Become An Hvac Mechanic And Installer

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) mechanics/installers install and maintain the wide array of mechanical, electrical and electronic components that are part of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. Using special tools and equipment, the mechanic needs to be able to maintain, diagnose and correct problems throughout the entire system. Mechanics often specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair, although most of them are trained to do both. HVAC mechanics and installers work in a variety of locales where there is climate-control equipment that needs to be installed, repaired, or serviced. This includes homes, office buildings, retail establishments, hospitals, and factories. Most mechanics/installers work a 40-hour week and during peak seasons often work overtime or irregular hours.

Education, Certification, Licensing

Although some mechanics and installers still learn their trade informally on the job, most employers prefer to hire those who have completed formal training and/or an apprenticeship. The U.S. Armed Forces, as well as many technical and trade schools and junior and community colleges, offers 6-month to 2-year programs in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. Quality programs are accredited by any or all of three organizations: the National Center for Construction Education and Research; HVAC Excellence; and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation. Formal apprenticeship programs, frequently sponsored by local chapters of associations and trade unions, normally last 3 to 5 years and combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

Some states and localities require HVAC mechanics and installers to be licensed. Requirements for licensure vary widely but always include passing some type of test, the contents of which vary by state or locality. Another common requirement for licensure is completion of a formal apprenticeship program or 2 to 5 years of experience. In addition, those whose job requires working with refrigerants must be certified in their proper handling. Certification for purchasing and handling refrigerants requires mechanics to pass a written examination specific to the type of work in which they specialize.