Start Your Career in HVAC/R

HVAC/R 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 to 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 improves 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, 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 the safe handling and transport of refrigerants
• Proper recovery, recycling, and retrofitting of refrigerants

 

Prerequisites and Requirements

This course is designed for students with minimal or no background in HVACR, so there 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 an 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.

 

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.