The Heating, Ventillation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry needs HVAC technicians to install and maintain HVAC systems. The outlook for the career is excellent. HVAC technicians work in homes, office buildings, hospitals, and virtually anywhere that has an air conditioning or heating system. HVAC technicians are usually hourly wage earners, who earn anywhere from $14.94 to $24.84 an hour.
Companies prefer to hire HVAC technicians who have attended a post-secondary training program about HVAC systems. Junior and community colleges, as well as many trade schools have HVAC training programs. The programs last anywhere from six months to two years and include classes about blueprint reading, theory of HVAC systems, and safety practices.
Look for an accredited program to ensure that your program will meet the standards for becoming an HVAC technician. A school could be accredited by one of three major accrediting institutions. The institutions include: HVAC Excellence; National Center for Construction Education and Research; and Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Accreditation.
Many schools for heating and cooling require an internship or apprenticeship to earn HVAC certification. An apprenticeship will last anywhere from three to five years. Professional HVAC technicians gain additional certification through the The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute's Industry Competency Exam. A program or school for heating and cooling will prepare you for this exam.