| What career path combines high-tech computers, | | | | The goal of most training programs is to prepare the |
| mechanical engineering, and construction, and has the | | | | student for professional certification. National |
| goal of making people safe and comfortable? Heating, | | | | accrediting bodies include HVAC Excellence, the |
| ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration - or | | | | National Center for Construction Education and |
| HVACR. | | | | Research, and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, |
| This dynamic field offers the opportunity to use many | | | | Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation. In addition, |
| different skills to achieve a result that everyone | | | | HVACR technicians are required to be licensed by |
| appreciates: comfort and security for people in a wide | | | | many states and localities. Requirements for licensure |
| range of settings including workers on the job, patients | | | | vary greatly, but states or localities that grant licenses |
| in hospitals, guests in hotels, and families at home. | | | | require the applicant to pass a test. |
| Technology has changed the HVACR industry. Gone | | | | How about employment prospects? The news is |
| are the days when a mechanical furnace in the | | | | good! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in |
| basement provided heat and an air conditioner in the | | | | the current decade 2008-2018, job prospects for |
| window provided cooling. Today, computer-controlled | | | | heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and |
| heating and air conditioning systems regulate the | | | | installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for |
| temperature, humidity, and the overall air quality in | | | | those who have completed training from an accredited |
| residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. | | | | technical school or a formal apprenticeship. |
| Refrigeration systems, which use related technology, | | | | Where are areas of possible employment growth? |
| make it possible to store and transport food and other | | | | Here are a few: |
| perishable items. | | | | Replacement of old HVACR systems with |
| Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians | | | | environmentally friendly systems. For example, |
| install, maintain, and repair these increasingly complex | | | | replacing central air conditioning units that are more |
| systems. HVACR technicians are often highly | | | | than 12 years old with EnergyStar qualified models can |
| specialized. They may focus on heating systems, air | | | | cut cooling costs by thirty percent. |
| conditioning, or refrigeration, and specialize in either | | | | Servicing HVACR systems from the recent |
| installation or maintenance and repair. Some are skilled | | | | building boom.. |
| in one type of equipment such as solar panels, | | | | The resurgence of new construction in growing |
| hydronics (water-based heating systems), or | | | | areas of the country. |
| commercial refrigeration. | | | | The increased complexity of new systems that |
| Technicians may also sell service contracts to their | | | | require more servicing. Sophisticated home, office, and |
| clients. Service contracts provide for regular | | | | industrial systems use computer controllers and |
| maintenance of the heating and cooling systems, and | | | | advanced technologies such as solar and heat |
| help to reduce the seasonal fluctuations of this type of | | | | transfer. |
| work. | | | | Steady rate of retirement by older HVACR |
| What kind of training do HVACR technicians need? | | | | technicians. |
| According to the U.S. Government Bureau of Labor | | | | Job opportunities exist for people with the right training. |
| Statistics, "Because of the increasing sophistication of | | | | If a career in HVACR sounds right for you, then check |
| heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, | | | | out career training programs by going online to a |
| employers prefer to hire those who have completed | | | | reputable college directory website. You can compare |
| technical school training or a formal apprenticeship." | | | | programs, check out flexible schedules, and get |
| Accredited career schools offer HVACR training. | | | | information about financial aid and career services. |
| Programs can last between six months and two | | | | Then, when you have received information and you've |
| years, and can result in a certificate or associate | | | | narrowed your choices to the top two or three, make |
| degree. Many people continue their education and earn | | | | your application. In less time than you think you could |
| a bachelor's or even master's degree in engineering or | | | | be on your way to a rewarding new career. |
| computer science. | | | | |