The Complete Guide
How to Become an HVAC Technician
Saving Time and Money on Your Certification Online
Why We Love HVAC Tech
What if you could have a career helping people and were never chained to a cubicle? What if each day on the job was interesting and you were able to work independently?
HVAC technicians are like local superheroes, keeping people’s homes and businesses cool in the warmer months and warm in the cooler months.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and these skilled tradesmen and women are the ones responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing these complex systems.
If you’ve always loved fixing things and wonder what a career as an HVAC tech offers, keep reading!
What Do HVAC Technicians Do?
The HVAC system is one of the most important systems in any building, whether that building is a private residence, apartment complex, or retail store.
And the person responsible for ensuring this system is always functioning properly is an HVAC technician.
On any given day, an HVAC technician will perform the following tasks:
Installation
One of the main responsibilities of an HAVC technician is to install a new HVAC system. They may primarily focus on residential projects or commercial projects, or do both types of installations.
Testing
To ensure these complex systems are always working optimally, an HVAC technician must perform routine tests on various components and electrical circuits.
Maintenance
From time to time, an HVAC system will have failures and require servicing. These techs answer customer calls and show up to make the necessary fixes that will get the unit up and running again.
Sales
Like any building system, HVAC systems have a specific lifespan. At some point, a new system will need to be purchased by the homeowner or business owner. HVAC techs handle sales of new units.
The great thing about a career as an HVAC technician is that you never know what tasks you’ll be doing on any given day.
You might start the week out by answering a lot of service calls. This is particularly true in the spring and fall months, when home and business owners want to have their HVAC system serviced to be sure they are working properly in summer and winter.
Your company may be hired by a real estate developer to install HVAC systems into all of their new buildings, and this will require you to use another set of skills. And each day you get to interact with new people, keeping the job fun and exciting.
HVAC technicians are valuable members of the home services industry and it’s no wonder they are always in high demand!
5 Reasons to Become an HVAC Technician
Here are 5 reasons you should consider a career as an HVAC Technician:
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HVAC Technicians Are in High Demand
When you’re thinking about the kind of career you want, one of the first considerations is whether or not it will be easy to gain employment.
No one wants to spend time and money obtaining an education, only to struggle after graduation to land a job. Luckily, there is always a high demand for HVAC technicians, and we’ll get to some specific labor data shortly.
But what I will say now is that this country is seeing continued growth in both residential and commercial buildings. And each one of these new builds will require an HVAC system to be installed.
And each one of these new systems will require continued maintenance. This all means HVAC technicians will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.
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Job Security
It has been said by many experts that by 2030, up to 20 million workers in the manufacturing industry may be out of a job thanks to automation.
Many millions more in other industries may be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). With these advances in technology, many workers have obvious concerns for their jobs.
HVAC technicians don’t need to have these same concerns regarding automation or AI. While smart HVAC systems are definitely on the rise, and technicians will constantly need to refresh their skills to work on these systems, their jobs cannot be replaced by robots. When you begin a career as an HAVC technician, you can rest easy that you have job security.
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You Can Work From Anywhere
Because there is such a high demand for these technicians, you can pretty much go anywhere in the country. Have family that lives across the country? No doubt there is a need for HVAC technicians in their state!
Having said this, we know there are certain states that have the highest demand for these skilled tradesmen and women. The states that are currently in need of HVAC technicians include California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Illinois.
As the demand is high in these areas, so is the compensation. You may want to do a bit more research to see if a move is in your future!
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Your Job Helps the Environment
One of the biggest responsibilities of HVAC technicians is to ensure the efficiency of each HVAC system they install and maintain. Faulty systems are a burden to the environment.
By optimizing efficiency, HVAC technicians help home and business owners reduce carbon emissions, thereby protecting the environment.
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No Student Debt
A lot of careers require you to go to school for four years to earn your bachelor’s degree. This means racking up thousands of dollars in student loan debt before you’ve even gotten your first job.
The great news is, that you can receive training and be certified as an HVAC technician in less than 6 months and for a whole lot less! Keep reading to find out more!
HVAC Technician Salary Data
How much do HVAC Technicians make? Here is the salary and growth data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
The median annual wage for HVACT technicians was $50,590 in May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $80,820.
Here is a breakdown of the median annual wages for HVAC techs in the top industries:
Educational Services: $54,260
Wholesale Trade: $53,310
Retail Trade: $50,520
Entry-level candidates will typically earn less and, as they gain more experience, move up the ladder and earn these kinds of salaries. Those who wish to earn even more money may want to consider opening their own HVAC business.
HVAC Technician Job Growth Projections and Forecast
How fast is the HVAC technician field growing?
According to the BLS, employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow roughly 5% over the next decade. This equates to about 38,500 job openings each year, on average, over the next 10 years.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, commercial and residential construction is expected to increase over the coming years. This is the primary driver behind the job growth for HVAC technicians.
In addition, there is a growing emphasis worldwide on energy efficiency and environmental protection. These two factors will also drive demand for certified HVAC technicians, who will be responsible for installing and maintaining smart systems.
While demand is growing, those candidates who have trained and received their certification should have the easiest time landing a job in the market. Luckily we can connect you with accredited universities that offer this training!
How to Find a Job as an HVAC Technician
Your first step on your journey to becoming an HVAC technician is to complete your certification training through an accredited university. This will ensure you get the best education and will stand out once it comes time to land that first job!
Next, you’ll want to give some thought as to the kind of career you’d like to have. Where exactly would you like to work? Many HVAC technicians primarily work in residential homes or commercial buildings.
You may choose to work in schools, hospitals, office buildings and even factories.
Once you’ve determined your preferred work environment, you’ll definitely want to gain some critical hands-on experience before starting your job search.
The good news is we’ve partnered with quality certification programs that include an externship. This will get you some important hands-on experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional questions and answers you may have about becoming a HVAC Technician or getting certified.
Q: What Does an HVAC Technician Do Every Day?
A: HVAC technicians perform a variety of tasks each day. They are mainly responsible for the sales, installation, maintenance, and repair of complex HVAC systems.
Q: What is HVAC Technician Certification?
A: This certification is something that is incredibly valuable for candidates come job hunting time. It shows prospective employers that you have taken the time to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to add value to their business.
Q: What Skills Will I Learn in HVAC Technician Training?
A: Students will gain the necessary skills to be able to install, maintain, and service HVAC systems in homes and commercial buildings.
Some of the topics covered in the program are:
- Fundamentals of HVAC
- Residential and Light Commercial HVAC Systems
- Refrigeration Systems
- Commercial Refrigeration Systems
Q: What Are the Prerequisites for Enrollment in a Certificate Program?
A: The only requirement for enrollment in these programs is a high school diploma or equivalent.
How to Start Towards an HVAC Technician Career In 4 Months
Even if you don’t have any prior experience or degree – you could start towards a career as an HVAC technician in just 4 months! That’s one of the greatest advantages of this profession.
So here’s what we recommend you do to get started: Take this quiz to see if you qualify for an online certification program with a discount
An HVAC technician certification is required or preferred by most employers. Plus, taking a certification program could be the best way to get your foot in the door, build your network, get training, and work experience.
Take this quiz to see if you qualify for:
- 10% Off A Certification Program
- An Externship For Real Work Experience
- Affordable Program and Low Monthly Payments
- A FREE Laptop To Take The Course If You Don’t Have One
- No Extra Cost For Textbooks – All Included and Shipped To Your Door
- Online, Mentor Supported Courses You Can Take 24/7 At Your Own Pace
If you are ready to get started on an exciting and rewarding career as an HVAC technician, then take this short quiz to get started toward your dream!