What should I know when considering a degree in HVAC?
- HVAC professionals install, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems of all types.
- There is a high demand for professionals in the HVAC field.
- Most HVAC employers will only hire those who have graduated from an accredited vocational program and passed certification exams.
What kind of work do HVAC professionals do?
Whether you come in from the cold to warm up or are retreating to an air conditioned room from a steaming summer day, a HVAC professional is making your comfort possible. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems all fall into the trusted hands of HVAC professionals. In general HVAC mechanics install, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems of all types.
What are the career opportunities for someone with HVAC vocational training?
HVAC professionals can be called mechanics or technicians. Most who work in this field are trained in a number tasks needed in repair and maintenance work. The demand for better, energy saving systems has opened up many new venues of specialization. Some become more specialized in one particular part of the field, such as water-based heating systems, commercial refrigeration systems or solar panel installation. All the work done by HVAC technicians is outside of the office. HVAC professionals travel from house to house, or business to business to make installations for customers. Some seasons in this business can be more busy than others, which can make owning a HVAC installation business a difficult venture. The demand for HVAC professionals is expected to remain high, especially for those who have graduated from an accredited program and become certified by a nationally recognized HVAC organization.
What are the requirements for getting into a vocational HVAC program?
There is a high demand for professionals in the HVAC field. Many are employed by wholesalers, retailers, large organizations, or building contractors. With the technological advancement of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, most employers only hire those who have graduated from an accredited HVAC vocational program and passed certification. Many vocational programs offer apprenticeship positions, to give candidates the on-the-job experience needed to get a job. There are a few HVAC professionals who get hooked up with a small company and skip the formal training offered through vocational schools, but there are less long term career opportunities without certification. When choosing a program for HVAC training, it's important to make sure to pick one that is accredited by one of two organizations: The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), or the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (PHARA). For those with less than 1 year of experience, there are a series of basic competency tests that can get novice professionals into an entry level HVAC position. With more experience, professionals in this field can advance into management positions, and some choose to open their own businesses.
How much money does someone working in HVAC make?
The average salary for an HVAC professional is $33,500, with a range from $21,000 to $51,800 a year. Many HVAC mechanics benefit from employer paid health insurance and retirement plans. Unions are also commonplace in this profession and many find these beneficial to their job security and salary level.
What are the leading schools offering programs in HVAC?
- Penn Foster Career School : Penn Foster Career School is the world's largest and most respected distance learning institution offers Career Diploma programs in the fields of Business, Healthcare, Education, Paralegal, Technology, Mechanics and more.
(More Info)
- Penn Foster Career School - Vocational Programs : Penn Foster Career School is one of the world's largest distance learning institutions, offers Vocational Diploma programs in the fields of Automotive Technology, Catering & Gourmet Cooking, Electrician, Fitness & Nutrition, Home Inspection, HVAC, Motorcycle Repair and more. (More Info)
|
