Career and School Info for HVAC Mechanics and Installers

HVAC Mechanic and Installer Job Description

Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.

Mechanics that install and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems are called HVAC or HVACR mechanics. Air conditioning and heating keeps rooms in residences, commercial buildings and institutions at comfortable temperatures and humidity. Proper ventilation maintains air quality, and refrigeration is used to preserve food, medicine, live cargo and other perishables.

Although technicians usually specialize as either an installer or a mechanic, they are trained in both areas. The responsibilities of HVAC mechanics and installers typically include:

• Learning about the many mechanical and electronic components involved in old and new HVACR systems
• Diagnosing and repairing problems
• Following blueprints and specifications
• Testing and adjusting equipment to recommended settings and standards
• Installing new HVACR systems and maintaining existing ones
• Disposing and recycling of chemicals properly

HVAC mechanics and installers may also specialize in a particular area such as refrigeration or solar thermal panels.

Degrees and Schools

Many community colleges, trade schools and vocational school offer six-month to two-year training programs in HVACR. Programs that are accredited by one of these three organizations meet industry standards: HVAC Excellence, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). After completing an educational program, graduates must apprentice for about two and a half years before they are considered skilled.

As an alternative to attending a school, many HVAC mechanics and installers participate in formal apprenticeships that combine classes with paid on-the-job training. Sponsored by industry associations, these programs typically last 3-5 years and require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission. Credits earned from some programs can be applied toward college.

Classes

When studying heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, students learn:

• theory and design of HVACR systems and temperature control
• basics of repair, maintenance and installation
• equipment construction and design
• air quality and proper ventilation
• electronics and electrical codes
• reading blueprints
• tools and parts
• safety practices and how to dispose properly of refrigerant products

Good programs focus on preparing graduates for professional certification (preferred by most employers), licensure (required in some states) and certification in the handling of refrigerants (required in all states).

Online Classes and Programs

There are many online learning options for HVAC mechanics and installers, from individual courses to degree-seeking programs. On-campus programs also offer online courses. Web-only programs often do not offer the apprenticeship placement assistance that is available through most on-campus programs.

Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).

Employment Requirements

A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required for admission into an apprenticeship. States that require licensure expect HVAC mechanics and installers to pass a licensure exam in addition to completion of an apprenticeship program. All technicians must be certified in the handling of refrigerants.

Certification tests are included as part of training; certification is expected by most employers.

How to Evaluate Schools

Consider asking the following questions when evaluating HVAC and HVACR training programs:

• Accreditation - Has the program been accredited through industry and direct-learning organizations?
• Curricula and focus - Does the program emphasize preparation for professional certification, licensure and refrigerant-handling certification? If the student plans to specialize in a particular area, do the program's course offerings provide comprehensive training in it?
• Class structure and practical experience - Is class size small enough for optimal learning, with a reasonable student-teacher ratio? Does the school offer assistance in finding apprenticeships after graduation?
• Tuition and financial aid - What financial aid options such as scholarships, grants and student loans are available? What assistance does the school provide to help students take advantage of these opportunities?
• Graduate success - What is the program's record over the previous several years regarding apprenticeship placement?

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