HVACR Technician

IMAGE PHOTOGRAPH 1

Job Description

An HVACR technician installs, services and repairs equipment used to control temperature, circulation, moisture and purity of air. Technicians often specialize in residential, commercial

or industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing systems or refrigeration equipment. All of these skilled technicians must be able to diagnose and correct problems on a variety of HVACR systems. The many mechanical, electrical and electronic components installed and maintained by HVACR technicians work together to create and maintain healthy, comfortable environments in homes, offices, cars, schools, hospitals and more. This makes the HVACR technician a valued member of America's workforce.

The Workplace

There is no typical workplace for HVACR technicians, because they may be found anywhere there is climatecontrol equipment to be installed, maintained or repaired. Wherever HVACR technicians work, appropriate safety equipment is always necessary to prevent injury when handling refrigerants and to reduce the possibilities of electrical shock, burns and muscle strains.

Educational Requirements

Because technology continues to improve the efficiency of heating, airconditioning and refrigeration systems, this occupation requires technicians to receive certification through technical or apprenticeship training and to remain current with advancements in the field. Education may be obtained in many secondary and postsecondary technical schools and community colleges. The Air-Conditioning Contractors of America, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada are just a few of the organizations that participate in apprenticeship programs. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute administers the Industry Competency Exam that is taken by students in HVACR training programs.

Earnings

According to the Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating Career Education Coalition, jobs in the $150 billion-a-year HVACR industry are predicted to increase into the 21st century. The HVACR industry offers well-paying jobs, ranging from $25,000-$100,000 a year. Sales and business HVACR jobs offer similar compensation. The growing demand for computer-aided design specialists has led to higher salaries, often beginning at $40,000 per year.

Job Outlook

The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to be good, particularly for those with technical school or formal apprenticeship training. Employment of HVACR technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, and renewed concern for energy conservation should continue to prompt the development of new energysaving heating and air-conditioning systems requiring well-trained HVACR technicians.

Explore More

Here are some places to turn for more information about education and training as an HVACR technician.

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute

www.ari.org

Air Conditioning Contractors of America

www.acca.org

Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

www.gamanet.org

North American Technician Excellence, Inc.

www.natex.org

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society

www.rses.org

CoolCareers, a Web site sponsored by the Career Education Coalition (CEC), a partnership of HVACR and plumbing organizations

www.coolcareers.org

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association

www.phccweb.org

National Center for Construction Education and Research

www.nccer.org