A career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) can open doors to new possibilities. As a HVAC technician, you will be involved in the maintenance and repair of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. You will help install and repair various types of technology and machinery that aids in climate control in commercial and residential settings.

Training for a Career as an HVAC Technician

HVAC systems are increasingly technical, and you’ll need specialized training or even an apprenticeship to start your career. Programs may range anywhere from six months to two years in duration. Formal apprenticeships programs normally last three to five years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Here you’ll discover classes in electrical systems, safety practices, blue print reading, and HVAC construction, theory and design. You will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Math and reading skills are important for this line of work The HVAC field is becoming more professionalized, and several programs have set academic standards for HVAC programs. Accreditations include HVAC Excellence, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (PHARA). If you choose to work with refrigeration systems, certification is required to handle the refrigerants. Exams are administered by organizations approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, such as unions, trade schools, contractor associations, or building groups.

HVAC Careers Can Be Hot

The outlook for careers in the HVAC industry looks bright. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), job prospects for HVAC mechanics and installers will be excellent as rapidly growing areas of the U.S. continue to develop and expand. BLS lists median hourly wages for HVAC workers at $17.43 in May 2004.

Online Degrees in HVAC

PCDI
Recommended Trade School

What Professional Career Development Institute began by offering just one professional real estate appraisal course in 1987 has grown so large that it is now divided into two divisions: John Madison High School for high school programs and Ashworth College for all its higher and continuing education course offerings. More than 50 career programs are featured at PCDI including everything from jewelry repair to carpentry to sports psychology to writing children's books. more

HVAC Degrees Offered:

Heating & Air Conditioning
Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you have a good mechanical sense? If so, this program may be right for you. It's an ideal way to learn the fundamentals of servicing and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling systems. It offers both an online and print study option, and there are no prerequisites to enroll.

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Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster Schools, the largest accredited school of independent home study, offers more than 80 distance education career diploma programs. Students enrolled in these programs have the option of studying online, in print, or through a combination of the two. In addition, Penn Foster Schools offers high school diplomas and 22 different associate degrees. more

HVAC Degrees Offered:

HVAC Technician
Learn the skills you need to become a professional HVAC Technician while studying heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning. You'll get hands-on HVAC training in refrigeration and air conditioning technology; system evacuation, refrigerants, and system charging; automatic, electronic, and programmable controls; commercial refrigeration, heating systems, and domestic appliances.

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Most Requested Programs for Trade

Trade schools, also known as technical schools offer the benefits of a targeted education, which leads to increased opportunities for employment. For more information on online trade schools, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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