HVAC technicians are in high demand! See how much they make and how you can start your career in this growing field.
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HVAC Basics
Whether you’re looking to enter the field or you’re already a professional HVAC tech, it’s important to understand the basics of HVAC. In this article, we will be discussing the basics of HVAC systems, how they work, and what a typical HVAC tech makes.
What is HVAC?
HVAC is an acronym that stands for “heating, ventilation and air conditioning.” It is a system that is used to regulate the temperature, humidity and quality of the air in a given space. For example, your home’s HVAC system keeps the temperature at a comfortable level, filters the air to remove pollutants and circulates the air to prevent stuffiness.
The Three Main Components of an HVAC System
There are three main components to an HVAC system:
-The furnace or air conditioner (the “air handler”)
-The ductwork that distributes the conditioned air throughout the house
-The thermostat that controls the entire system
How Does an HVAC System Work?
An HVAC system works by circulating either warm or cool air (depending on the season and your needs) through a series of ducts. The ducts are usually located in the walls, floors or ceilings of your home. The conditioned air is then distributed throughout the house via vents.
The furnace or air conditioner is usually located in a central location, such as a basement or closet. The furnace draws in cold air from outside and heats it before circulating it throughout the house. In the summer months, the furnace is replaced by an air conditioner, which draws in warm air from inside and circulates it through a series of coils filled with refrigerant. This process cools the air before circulating it back into your home.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians install, inspect, maintain and repair HVAC systems. An HVAC system provides heating and cooling for commercial and residential buildings.
HVAC technicians typically work in the construction industry, although some may be employed by factories or other companies that operate large HVAC systems. Many technicians are certified by professional organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
HVAC technicians typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary training or an associate’s degree. Many technicians complete a formal training program at a trade school or community college.
Most states require HVAC technicians to be licensed by the state in which they work. Licensing requirements vary by state but usually include passing an examination.
What are the different types of HVAC Systems?
The HVAC industry offers a wide variety of career opportunities with two main types of HVAC systems: residential and commercial. Each type of system has different characteristics, so it’s important to know the difference when choosing an HVAC career.
Residential HVAC systems are found in single-family homes, apartments, and other small dwellings. These systems are typically smaller in size and capacity than commercial HVAC systems. Residential HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain these systems.
Commercial HVAC systems are found in large office buildings, factories, shopping malls, and other larger structures. These systems are usually more complex than residential HVAC systems and require more training and experience to repair and maintain. Commercial HVAC technicians typically have more responsibility than residential technicians and may supervise a team of workers.
HVAC Training
HVAC training will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. This is a high-demand field, and HVAC technicians are always in demand. With the proper training, you can become an HVAC technician and begin a rewarding career in this field.
What is HVAC Training?
HVAC training is a process by which individuals learn the skills and knowledge necessary to install, operate, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems. HVACR technicians typically enter the workforce with a high school diploma or equivalent and complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Many technicians also complete postsecondary education programs in HVAC technology.
What are the different types of HVAC Training?
There are many different types of HVAC training, but most programs will focus on teaching students about the installation, repair, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Although many HVAC technicians enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent, some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most employers prefer candidates with certification from a technical or trade school. The following are some common types of HVAC training:
High school diploma or equivalent: Many HVAC technicians enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. Although this is not required for all positions, it is helpful to have basic knowledge of mathematics and science.
Technical or trade school: Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a technical or trade school program. These programs typically last one to two years and include coursework in topics such as mathematics, physics, electronics, and thermodynamics. Some programs also offer internships or cooperative education experiences that allow students to gain hands-on experience.
Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship is a type of on-the-job training that allows individuals to learn the skills needed to perform a certain trade or occupation. Apprenticeships typically last three to five years and combine work with classroom instruction. Many HVAC technicians enter the field through an apprenticeship program.
Certification: Although certification is not required for all positions, it can demonstrate competence and may be required by some employers. Certification programs are offered by various organizations, such as professional associations or manufacturers of HVAC equipment.
What is the Difference Between an HVAC Certificate and an HVAC Degree?
The main difference between an HVAC certificate and an HVAC degree is the amount of time it takes to complete the program. A certificate program can be completed in as little as six months, while a degree program can take two to four years to complete. Both programs will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in the HVAC industry, but a degree program will provide you with more advanced training.
HVAC Certification
HVAC technicians are in high demand due to the popularity of air conditioning and heating units in both residential and commercial settings. Many HVAC techs start their careers without any formal training or certification, but those who have gone through an HVAC training program or have earned their HVAC certification have an advantage over those who have not.
What is HVAC Certification?
HVAC certification is the process of verifying that an HVAC technician has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job. This certification can be done by a variety of organizations, but it is most commonly done through HVAC trade schools or community colleges. There are a number of different certification exams that a technician can take, but the most common one is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Certification Exam, or HVAC-C.
In order to become certified, an HVAC technician must first pass an exam that covers all of the topics that they will be tested on in their career. After passing the exam, the technician will then be able to apply for their certification. Once they have been certified, they will need to renew their certification every few years in order to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and best practices.
While not required in all states, HVAC certification is becoming increasingly common as more states adopt regulations requiring technicians to be certified in order to work in the state. In addition, many employers are now requiring their technicians to be certified in order to be hired or promoted.
What are the Different Types of HVAC Certification?
The type of HVAC certification you need will depend on the job you want and the state you wish to work in. There are many different types of certification, but the three most common are EPA, NATE, and HERS.
EPA Certification: The EPA offers two different types of certification for HVAC technicians. The first is a Universal Certification, which allows technicians to work on any type of refrigerant-based system. The second is a Stationary Certification, which allows technicians to work on larger, industrial refrigeration systems. To earn either of these certifications, technicians must pass an exam administered by the EPA.
NATE Certification: NATE (North American Technicians Excellence) is a voluntary certification program that tests technician’s knowledge of HVAC systems. To earn NATE certification, technicians must pass both a written exam and a practical skills test. Once certified, technicians must recertify every five years to maintain their credential.
HERS Certification: HERS (Home Energy Rating System) certifications are offered by a variety of different organizations and allow technicians to perform energy audits on homes and businesses. These audits help customers save money by making their homes more energy efficient. To earn a HERS certification, technicians must complete a training program and pass an exam administered by the organization they are working with.
How Do I Get HVAC Certified?
The first step is to complete an accredited HVAC training program. Throughout the united states there are many schools that offer certification in this field. Once you have completed a training program, you will then need to pass an industry recognized hvac certification exam
After you have passed the certification exam, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses. Many states require that HVAC technicians complete a certain number of hours of continuing education every year in order to maintain their license.
There are many different organizations that offer HVAC certification, so it is important to do your research before enrolling in a program. Some of the most popular organizations include:
-The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
-The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
-The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
HVAC Salary
If you’re thinking about becoming an HVAC technician, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to make in this career. The answer depends on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and location. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of HVAC technician salaries across the United States.
How Much Does an HVAC Tech Make?
How much does an HVAC tech make? HVAC technicians, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians, diagnose and repair problems with HVAC systems. They install, maintain and repair ductwork, control systems, heating and cooling systems. A typical day in the life of an HVAC technician might include: • Inspecting boilers, furnaces and air conditioners to diagnose problems • Fixing or replacing parts such as motors, controls or pumps • Adjusting thermostats and controls to ensure proper operation • diagnosing ductwork leaks by measuring airflow through the system • measuring temperature differentials to determine proper furnace heat output An HVAC technician typically works in a shop during regular business hours. However, some jobs may require on-site work in commercial or industrial buildings. Some technicians may be on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergency situations.
The median annual salary for an HVAC technician was $47,610 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $76,680 while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $28,270.
What is the Average HVAC Salary by State?
The average salary for a HVAC Technician is $24.10 per hour in the United States.
California – $26.58 per hour
Texas – $25.50 per hour
Florida – $24.33 per hour
New York – $23.92 per hour
Pennsylvania – $23.75 per hour
What are the Highest Paying HVAC Jobs?
While most HVAC jobs are well-paying, there are some positions that offer higher salaries than others. Here are some of the highest-paying HVAC jobs:
-Commercial HVAC Installer: $45,000-$75,000
-Residential HVAC Installer: $40,000-$60,000
-HVAC Service Technician: $40,000-$70,000
-HVAC Sales Engineer: $60,000-$100,000
-HVAC Controls Technician: $50,000-$80,000
