How Long Does it Take to Become an HVAC Technician?

So you want to be an HVAC technician—now what? If you’ve had any interest whatsoever in embarking on the journey towards a career in the heating and cooling industry, you’re probably already aware that this path can come with rewarding work, fair compensation, and many exciting opportunities and challenges. What you may not be so sure of is how to actually become a qualified technician and how long it will take you to build up the knowledge and experience required to thrive in this field. The great news is that an HVAC career is well within your reach. Read on to learn more about how soon you can get to work, what to expect from your training program, the outlook for the HVAC industry, and more!

Training Programs for HVAC Careers

Students of a rock solid HVAC training program are able to obtain both practical knowledge and experience through a combination of classroom learning and the utilization of modern test equipment and tools that are used in today’s HVAC industry. Training should be conducted by seasoned HVAC technicians so that you can rest assured that you’re getting the best education possible. In addition to looking for a program with hands-on training, you should look ahead to obtaining certifications like NATE and credentials for handling EPA-approved refrigerant. Course objectives should include a working knowledge and understanding of all heating systems including heat pumps, air conditioning, ducting/air movement, and refrigeration systems on both commercial and residential levels.

HVAC Training Program Length

The best HVAC programs will not only be thorough and comprehensive, but will allow for fast-tracking your career.  Many men and women who are interested in becoming HVAC technicians grow discouraged when they feel that they will need to enroll in a multi-year apprenticeship program that will start them with minimal pay for a great deal of time and effort. Fortunately, there are excellent programs available where students are able to receive the highest quality education from industry professionals while also gaining valuable hands-on experience in the classroom or shop.

Ideally, this should include everything from window unit air conditioners to 12-ton commercial cooling systems so that all of your bases are covered. Seek a program where you can become certified in all relevant areas so that when you go out into the real world to look for work, you’ll stand apart from the competition. With the right program, you could be earning money and loving your job in about a year.

HVAC Technician Salary & Job Outlook

Before enrolling in an HVAC technician program, many prospective students are interested in what they can expect in terms of future employment. How much will they be able to earn as an HVAC technician, and what is the career outlook for the industry?

HVAC mechanic salaryFortunately for those desiring work in this field, there’s good news on both fronts. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVAC industry really is the place to be. In 2012 hvac tech salary for an HVAC mechanic, installer, or technician was $20.98 per hour, or $43,640 per year. Of course, the more certifications that are obtained by a technician, the more likely he or she is to be paid a higher salary. In addition to excellent pay, HVAC technicians can also expect many available job opportunities. BLS estimates that jobs for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers will grow 21% between 2012 and 2022 – a rate which is significantly faster than average.

Jobs in HVAC

Those who successfully complete a HVAC tech program may find work doing:

  • HVAC Installations– As new residential homes and commercials are constructed, they’re in need of heating, ventilating, and cooling systems that are safe, reliable, and up to code. As an installer, your job will involve working as a part of a team to get these systems installed, tested, approved by building inspectors, and ready to serve the needs of future building occupants. You’ll enjoy moving across various project locations as new systems need to be installed.
  • HVAC Maintenance and Repairs– Help customers in their hour of need as an HVAC maintenance and repair technician. In this position, you may be scheduled to travel from location to location in order to perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on a building’s HVAC systems. You may also be dispatched to various sites in order to repair faulty equipment. This requires you to have a working knowledge of a number of different system types so that you can get the job done quickly and accurately.

Believe It – You Could Become an HVAC Tech in About a Year

Earn your Air Conditioning & Heating Technology diploma in as little as 14 months through Advanced Technology Institute (ATI)! For more information on our HVAC program, contact us at 800-468-1093 or request information today.

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