Do the inner workings of machines most people take for granted fascinate you?  Are you interested in becoming an expert on heating, ventilation, and cooling systems and working with your hands to ensure the comfort of countless individuals?  That's exactly what a heating, ventilation, and cooling, or HVAC technician does!  It may just be the career for you.

Heating and air-conditioning systems are comprised of various mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and switches.  An HVAC technician is an expert at maintaining, diagnosing, and correcting problems throughout each part of the system.  They do this by adjusting system controls and testing performance using specialized tools and test equipment.

HVAC technicians install oil, gas, electric, solid fuel, and multiple-fuel heating and air-conditioning systems.  They first put the equipment in place, and then install fuel and water supply lines, pumps, and air ducts and vents.  HVAC technicians sometimes also connect electrical wiring and controls and ensure that everything is functioning properly. 

Once a unit is installed, HVAC technicians usually make sure the system continues to run efficiently by performing routine maintenance and repair work.  This often includes adjusting burners and blowers, checking for leaks, and adjusting the thermostat, burner nozzles, controls, or other parts of the system.  The duties of an HVAC technician require a certain level of skill with tools like hammers, wrenches, metal snips, electric drills, pipe cutters and benders, measurement gauges, and acetylene torches.  HVAC technicians also commonly use voltmeters, thermometers, pressure gauges, and manometers.

Although HVAC technicians frequently specialize in installation or maintenance and repair, they are trained to do both. Most secondary and postsecondary technical and trade schools, junior and community colleges, and the U.S. Armed Forces offer six-month to two-year HVAC programs. Students in HVAC schools study the theory of temperature control, equipment design and construction, electronics, installation, maintenance, and repair.


After completing a program at an HVAC school, new technicians need to have another six months to two years of field experience.  This experience is usually gained by an apprenticeship in an HVAC apprenticeship program.  Formal apprenticeship programs have both classroom and on-the-job training, and they cover subjects such as the use and care of tools, safety practices, blueprint reading, and the theory and design of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning.  In some states, HVAC technicians must be licensed, so once a student completes both a program at an HVAC school and an apprenticeship, they will take a state exam for licensure.


Employment Prospects are Heating Up
Everyone likes to stay comfortable! The vast majority of buildings in the United States are equipped with heating and air-conditioning, and with numerous expected retirements, HVAC employment is expected to increase by nine percent over the 2006-2016 decade.  Since the nation is going green, there has been a lot of development of energy-saving heaters and air-conditioners.  These new units will replace the old ones, and who better to install them than an HVAC technician? Job prospects should be excellent!

If you can't wait to jump into a career as an HVAC technician, start looking at HVAC schools near you!