Given the pace of technology, the air-conditioner has been invented to keep as cool and relaxed whenever the heat of summer gets to us. For the wintertime, the heater has been installed in our homes so that with a flick of the thermostat, we can keep ourselves warm and cozy.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if there were no air- conditioners and heaters? How are we supposed to stand the heat of the sun during the summer season and not suffer from heat stroke? Fortunately, we do have the luxury of air-conditioning and heating systems. Thankfully enough, there are heating and air-conditioning technicians we can count on so that these systems will always function and serve our needs.

What are HVAC Technicians?
 HVAC Technicians are heating and air-conditioning technicians specialize in maintaining ventilation systems. These systems are part and parcel of almost all structures and buildings - whether an industrial area, residential or commercial places. The systems by themselves are quite elaborate as these deals with electrical and mechanical components like pumps, ducts, and compressors, among others.

Responsible for such complicated work, the HVAC Technicians are expected to know their job inside and out since what they do affects the people in their homes, not only the people living in their homes but the workers and employers inside commercial establishment and industrial structures.

To illustrate the importance of the job of HVAC Technicians, here are places where they are mostly needed:

a. Hospitals and day care centers- room temperature must be kept at a relatively cool level with air flowing smoothly and evenly so as to make the patients particularly the young ones comfortable

b. Manufacturing factories for electronic and computer products – these establishments needs cool, pure yet quite dry air

c. Research laboratories, manufacturers of medicines and companies that make food preparations - requires a combination of heating and cooling processes in order that their goods remain unspoiled

d. Printing Press – for printing purposes, a room should have a suitable humidity control so as not to affect the quality of paper and other materials needed for printing.

As shown by the examples, it is quite apparent that the HVAC Technicians deal not only with the systems but must interact with people as customers as well. Like any other profession that involves mingling with people, they must exhibit the required skills and ethics in conducting business.


An HVAC Technician's work includes the following:

1. Install copper tubing systems that facilitate the circulation of water as well as the cooling gases
2. Install and repair air-conditioners, furnaces and boilers
3. Repair electrical circuits as well as thermostats
4. Replace parts of a compressor - valves, bearings, and pistons
5. Replace the electrical motors of a refrigerator
6. Recharge with refrigerant gases the cooling systems
7. Diagnose the breakdowns as to the cause
8. Lift parts into their proper position
9. Screw, weld, braze and bolt parts
10. Connect motors to control panels and the latter to the power source
11. Cut, thread and connect the pipes into their units
12. Lubricate the machinery

HVAC Technicians may choose to specialize or limit their know-how in particular areas of work such as installation, design, maintenance, or repair. Some may opt to concentrate merely on making sales or focus his expertise on maintaining only one kind of equipment.

To ensure the quality of the products that comes out of the production line, we can rely on the expertise of the Quality Control (QC) Engineers that randomly tests and locate the defective items along the line.

The HVAC Technician Certification

Although most of the HVAC technicians have acquired their skills while on the job there are still a number of employers who favor technicians that are holders of HVAC Technician Certifications who have undergone and finished an apprenticeship program. Employers would also prefer individuals who have acquired formal technical training while in high school, technical school, and community college or while serving in the armed forces.

Under an apprenticeship program, one generally spends 3 to 4 years of formal training coupled with on the job exposure and classroom lectures. In community colleges, a shorter period is required, only 2 years for associate a degree that teaches the basics of repair, maintenance as well as installation. All these would give the students an HVAC Technician Certification that would make them more valuable to potential employers.

In the State of Virginia, aspiring technicians for refrigerants must first accomplish a written exam. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Board must then certify those who pass this exam for Contractors Tradesman Licensure.

HVAC Excellence offers various certificate programs such as the HVAC Technician Certification for technicians who prefer to focus on heating and air-conditioning systems. HVAC Technician Certification is likewise offered by the National Center for Construction Education & Research and the environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to obtaining an HVAC Technician Certification, HVAC technicians must possess the following characteristics if they want to move ahead in their chosen career:

1. Mechanical propensity
2. Ability to use hand and power tools
3. Skills in problem solving as well as troubleshooting
4. Harmonious relationship with the clients
5. Comprehend technical drawings, charts, graphs and diagrams
6. Logical reasoning
7. Carrying, bending and stooping
8. Maintaining a pleasant and polite disposition
9. Comprehend the use of electronics as well as output of gauges and like instruments
10. Observing safety measures

HVAC Technicians have the option to move to higher positions as supervisors and even service managers. There are also opportunities to go into marketing or sales. If equipped with enough capital, they can even establish their own businesses.

HVAC Technicians who are self-employed comprise roughly 15% of their total number. Contractors dealing with dolling and heating systems employ more than 50%.

Certainly, the outlook for technicians that are holders of HVAC Technician Certification is very enticing. There is a growing need for HVAC technicians to service most homes and in private companies. Getting an HVAC Technician Certification would surely be one source of employment in this fast-paced world.