Are you interested in becoming an HVAC Technician? Do you enjoy working outside a traditional office and are you a good problem solver? If this sounds like you then becoming an HVAC technician may be the right career path for you. You might be wondering how long it takes to become an HVAC technician. First let’s look into what HVAC is and what an HVAC technician does.
What is HVAC?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVACR adds the element of refrigeration.
Heating – a system that generates, heat and distributes it throughout a structure. A heating system helps maintain a suitable temperature during the colder months of the year. The most common type of heating system is a furnace. A furnace consists of a heat exchanger, blower and burner. The heat exchange transfers heat from the fuel source inside the structure. The blower circulates the air, and the burner ignites the fuel and creates heat.
Ventilation – the system removes stale air from the interior while bringing in fresh air from outside. In addition to the transfer of heat and cold air in and out of the structure, the ventilation system can control airborne contaminants. Ventilation also helps maintain the temperature and humidity.
Air Conditioning – a system used to cool the air and remove existing heat and moisture from inside a structure. An air conditioner evaporates humidity, circulates air, condenses, and releases heat, compresses refrigerant to cool the air, filters outdoor air to remove particles, and uses a thermostat to control the amount of cool air that is distributed.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
An HVAC technician is a certified professional that specializes in the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. HVAC technicians must be able to diagnose and repair problems with both commercial and residential HVAC systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians:
- Install, repair, and maintain HVAC systems and Smart Thermostats
- Inspect and service HVAC system components
- Test HVAC components and electrical circuits
- Discuss HVAC safety with customers
- Replace worn or defective parts
- Read blueprints and HVAC equipment specifications
- Keep electronic records of work performed
How Do I Become an HVAC Technician?
To become an HVAC technician, you must complete a formal training program and pass a certification exam. A great way to become an HVAC technician is by attending a trade school. At a trade school, you will get knowledge from in-class lectures and hands-on training in real world scenarios. After graduation, most HVAC technicians will complete an apprenticeship to become a journeyman HVAC. A journeyman HVAC can work on their own or mentor other HVAC apprentices.
How Long Does it Take to Become an HVAC Technician?
Did you know that it only takes as little as 11-month, attending full-time, to become an HVAC technician? Plus, CyberTex offers both day and evening classes for your flexibility. CyberTex understands that you may have other responsibilities but still want to graduate from an HVAC technician program.
CyberTex offers industry experienced instructors that will mentor you in small classes. This means you get personal attention and can ask any questions that come to mind. CyberTex also offer career services for those graduates looking for a job as an HVAC technician. CyberTex has close ties with the community and work to find you a job that matches your passion.
Are HVAC Technicians in Demand?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for HVAC technicians is projected to grow 5 percent in the coming decade. With some HVAC technicians at retirement age and more people moving to Texas, there is a demand for better air quality, warm winters and cool summers.
Where Can an HVAC Technician Work?
As an HVAC technician, you have many work options. You can work for an established HVAC company, you can own your own franchise or become an independent contractor.
Work for an HVAC Company
If you just want to work as an HVAC technician and don’t want to worry about the business side of owning your own company, working for an established HVAC employer may be your best path. You will be responsible for fixing HVAC systems and your employer will find clients and supply a truck with all the equipment you will need to do your job right.
Own a Franchise HVAC Business
Instead of working for an HVAC company, you can work on your own as a franchise of a HVAC business. Companies like One Hour Heat and Air will set you up with the equipment you need to service business and residential HVAC systems. The franchisor will also support you with local advertising to help build a clientele.
Work as an Independent Contractor
If you want to fully own your HVAC business and build your own clientele, becoming an independent contractor may be the right path for you. You must start from scratch, but you won’t have to pay a franchise fee or monthly residuals to the franchise owner. You buy the truck, purchase the equipment, and advertise your business.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how long it takes to become an HVAC technician, it is time to learn more about CyberTex. In as little as 11 months, you can be on your way to the first steps of an HVAC technician role, working your way to become a licensed HVAC technician.
HVAC Technician Diploma
Ready to start a rewarding career as an HVAC technician? With more than two decades of success in the medical, health, and IT sectors, we added an HVAC course to our curriculum. We are proud to announce that we have flexible day and evening classes for the HVAC program.
CyberTex’s HVAC program can be completed in as little as 11-month attending full-time with the flexibility of day and evening classes. You will be eligible to take the EPA – 608 certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency with our training.
Want to learn more? Contact us today.