HVAC/R Technician

Start Your Career in HVACR

HVACR 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 HVACR Technicians

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of HVAC/R technicians is expected to grow 13% during the next few 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.

HVACR Technician FAQs

What does an HVACR technician do?
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) 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 HVACR technician, you will first have to work as an apprentice under a licensed technician for up to 2,000 hours. However, apprenticeships 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 HVACR 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.

Course Objectives

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

Prerequisites and Requirements

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

Curriculum

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 HVACR system.
Simulation challenge mode – II
Hands-on virtual simulation of routing electricity to an HVACR 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.