HVAC technicians can become certified by completing work hours and passing an exam. The most common certifications include the section 608 certification granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the R-410A certification. HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants must obtain certification from the EPA. Both technical training and education are key requirements for becoming an HVAC technician. You can learn on the job and attend classes as an HVAC apprentice.
An apprenticeship program usually lasts 3 to 5 years and can take up to 2000 hours. These requirements will vary by company and location. The program is aimed at HVAC field personnel, but is open to anyone interested in learning the importance of performing a quality installation. It is possible to start without an HVAC degree, but that is not the ideal path to becoming a professional HVAC service technician. In addition, the most successful HVAC technicians can explain the intricacies of an HVAC system to a customer who may not be familiar with the specific features of their building system.
Future HVAC technicians participating in these programs learn the theory and practice of HVAC, and can also work with HVAC technicians for hands-on training. As part of these programs, students will delve into topics such as residential gas heating, the introduction to the theory and application of electrical air conditioning technology, commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, the fundamentals of copper, the operation and maintenance of boilers, automatic HVAC controls, industrial electricity, problem solving and cooling of equipment, among others. They will also learn how to respond to customer calls, identify problems or faults in HVAC equipment, and resolve common HVAC problems. The HVAC programs offered at Wallace State Community College help students gain the skills and knowledge needed to pass licensing and certification procedures, so that they can start working in this high-demand field of HVAC. They can also learn more from Lainey Brooks, architect and HVAC sustainability expert, on how to make HVAC systems sustainable and how regulations help increase sustainability. The College of Southern Nevada offers several HVAC programs that emphasize hands-on training and hands-on experience to prepare students to analyze and resolve HVAC problems. For example, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system installer may work for contractors who build new homes or buildings and specialize only in installing new systems rather than in repairs. Two institutions that offer accreditations for HVAC classes are HVAC Excellence and Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
The programs offered here include three short-term certificates: heating technician (12 credit hours), refrigerant management specialist (12 credit hours), and air conditioning technician (24 credit hours), a 55-credit HVAC certificate, and a 64-credit AAS degree in HVAC technology. Installation work is for air conditioning professionals who enjoy more physically demanding tasks and a fixed schedule. Some HVAC technicians choose to gain their skills through an internship, where they complete 2000 hours of practical HVAC training per year and 144 hours of technical training.
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