Congratulations on planning an addition to your home! You'll get the benefit of extra space, laid out just the way you like it. But while you’re creating the blueprint for this exciting add-on, don't neglect your heating and cooling infrastructure. It's possible to simply extend your current HVAC system into the addition, but you might find it's easier and more cost-effective to go for a separate system altogether. Take Advantage of New Technology Depending on what kind of HVAC arrangement you have in the rest of your home, there are several reasons why it might be better to install a new heating and cooling system in your addition: The effort of extending ducts or pipes might be too unwieldy or expensive. Some HVAC technology, like steam heating, is considered outdated and it can be difficult to find technicians who will work on it. Radiators and baseboard heaters can get in the way of your furniture placement. Forced-air heating can distribute dust throughout your home.

Furthermore, new advances in heating and cooling can be more efficient and more effective for your new rooms. Technologies like air-source heat pumps and radiant floor heating are perfect for heating individual rooms and smaller areas: Heat pumps use the difference in the indoor and outdoor temperature to function as a heater in the winter and air conditioner in the summer. They work by using refrigerant to transfer heat and move it into or out of a home. They use electricity but are considerably more efficient than old-school electric resistance heaters, and newer models are getting better at working even in very cold temperatures. Plus, they only take up a small part of one wall, so they are easier to install in an addition than extending a duct system or hot water pipes. Radiant floor heating won't help cool your house, so you'll need a separate AC solution. But when it comes to heating, many people prefer the efficient, even heat that radiant flooring provides. Floor heating is more complicated to install than a heat pump, since you need to layer panels under the floor, but building a brand new addition presents the perfect opportunity to plan ahead and make the installation as easy as possible.

Don't Leave Your HVAC to Chance Whatever system you decide to go with, you need to make sure it has the capacity to handle your new space."A trained professional will determine what is needed to keep a new space comfortable." Make sure you consult with a qualified HVAC technician while you're planning your addition to go over all the pros and cons, give you an expense estimate and help you make the choice that's best for your family. The experts at local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® are always available to offer expert advice and guidance. Air Conditioners, Air Handlers, Air Quality, Ductwork, Energy Efficiency, Furnaces, General HVAC, Heat PumpsDIY, home cooling, home heating, saving moneySkip to primary content Skip to primary navigation Skip to secondary navigation The HVAC Technician certificate program will provide students with the knowledge and skills pertaining to the maintenance and repair of air conditioning systems as well as the following heating systems:  natural gas, propane, electric, air source heat pumps, and geothermal heating systems.

The Residential Installer certificate is required to enter this program. Students must complete the Compass Placement Test before admission into this program. After completing this certificate, the graduate will be able to work as an entry-level HVAC technician or general facilities repair person. Total Credit Hours: 27 Select a course number below to see our class schedule along with a course description. BLUEPRINT READING - CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICITY AS IT APPLIES TO HVAC/Rwall mounted split ac units SHEET METAL FOR HVAC/Rused 40 ton ac unit HEAT PUMPS AND GEOTHERMALclean out window ac unit Students must provide the following items: safety glasses with side shields, work gloves, basic scientific calculator, and thumb drive.

After completion students can pursue the Commercial Refrigeration Technician Certificate or HVAC/R Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree. Fall Semester 1REACT 110; ARCTK 119Spring Semester 1REACT 139; Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Department Dirksen Building, Room 09(309)694-5293 View and/or Print Information Commercial Refrigeration Technician certificate Green Building Environment certificateHVAC technicians install, maintain and repair the systems that generate and circulate temperature-controlled air through houses, office buildings, commercial freezers and other indoor spaces. And as the construction industry continues to rebound from the recession, jobs in HVAC are on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts job growth of 21 percent between 2012 and 2022, and that growth is expected to come with solid earning potential — the average salary for HVAC professionals in the US was $46,110, as of May 2013, per the BLS.

If you're looking for a hands-on job that can offer good growth and a living wage, HVAC career training might be the right step for you. Check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about careers in this industry, and start looking for HVAC schools near you. Individual institutions set their own parameters for the amount of class credit needed to graduate. According to the BLS, the length of HVAC training programs typically falls between six months and two years, though that may vary based on whether a student can attend full or part time. HVAC training that lasts a full two years or more may lead to an associate degree, which can often be used as a springboard into further education in mechanical engineering or management. Some schools also offer additional certifications, for HVAC technicians looking to enhance their knowledge or sharpen a specialized set of skills. Fast facts about HVAC careers Total HVAC employment in 2012: 267,600 Projected HVAC employment in 2022: 323,500

Growth rate, 2012-22: 21 percent, or 55,900 additional jobs Average annual HVAC salary, 2013: $46,110 Average hourly wage for HVAC workers, 2013: $22.17 Want more information about job outlook, wages and growth industries? Check out our HVAC salary page. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Each individual program curriculum provides its own perspective on the specific requirements of HVAC careers, but the general skills of the profession are taught fairly consistently from school to school. Here's a list of what you can expect to learn in most HVAC programs: Associate degrees in HVAC technology often include a few sections of math, communications, social science and other general education coursework alongside the hands-on, technical core. The simple answer is that HVAC stands for "heating, ventilation and air conditioning," while HVACR stands for "heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration." Although contractors and construction firms often use them interchangeably, the two acronyms may indicate subtle differences among training programs.

HVAC programs that specialize in automotive systems tend to skip the refrigeration component and may take fewer credit hours overall than residential or commercial training. Non-automotive HVAC programs that don't teach refrigeration are uncommon, but it never hurts to double-check the details before enrolling. HVAC career diplomas can be earned at a wide variety of institutions, both online and at brick-and-mortar campuses. Career colleges, vocational institutes, community colleges, junior colleges and technical schools in your area are all possible locations for HVAC training and certification. It's important to note that training and certification aren't the same thing in all cases. Some programs, like the HVACR career diploma program at Penn Foster Career School, have stepping stones to certification built into their training curriculum. While techs don't need a national contractor's license, workers in many states may have to pass licensing exams furnished by state regulators.

For info and advice about licensing in your state, check with a regional HVAC contractor's association or contact the state board of labor, public safety or construction contracting. HVAC is a thriving trade, and numerous industry organizations exist for professionals nationwide. Membership in professional associations comes with several potential benefits, such as additional training through apprenticeships and access to exclusive professional development events, and some construction firms or commercial property owners may reach out specifically to professional organizations for high-value contracts. Here are a few organizations that may have a local chapter in your area: Local contractors' associations may also be available in some areas. Check with the career services department of your HVAC school for some help finding local options. Ever since the passage of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act, HVAC techs who work with chemical refrigerants in the U.S. must pass a specialized Environmental Protection Agency exam on their appropriate handling and use.

Here are the four levels of EPA certification that you can get: Certain HVAC schools, including Penn Foster and Ashworth College, include a study guide and exam voucher for EPA certification. Career Diploma, Heating and Air Conditioning, Ashworth College, http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/career-diplomas/heating-air-conditioning/ Air Conditioning Technology, Associate of Applied Science Degree, Gwinnett Technical College, https://www.gwinnetttech.edu/programs/inc_outlines_new.cfm?peOutlineID=547 HVACR Training Program Overview, Penn Foster Career School, http://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/construction-and-maintenance/hvac-technician-career-diploma Online Automotive HVAC Essentials Certificate, Penn Foster Career School, http://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/automotive-and-engine-repair/automotive-hvac-essentials-certificate.aspx. Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR), Tennessee College of Applied Technology, http://www.tcatmemphis.edu/fulltime-programs/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-hvacr