With economic hardships and rising unemployment, looking for a career in a stable industry is something many people are facing. One industry poised for 13 percent growth over the next 10 years is that of the HVAC technician.
HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) technicians will always be needed for repair and installation services.
The salary is extremely competitive with most HVAC specialists bringing an approximately $48,000 a year home according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Sound promising? Well, read on to find out more about this career path.
The first thing you will need is proper training. You will be handling expensive equipment that requires specialized knowledge. There are online courses from credible institutions that can get you the training you need. With a little research you will find there are many programs that provide affordable training at little to no cost.Financial assistance and grants may be available depending on the vocational school you choose.
Understanding the Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Job
Climate control in your home or business is regulated by three systems: heating, ventilation and air conditioning. An HVAC technician can not only install new heaters, AC units and ventilation ducts but take care of proper maintenance and repair protocol for these systems. A good HVAC repair contractor will be able to troubleshoot any issues a homeowner may be having with their heater or air conditioner and keep them operating safely and efficiently.
Some in the industry choose to specialize in only one element of climate control. For instance you could choose to only install new water heaters, heating units or air conditioners. Others may only focus on air duct cleaning and maintenance, or perhaps you can repair all three systems but not install them.
When you go into this industry you should be prepared to be on call. When someone’s air conditioner breaks down in 100 degree weather, or the heater stops working during a snowstorm, they need emergency repair service right away. Most HVAC contractors are on call 24 hours a day, but they may charge extra for responding to emergency repairs in the after hours or on weekends.
Are you handy with tools? HVAC technicians regularly use drills, hammers, ladders,saws and other equipment. HVAC technicians may also provide additional services related to refrigeration and even plumbing. The more skills you can learn, the greater your earning potential. With your skill set you can choose to work for a larger repair and installation company or become your own boss and work as a self-employed technician.
About Taking HVAC Courses & Programs Online
Online courses are so advanced that you can learn a great deal in a virtual setting. You can receive an HVAC certification just by completing an online class. Some of these courses coordinate with local programs so that you can complete an internship to supplement your online training. With digital simulation, video, pre recorded lectures and other resources, your online certification will prepare you for a career in this growing field.
Before you enroll in any course you should check your state regulations. Most state license requirements include an HVAC certification from an accredited school. In some cases additional certification for the handling of environmentally hazardous substances may be required. To set yourself apart from the rest you may want to look into specialty certifications in addition to your general training certification. Such specialty niches include air ventilation distribution, industrial refrigeration operator, HVAC efficiency analyst and HVAC performance verifier Depending on your state of residence the HVAC certification board may require you to complete onsite testing that shows you are competent and knowledgeable in your craft.
Online HVAC Training You Can Afford
Penn Foster College:This accredited program can be completed in 6 months and payment plans are available.
Udemy HVAC Courses:Extremely affordable courses under $50 that can be used to supplement your training.
Ivy Tech Community College: This hybrid program blends online training with hands-on learning for a comprehensive education.
Ashworth College: This HVAC program covers specialized subjects such as EPA Section 608 and can be done in about 6 months. s They even provide a coupon for you to use on your ESCO Institute 608 Certification Exam to help offset your costs.
How Long Does It Take to Complete HVAC Training Online?
The short answer is, it depends. Some online courses can be completed at your own pace, so that you can squeeze them in between work hours. Other programs may last 6 months, but some can last 2 years. Do your research for the program that is right for you, just make sure it is an accredited course.
HVAC Salary
An HVAC career provides a solid income with salaries averaging $42,930 across the United States. Hourly pay according to salary.com ranges from $18-36 per hour for an HVAC mechanic.
Financial Assistance Options for HVAC Training Online
Financial aid can take care of all or most of your schooling costs and you can repay the loan later. Sometimes grants are available such as the Pell grant and these are even better since grants do not need to be paid back. To find out what financial aid options are available to you simply fill out the Free Application for Federal School Aid (FAFSA) form.In addition to federal loan assistance there are private companies that offer loans for schools such as the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Sallie Mae Career Training Smart Option Loan. Scholarships are also another option. Home Depot and theAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offer scholarships that can be used for online HVAC training courses.
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