HVAC careers can be rewarding both in the satisfaction of helping people and also financially. This can be a very stable occupation because we use machines to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As in the case of any machine, over time parts will wear out and require replacement. If you are prepared to accurately diagnose and repair problems with heating and cooling units, you will be employed. There are countless stories of people that have started in the industry and, after gaining experience, moved on to start their own heating and air conditioning business.Today, there are more opportunities than ever before. With the rising energy costs, more and more people are looking for ways to lower their utility bills. It is a natural extension of the hvac industry to help people to do this. There are many opportunities such as through weatherization, solar, wind, etc. There are two basic types of positions in the hvac industry which are commonly referred to as service technicians (techs) and installation technicians (installers).

In most cases, a service technician will also be required to perform the duties of an installer from time to time.**HOT TIP** In general, a job as a service technician is usually more stable (less seasonal) than the installation only jobs. In the United States, the process usually begins with a formal apprenticeship program, simple on the job training, or a formal training program at a college. This can be as easy as being a helper for an experienced installer. For positions as a repairman, the process usually begins with either a college course or an apprenticeship. In many companies, the service technician positions are given to experienced installers who would like to advance their career.A part of the initial process of getting hvac jobs, is becoming certified to buy and handle refrigerants. This is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to comply with the requirements of section 608 of the Clean Air Act. This simply involves some personal studying and taking a test that is administered by an authorized agency.

There are basically five types of certification: 1. automotive: This allows you to work on air conditioners that are part of automobiles. 2. Type I: This allows you to work on small appliances. 3. Type II: is for high pressure or very high pressure systems. 4. Type III: is for low pressure systems. 5. Universal: This certifies you to work on all systems containing ozone depleting refrigerant except for vehicles.portable ac unit smallFor hvac careers in residential or commercial buildings, it is best to obtain universal certification. best air conditioning unit ukMost heating and air conditioning companies will not accept anything less. split system air conditioner cost installed**NOTE** These requirements are for systems that contain ozone depleting chemicals (CFC's or HCFC's).

These are refrigerants such as R-22 or R-12. The new refrigerants such as R-410a are non-ozone depleting and therefore are not covered by the Clean Air Act.There are other forms of certification that are not related to the use of refrigerants. These requirements vary from state to state and country to country. There are some nationwide programs such as NATE, etc. but they are voluntary and really not necessary. Many states require licenses for contractors and some require licenses for the individual mechanics.**NOTE** In the past, many contractors/business owners have accepted people for entry level positions without requiring them to be certified beforehand. This is becoming pretty rare now but, if you can find someone looking for an apprentice, they may pay for your training and certifications. The next step in the process of starting your hvac career, is self study. To be a good hvac mechanic, you must have a working knowledge of electricity and plumbing as well as the operation of heating/cooling equipment.

This can be obtained through college courses, studying manufacturer's product information, and simple hands on learning. **HOT TIP** The best college HVAC training includes classroom instruction by experienced industry professionals combined with hands on training.You can also watch our maintenance and troubleshooting videos. You can get the advantage of our years of experience as a technician without taking 15 years. Now that you have made the decision to start an hvac career, you will need some tools to begin your new job. In order to start off on the right foot, you can peek inside our toolbag. As they say, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression so show up with the proper tools.Many skilled individuals are involved in the design, sale, installation, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units. HVAC workers are essential in providing comfortable, temperature-controlled atmospheres in private residencies as well as offices, schools, hospitals, warehouses, and other large structures where people live and work.

People who are interested in HVAC employment might pursue careers as engineers, fabricators, technicians, or salespeople. Depending on the nature of HVAC employment, individuals are usually required to pursue some form of higher education and complete formal training programs. Research and development departments of HVAC manufacturing plants hire skilled engineers to create, test, and build new units. Engineers use their advanced knowledge of math and physics to design systems that are efficient, cost effective, environmentally friendly, and simple to use and maintain. They commonly employ computer-aided drafting software and various other programs to help them design blueprints and perform hypothetical tests on units. Many engineers work with a team of assemblers to build and test prototypes. To obtain HVAC employment as an engineer, an individual is usually required to obtain a bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering and complete formal, on-the-job training from established professionals.

Assemblers and fabricators manufacture the component parts of HVAC systems. Workers use a number of hand, power, and computer-controlled tools to cut, bend, weld, and shape pieces. Specialty workers often manipulate robotic equipment to assemble final products. Some systems, however, are shipped to retail stores or end users only partially assembled; the pieces arrive in boxes with special instructions on how to construct units. Assemblers and fabricators can gain HVAC employment by obtaining certification from accredited vocational schools or participating in formal apprenticeships. When a home or business owner wants to purchase a new HVAC system, he or she usually consults knowledgeable salespeople at distribution plants, HVAC shops, or specialty hardware stores. Salesmen and women receive detailed instruction from trainers on the different types of HVAC systems and the best options for various facilities. Some salespeople and consultants visit customers' homes or businesses to help them determine what type of system to purchase and how much it will cost.