HVAC training (commonly pronounced as H-VAC) involves the installation, maintenance and repair of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems. The acronym HVAC-R is meant to include Refrigeration systems. Currently the industry is experiencing a growing demand for trained or qualified HVAC technicians making it one of the industries that is proving to be recession proof.
HVAC is a skilled trade labor, meaning that not just anybody can walk-in and choose to start a career in HVAC. It is a complex, yet rewarding career that requires extensive training. HVAC technicians must be able to read and interpret blueprints, be excellent at troubleshooting problems and be good at working with their hands.
HVAC training can be done in one of four methods, Technical School training, College Courses, Apprenticeship, or Online Learning. The preferred methods are listed in that order. Technical school gives the HVAC student plenty of hands-on training and usually takes anywhere from 5 to 8 months to complete. College courses also provide hands-on training but typically take 2 years to complete as other academic courses such as English and Math are required. Apprenticeships are harder to come by but still exist. Various companies exist to provide on-the-job training. Online learning is the least preferred method as the HVAC student does not get any hands-on training, but it does prepare them for the EPA Section 608 examination (discussed later in the article).
HVAC training is broken down into several sections. Most HVAC students begin with basic Electrical concepts. This involves learning about AC/DC circuits, thermostats, transformers and so on. This is a very important section of the training because anyone who works with electricity exposes themselves to the risks from high voltage.
The next sections deal with Heating which teaches the HVAC student to work with both gas and electrical furnaces. The next section, and perhaps the most important out of all the sections, is the Air Conditioning section. This could possibly be what most HVAC technicians spend their time on once they are in their careers. This section of HVAC training teaches the student to work with Residential and Light Commercial air conditioning units. Most notably, students are trained and prepared for the EPA Section 608 examination, which leads to certification after successful completion.
Most schools spend a considerable amount of time on the Air Conditioning section of training. After that is completed the next training section involves the installation and maintenance of Ventilation systems. This can include sheet metal working, pipe threading, soldering, brazing and duct sizing. Student are taught how to properly seal an air duct.
The final section involves what is called Hydronics. These systems are basically the hot water heaters in homes and residences as well as steam heating devices used in buildings. Emphasis is on safety during this section as the student will be working with pressurized devices.
Once HVAC training is complete the student will be awarded their certification from their Technical school or college. After gaining the certification the HVAC technician can now seek employment in the industry. The HVAC technician has several options to choose from, they can elect to work in the residential sector or choose to work on commercial buildings. Many technicians that are fresh out of HVAC training choose to join construction companies so that they can perfect their skills of in installation of HVAC systems.