Many of us often ignore the importance of the various furnaces that keep us warm during winter and air conditioning systems that enable us to stay comfortably cool indoor during summer. These very complicated heating and cooling systems are made up of various diverse parts like pipes, compressors, ducts, fans, pumps, motors and electrical switches, as well as necessitate technical know-how on its right installation be it in structures or rooms.
HVAC Technicians are the professionals who carry out the installation and maintenance of these systems.
An Outline of an HVAC Tech’s Training
HVAC techs usually have two categories: Installation and Repair. But when it comes to an HVAC Tech’s training, it also include the right installation and maintenance of various kinds of mechanical systems like:
- Furnaces
- Compressors
- Metal and Fiberglass Ducting
- Motors
- Fans
- Switches
- Piping
- Electrical Systems and its Components
Training for HVAC technicians likewise include a wide-array of diverse systems. However, a lot of HVAC techs specialize in a single field, like furnaces or refrigeration. HVAC techs maintain the proper operation of each systems involved in cooling or heating a building.
Meanwhile, installers need to be proficient at reading technical specifications and blueprints related to gas, oil and electric cooling and heating system’s installation. It is easier to install an AC at home where installers can put its duct system anywhere below the sub-floor. When it comes to a new college lab for instance, it is challenging to put up pipes and mechanical systems along with the other systems already in place.
AN HVAC Tech’s training likewise deals with various hand tools like wrenches, tin snips, pipe cutters and torches, and also numerous testing gadgets like voltmeters, hydrometers, and pressure gauges to check the various pressures and flow rates.
Then, there are certain HVAC techs who further specialize into solar or hydronics installation.
HVAC Tech’s Training: Degrees and the Corresponding Coursework
A lot of employers likely employ HVAC Tech training program graduates because of the growing complexity of HVAC systems. Although there are numerous techs who master the trade over an internship program or even an on-the-job-training.
HVAC Tech’s training programs often last around six months up to two years and include classes on:
- Blueprint Reading
- Safety
- HVAC Systems Theory and Design
- Refrigeration Products
- Equipment Construction
- Installation, maintenance and repair
- Mechanical Drawing
HVAC tech training program graduates possess extensive knowledge on the installation and maintenance of the various systems used in residential and commercial structures. These HVAC techs are well-equipped and qualified for the industry’s entry-level positions where they can surely keep on learning more valuable skills as they go along.
Work opportunities further include jobs in:
- Auto air conditioning
- Appliance repair
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Boiler/ chiller repair and tune-up
- Solar
According to a technician’s particular trade, there are a number of distinct governing authorities that provide certification and accreditation needed by HVAC techs and installers.
HVAC Tech Career Perspective
The lack of residential and commercial constructions all over the country has significantly reduced HVAC tech job opportunities over the past few years. But since the construction industry, both residential and commercial are picking up, you can predict a boost in demand among HVAC technicians.
Right now, the bulk of HVAC contractors are working on the heating, air conditioning and the plumbing fields. But those HVAC techs who have completed approved training programs will land better work prospects that aspiring HVAC techs who only learned about the trade upon working.
HVAC techs specializing in repair further have a better shot at surviving construction downturns compared to installers since no new constructions also means no new HVAC installations. In addition, HVAC techs good at computer-controlled systems have better work prospects too. HVAC Technician’s Training is more important for those workers going into the field since HVAC system continues to be developed and improved over the years to produce more energy-efficient equipment that can make life easier and more comfortable.