The refrigerators and air conditioners are primary amenities of modern life. The effective operation of these advanced and vital devices relies on the expertise of skilled technicians. Professionals in this field typically acquire their knowledge through a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Program at an accredited institute to advance their career scope.
Several training institutes and schools offer hands-on training for HVAC. The duration of this vocational program is primarily 450 hours. This may vary depending on the institution you choose or if you proceed with the specialization. To learn more about the refrigeration and air conditioning (AC) skillset program, read through this concise post.
What Is Refrigeration and Air conditioning?
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning are related to cooling. These chilling units are commonly used in homes, restaurants, malls, and food industries, among other applications. These units help preserve food for a more extended period, whether in its raw form, baked, or cooked. They are primarily adjusted at temperatures below zero.
On the other hand, an AC unit, or air conditioning unit, is used to create a cool and cozy indoor climate. These machines are available in various capacities, including 1.5, 2 tons, etc. These units help dehumidify areas such as living spaces, workspaces, and storage areas. You can opt for a Windows, split, or central AC unit, depending on your requirements.
In the fast-growing refrigeration and HVAC industry, individuals can pursue a well-paid career. Here, the HVAC program provides them with significant assistance. Joining this program at an accredited institute also offers flexible timings to maintain a work-life balance.
What does the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Program cover?
This program is a short-term course that covers nearly every aspect of refrigeration, air conditioning repair, and troubleshooting. The registered institutions offer HVAC courses as a specialized skill set. A few of the educational schools offer lifetime free placement for beginners.
The refrigeration and AC course is scheduled for 450 hours, which is divided into four 7-week segments. The first two segments consist of synchronous online modality, where students learn the theoretical part online. The next two segments are in-person training at the school.
In the first 14 weeks of the online program, students learn the basics of refrigeration and electricity. In the next 14 weeks, they are trained to focus on charging, recovery, and troubleshooting. By the end of the training, students will be able to disassemble, repair, and diagnose problems with machines, rather than simply replacing parts.
Brief about the HVAC program
In the above section, you will learn the primary facts of the HVAC program. Now, take a look at the brief course aspects:
- In the first quarter of online classes, students will learn the foundations of refrigeration theory and electrical theory.
- The second quarter will teach them about charging and recovery, as well as troubleshooting segments for the ACs and Freezers.
- The third and fourth quarters are designed for hands-on skill development through in-person classes at school.
- Students are trained to diagnose refrigeration and air conditioning problems. After that, they are prepared to troubleshoot the issues and then detach and replace the machine parts.
- The candidates are finally prepared to obtain entry-level employment in the HVAC field.
Note: This program also prepares candidates for the EPA 608 certification exam, which is required to work with refrigerants in the HVAC industry under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
Who is Eligible for This Program?
When individuals think of beginning their career in the refrigeration and air conditioning fields, they need to enroll first. There are specific age and educational requirements that they must fulfill. The primary eligibility to enroll for this course is as follows:
- The age should be between 18 and 65 years.
- Students must have any of the GED, TASC, High School Diploma, or a college Degree.
- The candidate should be highly motivated and willing to attend the classes.
- They must ensure to fulfill the attendance requirements.
Job Outlooks and Career Growth Opportunities
Individuals who are certified with the HVAC program are not limited to working as technicians only. Several other opportunities are also available to them, such as team leadership, management, and customer support. They can work in the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors.
The refrigeration and air conditioning courses develop both technical expertise and soft skills. These are important aspects of the HVAC field to work in various sectors. Here, we shed light on the primary skills that students will learn and refine during their learning period:
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Mechanical skills
- Work environment adaptability
- Customer support and service skills
Additionally, employment in freezing machines and air conditioning units is expected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033. According to the US Labor Department, 42,500 openings are projected annually by the US Federal government. The pay scale for the entry-level HVAC technicians is $28.26 per hour. The national average annual value is $58,782.
Growth Opportunities
This ever-growing field offers numerous job and growth opportunities. From entry-level to senior technician, various job roles are performed according to the experience and specialization certifications held. Here, we highlight the key job roles for an HVAC techie:
- Installers & Mechanics
- Electricians (for installing, repairing, and powering, etc., the freezer and AC units)
- General Maintenance and repair workers
- Pursuing experience and specialization to work as a senior technician or supervisor
- Can work as an independent contractor for local areas refrigeration and AC repair, installation, maintenance, etc.
- Solar/Wind Turbine Technician
- Sales Associate
- Service Manager
Know about the EPA Technician 608 Certification
The EPA 608 Certification is required for employees who work with refrigerants and air conditioning systems (ACs) in the HVAC industry. It includes installing, servicing, repairing, or disposing of equipment that holds refrigerants.
The certification is authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act to help protect the environment from harmful emissions. Additionally, the EPA 608 Certification Exam consists of four sections: Core and Sections I, II, and III. When a candidate passes all four parts, they achieve a Universal Certification.
Remember that the EPA 608 certification is an entry-level certification that authorizes a person to be hired in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Field. The individual can now purchase refrigerant, equipment charged with Refrigerant, and tools in all 50 states. No one should be hired to work in the HVAC field without this entry-level license.
Wrapping up
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Program equips aspirants with the necessary skill set to enter the HVAC industry. The theoretical, practical, and short-term course training helps equip students to enter a growing career in the refrigeration and air conditioning fields.
The EPA 608 Certification enables you to work with a competitive pay scale and experience career growth throughout the USA. You can join any of the registered institutes that offer online classes for the theoretical part and flexible class hours to succeed in the HVAC industry.