The need
for heating and air-conditioning exists all over the world. Cooling and
heating devices help regulate the temperature, humidity, and air
quality residential homes, commercial locations, and industrial
facilities. The technicians who carry out repairs, maintenance, and
installations of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems
are often referred to as HVAC technicians or Heating Ventilation Air
Conditioning technicians. Opportunities in heating, air-conditioning,
and refrigeration repair and installation are good, especially for
those who have formal training, be it through a technical school or as
an apprentice. Certification by North American Technician Excellence (http://www.natex.org/) is the standard to become a licensed technician.

Training in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration takes from 6
months to 2 years and can be completed at secondary and postsecondary
technical and trade schools as well as junior and community colleges.
Students in these programs study theory, design, electronics, and
equipment construction is studied. Students are taught the fundamentals
of installing, maintaining, and repairing systems. Heating and cooling
systems are becoming more complex, which is why opportunities for those
with training at technical schools or through apprenticeship programs
are greater. Many technicians however, still learn on the job as they
work.

Students training for this occupation should take classes in computers,
mechanical drawing, physics and chemistry, as well as electronics. A
familiarity with blueprint reading would also be useful for this
career, as would basic knowledge of plumbing. As equipment controls are
more regularly used in these systems, basic familiarity of electronics
is important as well. Technicians need to keep in mind that their
business is service oriented, and customer service is an important part
of the job. Technicians need to be polite and tactful when dealing with
customers. The ability to climb ladders and lift heavy objects is
another aspect of the job not to be overlooked.

Those with formal training in heating and air-conditioning will find
the best opportunities in the business. The average hourly wages
heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration technicians were $16.78.
Though employment projections for this profession are on the rise, if
the economy sees a slow down in construction, jobs will suffer.
Maintenance and repair however, would keep technicians working
regardless of the economy as cooling and heating systems must be kept
functioning properly. Year round employment can be expected, as most
companies will schedule both installation and maintenance work. Some
HVAC

About the Author

Melissa Steele is a featured writer for EducationGuys.com. She has been writing about college degrees & trade schools since 2004.