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what do i need to be an HVAC technician
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Steven’s Answer
Vincent S. You asked what do I need to be an HVAC technician.
You need to be mechanically inclined and able to learn the basic refrigeration cycle. You will learn how air handlers work and about filter systems.
You should consider going to a vocational school to learn the basics. After receiving your certification or associates degree, plan on working with an experienced technician for about 4 years. There are online certification courses available, but I don't recommend them, since the HVAC technician is hands on. Basic understanding of heat transfer and the refrigeration cycle will be taught. There is very little math required.
Air handler systems will require motor change outs, belt replacement and filter replacement. Low voltage thermostats, and humidistats will require installation and trouble shooting. You will learn how to read an electrical schematic. Tools required will depend on the equipment being serviced and will consist of small hand tools, wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, and a pressure gauge manifold. You will learn how to join copper pipe, swaging and soldering. You will learn how to leak test.
HVAC technicians can also work in sales as well as service.
Those are the basics for a pretty wonderful career as HVAC technician.
Go to the library and see if they have bascic HVAC books.
You need to be mechanically inclined and able to learn the basic refrigeration cycle. You will learn how air handlers work and about filter systems.
You should consider going to a vocational school to learn the basics. After receiving your certification or associates degree, plan on working with an experienced technician for about 4 years. There are online certification courses available, but I don't recommend them, since the HVAC technician is hands on. Basic understanding of heat transfer and the refrigeration cycle will be taught. There is very little math required.
Air handler systems will require motor change outs, belt replacement and filter replacement. Low voltage thermostats, and humidistats will require installation and trouble shooting. You will learn how to read an electrical schematic. Tools required will depend on the equipment being serviced and will consist of small hand tools, wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, and a pressure gauge manifold. You will learn how to join copper pipe, swaging and soldering. You will learn how to leak test.
HVAC technicians can also work in sales as well as service.
Those are the basics for a pretty wonderful career as HVAC technician.
Steven recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
What do i need to be an HVAC technician? FIrst and foremost - a smile and good manners. Your work is technical, BUT, you will be dealing with customers (homeowners) in their homes. Neatness counts as well. Leave your work area as clean or cleaner than you found it. Keep your tools and instruments in an orderly arrangement. Remember, when you disassemble something, you will eventually have to re-assemble it. keep the parts in order and make sure not to lose any of them.
Have an open mind. Most often, the customer's description of a problem or symptom will be enough for you to make a diagnosis and repair - but not always. Don't be afraid to ask additional questions.
Learn to work safely - both for yourself and others. Sometimes, you will be dealing with electrical systems and refrigerant. Your technical training should provide this foundation. Make sure you absorb it completely.
Look for opportunities to get the basic training you need. High school vocational courses in home construction or basic electrical, carpentry and metal working.
Have an open mind. Most often, the customer's description of a problem or symptom will be enough for you to make a diagnosis and repair - but not always. Don't be afraid to ask additional questions.
Learn to work safely - both for yourself and others. Sometimes, you will be dealing with electrical systems and refrigerant. Your technical training should provide this foundation. Make sure you absorb it completely.
Dennis recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hi Vincent,
The first step to becoming an HVAC technician or elctrical engineering tech is to make sure you've got your high school diploma or equivalency (HSE). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Many HVACR technicians receive postsecondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree." The amount of education you need often depends on the type of HVAC/electrical technology you want to work with as well as the supervisory level you'd like to be eligible for. Much postsecondary education in this field can build upon itself, meaning that you could definitely start out by earning a certification in HVAC, then enter the workforce, and then keep working on more advanced certifications or an associate degree while also getting hands-on experience at your job!
If you are interested in pursuing training in your area, I recommend searching for local vocational schools or community colleges and asking them about the options they offer. Some states even have financial aid set aside specifically for students who want to get trained in areas like HVAC or electrical engineering, so be sure to ask those local schools about the kinds of funding that may be available! Any training programs available through local work centers or colleges will help you look at all your options for education and financial aid.
If you're really not sure where to start to look for one of those training programs, I recommend simply finding an HVAC technician who works for a company you trust and ask them! Maybe one of your friends or their family members already works in that field - don't be afraid to ask them how they got started on their career. If they like what they do they will be excited to share their experiences with you!
Search for 2+ schools/training programs in your area that offer HVAC certifications (example: Western Technical College in El Paso, TX) and request more information from them.
The first step to becoming an HVAC technician or elctrical engineering tech is to make sure you've got your high school diploma or equivalency (HSE). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Many HVACR technicians receive postsecondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree." The amount of education you need often depends on the type of HVAC/electrical technology you want to work with as well as the supervisory level you'd like to be eligible for. Much postsecondary education in this field can build upon itself, meaning that you could definitely start out by earning a certification in HVAC, then enter the workforce, and then keep working on more advanced certifications or an associate degree while also getting hands-on experience at your job!
If you are interested in pursuing training in your area, I recommend searching for local vocational schools or community colleges and asking them about the options they offer. Some states even have financial aid set aside specifically for students who want to get trained in areas like HVAC or electrical engineering, so be sure to ask those local schools about the kinds of funding that may be available! Any training programs available through local work centers or colleges will help you look at all your options for education and financial aid.
If you're really not sure where to start to look for one of those training programs, I recommend simply finding an HVAC technician who works for a company you trust and ask them! Maybe one of your friends or their family members already works in that field - don't be afraid to ask them how they got started on their career. If they like what they do they will be excited to share their experiences with you!
Hannah recommends the following next steps: