Becoming an HVAC TechnicianSkilled HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) workers are needed in every state and many countries. In many cases, HVAC workers receive on the job training with apprenticeships, but there are vocational programs offering certification in HVAC work. It is best to complete a certification program because of the risk of personal injury to those installing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. If you do choose to enter a course, you should plan to take a number of complex classes including:
Those interested in HVAC careers need to be interested in all aspects of heating and ventilation. Your job requires you to install piping and ducts. You will be installing and repairing furnaces, air conditioning systems, and ventilation fans and systems. The job can be dirty and tedious, so make sure you are prepared for it. One aspect that few people think about is one of the most important things to consider. In the northern parts of the United States, winters can become extremely cold. It is common to find winters in New England dipping to 20 below zero or colder with wind chills factored in. When you are installing heating systems in these regions, you are working in buildings that are often not finished and exposed somewhat to the elements and lacking electricity. While windows may be in place to keep out snow, freezing rain, and winds, the building itself is not heated. In many cases, you will be working in freezing temperatures. Because you are working with tools and small parts, wearing protective gloves is not an option. Some workers bring in kerosene space heaters, but this can lead to carbon monoxide issues so often it is best to work in the cold. You must be prepared to work in bitter cold conditions if you live in the north. Likewise, in the south you may be installing air conditioning systems in extremely heat and humidity without access to electricity for fans. Tolerance of extreme weather is essential. Many states regulate those working within HVAC. These states require HVAC workers to attend continuing education classes and seminars to ensure the worker is fully aware of changes to the law or other important information. Regulations vary from state to state: In Alaska, all HVAC workers are strictly regulated. HVAC workers must obtain a state license. To gain this license, you must pass a stringent HVAC examination. This test costs $125 plus a $50 application fee. Once you've passed the test, a two-year license costs $250. Every two years, you must renew it for $250. In Connecticut, HVAC workers must be at least eighteen. To obtain a license, you must show the board that you have competent skills, a middle school diploma, and any furthering education paperwork if it applies. There is a $45 application and testing fee. Once the test is passed, you must pay $75 for the license that must be renewed. The renewal period depends on the type of specialty that is performed. Idaho has stricter regulations than most. Anyone working in HVAC must pass a stringent exam given by the state board. They also require most HVAC workers to have had four years of experience working under a skilled HVAC worker. The apprenticeship program is essential to many HVAC workers in Idaho. Idaho also requires many of their HVAC workers to put $2,000 into a performance bond. Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania are states that do not require their HVAC workers to be licensed. The governments are working to change this ruling, but for now there are no regulations in either state. New York, Iowa, and Wyoming do require licenses in some counties. If you are working or plan to work in these states, you should contact your local government for exact requirements. Licensing in North Carolina costs $100 annually. To gain a license, you must pay a $150 licensing and exam fee. Once this test has been completed successfully, the yearly license of $100 must be paid by the license renewal date. Because the regulations for HVAC jobs change frequently, it is important to check with your state before accepting any HVAC job. Make sure you are meeting the current regulations. Failure to do so can lead to severe penalties and a loss of license for an extended amount of time. Interested in HVAC training? View our list of schools nationwide that offer HVAC training programs. |