Becoming a certified HVAC technician is a process that typically takes between six and 24 months. To start your career in the HVAC industry, you need to have a high school diploma and customer service skills. You can also enroll in an HVAC training program at a community college or vocational school to become an HVAC technician. The late spring to early fall season (May to September) is the busiest time of year for air conditioning and refrigeration service companies.
An HVAC license or certification is not mandatory in every state, but it is a great asset. The New England Institute of Technology offers an HVAC program that can be completed in 18 months. As a student in the program, you'll learn the basics of the HVAC industry and how to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems. Certifications help make HVAC work environments safer, but they don't completely eliminate workplace setbacks.
When it comes to installation and maintenance, or when the air conditioning system malfunctions, the first person they call is an HVAC technician. You can start as an HVAC assistant in an entry-level apprentice position at an HVAC company without any cost. To become a successful HVAC technician, you need to be able to adjust quickly to industry changes and be reliable. Many of the jobs that HVAC technicians do are aimed at improving the efficiency of HVAC systems and reducing their environmental impact.