HVAC/R Technician

Start Your Career in HVAC/R

HVAC/R is one of the most constant industries for new jobs, so there’s no better time to join. This course will prepare you for an entry-level role in the HVAC/R field. You’ll understand the basic requirements needed to earn a “work ready” certificate and start an apprenticeship.

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Job Outlook for HVAC/R Technicians

According the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HVAC/R technician jobs are projected to grow 13% over the next eight years, which equals 46,300 new jobs.
The BLS also states that the average salary for these developers is just under $49,000 per year with top earners making nearly $78,000.

WHAT DOES AN HVAC/R TECHNICIAN DO?

Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians, also called installers or mechanics, work on the systems that control the temperature, humidity and quality of the air in our homes, workplaces and all other types of buildings.

HOW DO I BECOME AN HVACR TECHNICIAN?

To become an HVAC/R technician, you will first have to work as an apprentice under a licensed technician for up to 2,000 hours. However, apprenticeship are competitive, so having formal training and a “work ready” certificate significantly improve your chances of success.

DOES THIS COURSE PREPARE ME FOR WORK READY CERTIFICATES?

Yes. This HVAC/R Technician Certification course will prepare you for entry-level work ready certificates:

HVAC Excellence “Employment Ready” Certificate
NATE “Ready to Work” Certificate

ARE WORK READY CERTIFICATES WORTH IT?

Yes. For job seekers just entering the HVACR field, a work ready certificates show prospective employers that you have a fundamental understanding of HVACR systems, maintenance and troubleshooting.

Understand basic components of the vapor-compression and refrigeration cycles, functions and characteristics of system refrigerants, piping operations
Learn proper installation and operation of HVAC systems
Understand EPA laws related to safe handling and transport of refrigerants
Proper recovery, recycling and retrofitting of refrigerants

This course is designed for students with little-to-no background in HVAC/R, so are no prerequisites to take this course. However, we recommend having a high school diploma or GED.

SAFETY, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT AND SHOP PRACTICES

Learn general safety practices as well as how to care for and use all the tools you will come across on the job.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS

Understand automatic control components and applications including troubleshooting for basic through more advanced systems.

ELECTRIC MOTORS

Gain a full understanding of electric motors including types, applications, controls and troubleshooting techniques.

COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION

Learn the ins and outs of commercial refrigeration components including evaporators, condensers, compressors, expansion devices, ice machines, special applications and systems and more.

AIR-CONDITIONING (COOLING)

Understand comfort and psychometrics, air distribution and balance, installation, energy auditing, common conditions, troubleshooting techniques and more.

ALL-WEATHER SYSTEMS

Learn about the heat gains and losses that occur in various structures as well as detailed information on both air source and geothermal heat pumps.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Get detailed information on domestic appliances including refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.

COMMERCIAL AIR-CONDITIONING AND CHILLED-WATER SYSTEMS

Learn the ins and out of cooling towers, pumps and chilled-water systems.

SIMULATION CHALLENGE MODE – I

Virtual, hands-on simulation of troubleshooting an HVAC/R system.

SIMULATION CHALLENGE MODE – II

Hands-on virtual simulation of routing electricity to an HVAC/R system.

Instructor

Mike Baker

Mike Baker has been an instructor since 2011. He was previously an HVAC Program Director at both Virginia College and Vista College. Baker was a HVAC technician for several decades and has experience hiring, training and managing HVAC Technicians. He holds numerous HVAC Excellence certifications, several Green Mechanical Council certifications, an EPA 608 Universal certification and Emerson Climate Technology certifications. He has served as both an HVAC Excellence Instructor and Exam Proctor.