HVAC Specialist - Training & Careers

In a country as large as the USA there is a wide variety of climates. Many people would find it hard to survive without heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. As a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) specialist you would install, service, and repair this type of equipment in homes, offices, and public buildings.

HVAC systems have many parts and include mechanical, electrical, and electronic components. As an HVAC technician you might well specialize in installation or repair and also specialize in domestic or commercial work.

What Skills do HVAC Specialists Need?

Working in HVAC entails both hands-on and more theoretical skills. You need to be able to work safely and accurately with a range of tools, including power tools. You also need to understand electrical layouts and read blueprints and circuit diagrams. A well-developed problem solving ability will also prove useful.

What training is required to become a HVAC Specialist?

While training is sometimes undertaken on the job, a technical school education or apprenticeship is often preferred by potential employers. Trade and technical schools as well as community colleges offer thorough HAVC training programs ranging from six months to two years.

These programs cover installation, servicing, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment and include the necessary background in electronics and theory.

What is my job outlook as an HVAC Specialist?

With the benefit of formal training you can look forward to entering on a career where the Bureau of Labor Statistics is forecasting higher than average job growth through 2012. While installation work will fluctuate with the level of new building, a high level of reliance on HAVC systems should ensure a good flow of maintenance and repair work.

A desire for energy conservation and environmental regulations should trigger the replacement of old systems with new, more efficient HVAC installations, thus creating additional work opportunities.