Career Guide for HVAC Technicians: How and Why to Join HVAC

If you enjoy mathematics, mechanics and hands-on work, you may enjoy a career as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technician. These professionals apply their knowledge of machines, building construction and electrical design to install and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems. They make sure buildings’ heating and cooling systems are functioning properly.

This career guide has everything you need to know about HVAC technicians. Learn about HVAC job duties, steps to become an HVAC technician, HVAC training, HVAC technician jobs and more.

What Is an HVAC Technician?

An HVAC-R technician ensures heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems function properly. They work in homes, schools, offices, factories, hospitals and other buildings. Some choose to specialize in one or more areas of HVAC-R, such as heating systems, commercial refrigeration, testing and balancing, or solar panels.1

When comparing an HVAC installer vs. HVAC technician, the two have slightly different roles. HVAC installers focus on installing HVAC systems and wiring, while an HVAC technician focuses more on the maintenance, repair and cleaning of HVAC systems. Some people compare HVAC installer vs. technician careers and choose to specialize in one. However, depending on your HVAC training and career path, your role may include a mix of installation and maintenance duties.

What Do HVAC Technicians Do?

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVAC-R technicians— work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. They may work in tight spaces and extremely hot or cold environments because of the broken heating or cooling systems they’re fixing.1 It’s also common for these technicians to work overtime or irregular hours during heating and cooling seasons, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.2

According to the BLS and O*NET Online, some common HVAC technician job duties include:3 4

• Install HVAC-R systems, wiring, and electrical elements
• Maintain HVAC-R systems
• Clean ducts, change filters, and refill refrigerant
• Repair or replace old or broken parts
• Test and inspect HVAC-R systems
• Check pipes for leaks
• Evaluate electrical parts of HVAC-R systems
• Maintain records of work performed
• Recommend maintenance efforts to better HVAC-R performance
• Sell maintenance service contracts to clients
• Follow refrigerant conservation and recycling regulations

HVAC-R technicians also troubleshoot repairs and maintain commercial refrigerators, freezers, and ice machines.

HVAC-R technicians may work with other individuals to install and maintain heating and cooling systems. Especially for large projects, they may work with sheet metal workers, electricians, boilermakers, and/or plumbers and pipefitters. 3

How to Become an HVAC-R Technician

Though everyone’s career path looks a little different, below are four steps you can take to become an HVAC technician. 

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Earning a high school diploma or GED is the first step toward preparing for this career field. The BLS recommends taking high school courses in vocational training, physics, and math.7 Developing your knowledge of electrical work or plumbing is also beneficial for this career.
2. Complete an HVAC-R program. Many people enroll in HVAC technician training through a college or trade school to learn heating, ventilation, AC, and refrigeration skills. These programs typically last six months to two years and lead to a certificate or associate degree.
3. Gain training and experience. Through your HVAC-R program, you’ll gain hands-on experience through in-program experiential learning opportunities.
4. Earn licenses and certifications as needed. Some states require HVAC-R technicians to be licensed. Check your state and local area’s requirements to see if you need to become licensed. According to the BLS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires technicians who work with refrigerant-cooling systems to be certified in appropriate refrigerant handling (more on this below).7

Do I Need to Do an HVAC Apprenticeship?

No, you don’t need an apprenticeship—but you will want training and experience. Some people choose to complete an apprenticeship to gain HVAC training and experience. HVAC apprenticeships typically last three to five years and are sponsored by groups such as unions and contractor associations, the BLS reports.7

Do I Need to Join a Union to Work in HVAC?

No, you don’t need to join a union to work in HVAC. However, joining a union is an option. According to Union Plus, a non-profit committed to providing valuable benefits to union members, the main benefit of joining a union is having representation when it comes to your pay, hours, benefits, and workplace safety.8 If you’re interested in joining an HVAC union, search for unions in your area.

Consider reading HVAC technician job descriptions to see what types of jobs interest you.

According to the BLS, the largest employers of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2022 were:12

• Plumbing, heating, and AC contractors— 67%
• Self-employed individuals— 8%
• Wholesale trade— 3%
• State, local, and private educational services— 3%
• Retail trade— 3%

How Should I Choose HVAC Technician Training?

Choosing the right HVAC technician training for you is an important decision. When searching for HVAC training, you may consider attending an HVAC school or completing an HVAC apprenticeship. Below are some factors to consider when choosing the right HVAC training for you.

• Curriculum: Whether you’re comparing HVAC-R programs or apprenticeships, the curriculum is key. Are installation procedures, electrical concepts, and critical thinking skills prioritized in the curriculum? Make sure the program will teach you foundational skills in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems.
• Hands-on training: Gaining hands-on experience is an important part of HVAC technician training. In addition to HVAC training classes, does the program offer opportunities for hands-on training?
• Cost: HVAC training is a substantial investment of your time and money—but it’s an important one. If you’re considering HVAC-R programs, ask about financial aid opportunities to offset the cost of education. At Carrington College, we participate in many state and federal financial assistance programs. Student finance options such as loans, grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
• Duration: How quickly do you want to complete an HVAC training? Depending on your goals, program duration may be an important factor to consider.  Finishing HVAC technician training typically takes less time than completing an HVAC apprenticeship. At Carrington College, you can earn your Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate of Achievement in as few as 10 months.

Can I Study HVAC Training Online?

You can learn some aspects of HVAC training online, but this is a hands-on career. Once you learn about heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration concepts, it’s important to apply your knowledge through real-world, hands-on experience.