Heating and Air Conditioner

Many trade schools offer 6-month to 2-year HVAC training programs. Students study theory, design, and equipment construction, as well as electronics. They also learn the basics of installation, maintenance, and repair. Good HVAC training programs will offer courses in shop math, mechanical drawing, applied physics and chemistry, electronics, blueprint reading, and computer applications.

HVAC technicians often specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair, although they are trained to do both. Some specialize in one type of equipment—for example, oil burners, solar panels, or commercial refrigerators. Technicians may work for large or small contracting companies or directly for a manufacturer or wholesaler. Those working for smaller operations tend to do both installation and servicing, and work with heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment. Service contracts—which involve heating, and air-conditioning for particular customers on a regular basis—are becoming more common. Service agreements help to reduce the seasonal fluctuations of this work.