HVAC Career Options and Industry Overview

A need for heat and air-conditioning exists across the nation as the various seasons require temperatures to be regulated.Heating and air conditioning technology is the science of regulating temperature and indoor climate.Career opportunities for HVAC technicians are constantly expanding as an increase in commercial and residential construction requires a need for increased climate control applications.Technicians will carry out maintenance, repairs, and installation of heating, air conditioning and sometimes refrigeration systems. Workers must have the knowledge and ability to identify problems, provide maintenance and carry out repairs on any part of the system. Technicians complete this work by making adjustments to the systems settings and running performance tests.Frequently technicians will specialize in a certain area, such as installation or maintenance and repair, though they are typically trained in both areas. Occasionally technicians work solely with one type of device such as a solar panel, oil burner, or commercial refrigerator.They are often employed by contracting businesses, manufacturers and wholesalers.

HVAC Training and Job Qualifications

Due to the increased complexity of the various systems, HVAC training at technical schools and apprenticeship programs are encouraged. Training in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration can be taken at secondary and postsecondary technical, vocational trade schools, junior and community colleges, and the U.S. Armed Forces.These programs focus on theory, design, electronics, and equipment construction. In addition, students are taught the fundamentals of maintaining, installing, and repairing these systems.Workers must learn about the rules, regulations, and guidelines associated with the use of refrigerants. One of the most common standard in the industry is the Air-Conditioning Excellence program, which is run by North American Technician Excellence (NATE).Various industry organizations will set-up and run training programs and apprenticeships for aspiring HVAC technicians.The programs typically last from three to five years and include both classroom teaching along with on-the-job training.Classroom topics may include theory and design of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, use and care of tools, reading blue prints and safety.

HVAC Employment Outlook

Job opportunities for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration technicians and installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for those with training from an accredited technical school, or with formal apprenticeship training. A growing number of retirees are expected to generate many new job openings. The demand for residential, commercial and industrial climate-control systems is also anticipated to increase the demand for HVAC technicians.The U.S. Department of Labor reported that heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics held about 270,000 jobs in 2004; almost half worked for heating, plumbing, and air conditioning contractors. The remainder was employed in a variety of industries reflecting an extensive dependence on climate-control systems. Some technicians worked for fuel oil dealers, refrigeration and air-conditioning service and repair shops, schools, and stores that sell air-conditioning and heating systems. Local governments, the Federal Government, hospitals, office buildings, and other organizations that operate large air-conditioning, refrigeration, or heating systems employed others. About 15 percent of technicians and installers were self-employed.

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