After completing a high school diploma or GED, you can get training as an HVAC technician through a certificate program, an associate degree program, or an apprenticeship program. To earn a certificate, students must complete around 30 credits, while an associate degree requires about 60 credits. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement to begin a career as an HVAC technician. The high school curriculum should focus on honing math and reading skills that are essential for the job.
However, most employers don't hire technicians who only have a high school diploma or GED. Most states require a high school diploma or GED to obtain HVAC technician certification. Professional HVAC schools teach the basics of HVAC physics, as well as the installation, maintenance, and repair of indoor climate control systems. They also include the basics of cooling.
HVAC technicians spend an average of 6 to 12 months training after employment and on the job. During this time, new HVAC technicians learn the skills and techniques needed for their specific job and employer. The following chart shows how long it takes to acquire skills as an air conditioning technician based on data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and data from the curricula of actual HVAC technicians. The HVAC career path includes jobs as a service technician, technical estimator, and service dispatcher.
The most common job titles before becoming an air conditioning technician include maintenance technician, service technician, and technician. Individual states require HVAC professionals to hold licenses and certifications to work as HVAC technicians. The HVAC technician is usually responsible for managing various air quality equipment, such as air conditioners, and for providing the necessary maintenance and repairs to avoid faults or health risks that may be caused by the machinery. When you need repairs or maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, it's always best to rely on a professional HVAC technician to provide the services you need to keep your home safe and your family comfortable.
