One of the most necessary jobs is working as an HVAC technician. Find out what they do, how to become one, and how much you can expect to receive. Some are HVAC-R technicians, which means they also work with refrigeration. One of the most common misconceptions about air conditioning is that it is manual work.
You must have a certain skill set, specialized education, and ongoing supports. To become an HVAC technician, you'll need a high school diploma or GED, as well as a comprehensive education. Other, more specialized (and higher-paying) careers in HVAC often need additional training or certifications. You can become certified by attending classes at a community college or trade school. The time it takes to become an HVAC technician is tied to the program, which is usually six months to two years.
Your employer may also want to become NATE certified. Known as North American technical excellence, this higher certification enhances your technical expertise to help you provide better service to customers. Career Explorer noted that technicians familiar with tablets, electronic devices and troubleshooting will be in high demand as they upgrade equipment. Another benefit of working in HVAC is little or no educational debt. As a technician, you'll go to different locations for repair, maintenance, or installation service.
Some jobs may take longer than others, so the number of calls you can handle may vary. As we mentioned before, you should be used to working outdoors in extreme weather conditions, as well as in dirty or cramped spaces. If you're working in a customer-facing position, strong customer service skills are always positive. Coupled with growing demand, the uniformity of air conditioning systems will allow you to work and live practically anywhere you want.
With this abundance of geographic options to choose from, it's worth noting that California, Ohio, Florida, Texas, and Illinois have been considered the five best states for HVAC technicians to work in. If you want to become an HVAC technician, you'll usually want to enroll and complete an HVAC training program at a community college or vocational school. With each new advance in the HVAC industry, an HVAC technician must be part of building and installing the system. Since the average age of HVAC professionals is around 54, a significant number of HVAC technicians are expected to retire in the next decade.
The best states to work for as an HVAC technician are California, Florida, Ohio, Texas, and Illinois, as the demand for HVAC skills and compensation is higher in these states than in most states. In addition, HVAC professionals can obtain extra-national certifications, such as the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification and the North American Technician Excellence Certification (NATE), which demonstrate their expertise and make them more marketable. When you graduate from the HVAC training program, don't hesitate to start small in an HVAC system, as growth in this sector is imminent. Many of the jobs that HVAC technicians do are aimed at improving the efficiency of HVAC systems and reducing the negative effects that their operations have on the environment.
This aging workforce, combined with a smaller number of professionals entering the HVAC field, creates a great need for qualified HVAC technicians. As a student of an HVAC training program, you'll learn the basics of the HVAC industry, which will prove invaluable during your learning. Certifications help make HVAC work environments safer, but they don't completely eliminate workplace setbacks, so keep this in mind when considering a career as an HVAC technician. The roles played by HVAC technicians are important because they help maximize the efficiency of HVAC equipment, ensuring the optimal operation of such systems in their respective buildings.