before! HVS clamps are only about $2-4 USD depending on HVDC needs. HVAC HVAC technicians will definitely need to buy an HVSF clamp set because HVDC systems are everywhere all the time and HVS clamps usually come in a set of 3 or 5.

#33. Flashlight

A Flashlight is probably one of the most important tools that HVAC technicians can have because you never know when something will break, stop working properly, etc so it is always good having a backup battery powered flashlight just in case! HVC flashlights should be very bright and made from strong, durable plastic which should help save them from breaking if they get dropped! HVAC HVAC flash usually start at about $10-20 USD depending on HVAC needs. HVAC HVAC flashlights are definitely a good investment for HVDC technicians.

#34. Hose Removal Tool

An HVDC hose removal tool will come in very handy for HVAC technicians when they need to remove HVSF hoses from any type of HVDC system part but do not have the right tools available at that moment! HVSF hose removal tools usually start at about $4-6 USD depending on preference and HVC needs.

#35. Wire Stripper Electrical Tape

HVAC wire strippers electrical tape is another very important tool HVDC technicians need to have because it can help them with safe wiring practices which HVAC HVAC technicians are required to do! HVS wire strippers usually start at about $20-30 USD depending on HVDC needs. HVAC HVAC wiring practices are definitely very important for HVA technicians to be familiar with because HVDC systems are everywhere all the time and electrical tape is usually inexpensive starting around only $6 USD.

#36. HVS Clamps

HVS clamps will come in handy for HVAC technicians because they hold wires, hoses, piping together which makes installing or replacing an HVDC system part much easier since everything stays together securely! HVS clamps are inexpensive starting at about $2-4 USD depending on preference and HVDC needs. HVAC HVA HVS clamps are definitely a good investment for HVDC technicians because HVS clamps usually come in a set of 3 or 5. HVAC HVC HVS clamps are also lightweight which makes them easy to carry & handle!

#37. Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is another very important tool that HVC technicians need to have since it can help them with safe wiring practices which HVAC HVAC technicians are required to do! HVS electrical tape usually start at about $3-6 USD depending on preference and HVDC needs. HVAC HVA HVS electrical tape is definitely an important thing for any type of technician to invest in so they always have it available when HVAC HVC HVS needs it! HVAC HVA HVS electrical tape is usually very cheap and extremely inexpensive.

#38. HVDC Thermometer

HVDC thermometers are HVAC important tools for HVA technicians to have so they can accurately take the temperature of pipes, hoses, wires, system parts which allow them to better determine what type of repairs or replacements need to be done in order to fix a specific HVDC issue! HVDC thermometers usually start at about $35-50 USD depending on preference and HVC needs. HVAC thermometers are definitely a good investment for any type of technician since accurate readings help with quick & efficient troubleshooting HVAC repairs! HVAC HVS HVDC thermometers are also lightweight which makes them easy to carry & handle!

#39. HVA Wrench Set

A set of HVDC wrenches will definitely come in very handy for HVC technicians if they need to do HVA installs, replacements, troubleshooting, etc because it provides them with the variety of sizes they may need for specific HVAC different tasks depending on what HVA issue their system is having. A set of 10-20 HVDC wrenches should be available at any hardware store or online since they usually start at about $10-30 USD depending on preference and HVC needs. A good investment for any technician! HVAC wrenches are also lightweight which makes them easy to carry & handle!

#40. HVS Screwdriver Set

HVS screwdriver sets will be very helpful for HVAC technicians since they contain many different sizes of all types of HVS screwdrivers that may need depending on specific HVA HVAC repairs or installs, etc. HVS screwdriver sets usually start at about $10-20 USD depending on preference and HVC needs. The more variety the better because there is no way of knowing what size will be needed until it’s actually needed which is why it’s good to have a full set available at any given. A good investment for HVA HVDC technicians because HVS screwdrivers are also lightweight which makes HVA HVC HVS easier to carry & handle!

#41. HVAC Flashlight

A HVAC flashlight will definitely come in very handy for HVA technicians since it can provide them with the light they need while doing HVDC installs, replacements, wiring work, troubleshooting, etc which can be very difficult if their HVA tasks need to be done in dark places or at night. A decent HVAC flashlight should be available at any hardware store or online starting around $6-10 USD depending on preference and price. This is an inexpensive but necessary investment for any technician so they always have access to a good one when the situation HVA HVDC arises. HVAC HVS HVDC flashlights are also lightweight which makes HVA HVC HVS easier to carry & handle!

#42. HVAC Putty Knife

A HVAC putty knife will definitely come in very handy for HVA technicians since they can use it to scrape all types of things on different HVDC tasks depending on what their system is having issues with, etc. A full set of 10-15 HVDC putty knives should be available at any hardware store or online starting around $4-12 USD depending on preference and price. This is an inexpensive but necessary investment for technicians so they always have access to a good one when the situation HVA HVDC HVS arises. HVAC HVS HVDC putty knives are also lightweight which makes HVA HVC HVS easier to carry & handle!

#43. HVAC Tape Measure

A HVAC tape measure will definitely come in very handy for HVA technicians since they need to accurately determine the distance between different objects before doing any type of install or replacement work on their system, etc. A decent HVAC tape measure should be available at any hardware store or online starting around $6-15 USD depending on preference and price. This is an inexpensive but necessary investment for HVA technicians so they always have access to a good one when the situation HVDC arises. HVAC tape measures HVA HVS HVDC are also lightweight which makes HVA HVC HVS easier to carry & handle!

HVAC technicians has a great set of tools need to do their job efficiently and effectively, so it’s important for them to spend a little extra money on high quality tools that will be able to last through many HVDC tasks. Cheap tools often break or don’t function properly and end up creating more work in the long run because they had to keep stopping and fixing HVT issues instead of actually getting the job done. Investing some extra money usually saves time and effort for any technician, especially those who tend to make many mistakes if their equipment isn’t working properly.

Hope this article helps those who are HVA looking for the HVC right tools to do their job without hassle. I sure hope so! Good luck and stay safe out there!

The HVAC salary will typically depend on an individual’s skill level, years of experience and place of employment. The tech will working by installing, repairing and maintaining air conditioning, ventilation and heating units for commercial or residential buildings. The tech is trained to read blueprints and to use a variety of specialized tools, which includes current meters, flow sensors and metal cutters. When performing maintenance duties, a tech will ensure that all of a system’s components, including switches, thermostats, pumps, fans and motors, are working correctly. They will also speak with their customers and recommend or adjust system settings. The specific duties for this position will include testing systems for leaks, testing electrical circuits, welding pipes and connecting wires.

Career Overview for the HVAC Tech

An HVAC technician will need to have a deep understanding of installation practices and electrical science. According to statistics, the demand for this position is expected to grow by almost thirty percent in the next five years, which is faster than the average career growth.  

An HVAC installer can earn an average of $42,000 a year, with four or more years of experience, while those new to the field make an average of $26,000 the first three years. Working in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry can offer the highest salary, with the average employee earning $68,000 a year.

Annual Salary Info Based on Job Title

If you’re someone that’s interested in a career in the HVAC field, the earning potential will vary, based on your job title, the amount of experience you have and the level of education completed. You can significantly increase your chances of landing employment by enrolling in an accredited certificate or degree program. You can also obtain certification through a certifying organization, which is a requirement in some states. The certification process will usually involve providing proof of the completion of an internship and passing a multiple choice written exam.

Professionals can work under a number of titles, such as installation tech, mechanic or service technician. According to statistics, service techs that had one to four years of experience earned an average salary that ranged from $26,000 to $42,000 and  HVAC mechanics that had one to four years of experience made an average salary that ranged from $26,000 to $56,000. Installation technicians in this field with one to four years of experience made an annual salary that ranged from $30,000 to $42,000.

Many professionals in this field will choose to further their education, in order to land a higher HVAC salary. These programs can come in the form of the associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or working professionals can enroll in a six to twelve month certificate program. Certificate programs will  feature new techniques used in the field and a number of advanced installation methods. To qualify for enrollment, the HVAC tech will need to provide proof of valid certification and previous work experience in this field.

The HVAC apprenticeship can be very lengthy, when compared to most career fields and is normally a state requirement, in order to qualify for certification as an HVAC installer or system designer. The HVAC apprenticeship is a structured training program that’s designed to prepare an individual for employment working in this field. The apprenticeship will combine on the job training with classroom instruction, with the field training done under the supervision if a certified tech.

What can an Apprenticeship Offer?

Individuals that complete an apprenticeship program can expect to have more job opportunities, with positions that offer a higher salary. Statistics have shown that HVAC techs that have completed this type of training program earn more each year as opposed to individuals that have only completed basic on the job training programs. Professionals that have completed an apprenticeship are also more likely to be promoted sooner and more often than a tech that has not been trained through this type of program.

Should an employer need a trained worker, they will benefit from an apprenticeship program. This type of program has been proven to produce highly motivated professionals who learn their jobs at a much quicker rate and who are more loyal to their employers. The starting wage for an apprentice is typically half of what a trained professional in this field will earn. The wages are paid in proportion to the skill level and the ability of the apprentice.

How you can qualify for an Apprenticeship

The HVAC tech apprentice will typically work for a refrigeration contractor. The training will involve repair and maintenance of refrigeration units, in addition to maintenance and repair of air conditioning units for commercial and residential buildings.

To qualify for an apprenticeship the applicant should be at least eighteen years of age, have a GED or high school diploma, pass a physical exam and be able to write, read and speak English. Other qualifications will include attending classes two to three nights a week, having a valid driver’s license, and proof of the legal right to work in the US.

The benefits from an apprenticeship program will include dental and medical coverage, in addition to supplemental pension plan benefits.

Most apprenticeships are four to five years in length, requiring the apprentice to work a total amount of eight thousand hours, in order to qualify for certification as an HVAC tech. All apprentices will be required to complete a total of two hundred hours of classroom instruction. The income for the trainee will increase once they have completed the number of field training and classroom instruction hours.

Most formal training programs will have apprenticeship placement programs, which allows a student to begin their field training while still enrolled in classes.  Some schools will not have this type of program and the student will be required to apply for apprenticeships on their own.

If you’re interested in field of  HVAC careers, you’ll need to learn about the steps you need to take in order to qualify for employment in this field. These techs can work on heating, cooling and ventilation systems. Techs will often travel to a work site and repair and install parts, supply lines and wiring. These systems can control the humidity, temperature and air quality in a room. Individuals that want to enter this field can enrol in a certificate or degree program and will also be required to complete an apprenticeship.

The prospective tech can receive training from vocational schools or community colleges by enrolling in the associate’s degree or certificate program. In addition to learning about air conditioning units, ventilation units and heating systems, the classwork can also include temperature control theory, equipment design, and mechanical systems. A student may also be required to complete a capstone project in order to be eligible for graduation.  An employer will usually require a tech to earn EPA certification, which will qualify them to handle refrigerant units.

What the HVAC Tech Does

These techs will repair, install and maintain refrigeration, air conditioning and heating systems. Many HVAC careers will involve the technician choosing to specialize in repair, maintenance or installation, or they can specialize in refrigeration or air conditioning.

The typical day for this type of professional will depend on their area of specialty. Techs can test electrical circuits and components, with electrical testing equipment and replace or repair damaged wiring or components. Techs will routinely check on installed equipment, in order to ensure that it meets safety regulations and codes.

A tech will typically work in uncomfortable hot or cold conditions and will need to take safety precautions in order to avoid injury.

Many states will require the HVAC tech to obtain certification and all techs that work with refrigerant units will need to become licensed. There are a number of unions, employer associations and trade schools that can provide accredited training programs for this field.

Techs that complete a formal training program and have less than two years of experience in the field are eligible for entry level positions. Individuals that have a minimum of one year of installation experience and two years of repair and maintenance experience are eligible to take specialized certification exams. There are a number of certifying organizations that provide certification exams, which can be taken through accredited schools. These exams will show that a tech has specific competencies.

The Routine for the HVAC Technician

An HVAC tech will typically work forty hours a week and during peak seasons they may be required to work overtime. Currently, less than five percent of techs work as independent contractors.

Depending on the employer, a tech can work in malls, factories, stores, hospitals, schools, offices and residential buildings. Technicians will generally work indoors, but can sometimes be required to work outside on heating systems or other types of units.

Is HVAC Certification Worth The Money?

A lot of people who are new to the HVAC industry are curious as to whether or not it is even worth it to become HVAC certified.

This is an absolutely valid question. I mean, let’s be real, exam prep materials are not cheap and people don’t want to spend their time studying for a certification that isn’t going to give them some sort of return. So is it worth it?

My Take: Certifications Can’t Hurt

There are a lot of different situations and circumstances that could play into this decision, so only you can decide whether or not certification is something you want to pursue. However, I am always of the opinion that if you have the opportunity to get certification, it can’t hurt.

The HVAC industry is competitive, and there are lots of qualified candidates out there and personally, I want every advantage I can get. Whether it’s for a position I am applying for or a position within another company, the certifications will always be helpful.

Companies Like HVAC Certified Employees

Just like you find yourself competing for a job, HVAC companies compete every day for customers.

And just like you, they want to be able to tout as many accolades as they can. This is why many companies are willing to pay for their employees to become certified – because they want to be able that all of their technicians are certified in one way or another.

This is why if you are applying for one of these types of companies, you are immediately more desirable. They don’t need to invest more money into you because you have already put in the work and time needed to obtain certification.