How To Become an HVAC Technician

Key Points

• HVACR technicians are essential workers who install, repair and maintain heating, cooling and refrigeration systems in various settings, ensuring comfort and safety regardless of outdoor conditions. They work in diverse industries, including medicine, education and commercial sectors.
• The job of an HVACR technician includes installing systems and electrical components, inspecting and maintaining equipment, diagnosing problems, and repairing or replacing defective parts. Specializations within the field, such as commercial refrigeration or radiant heating systems, offer varied career paths.
• To become an HVACR technician, formal training is often preferred by employers due to the technological complexity of modern systems. Training programs, which can last from six months to a year, cover safety procedures and system fundamentals, preparing students for certification exams required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other entities.
• Certifications, such as the Section 608 Technician Certification and R-410A Certification, are crucial for demonstrating competency and professionalism in the field. These certifications, along with others like NATE Core certifications and OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, can help set applicants apart in the job market against others who are uncertified.
• HVACR technician training programs, such as the one offered at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), provide comprehensive education in less than a year, preparing students for entry into the workforce.¹ Graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue entry-level positions in the HVACR industry, with ongoing support for career development available and opportunities to earn industry certifications.

Imagine a summer without air conditioning. A winter without heat. A freezer that’s melting. Without heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR), the world would be a much more difficult place to survive in.

HVACR technicians, also called HVAC technicians, maintain, fix and install the vital heating, cooling and refrigeration systems we rely on every day. Their work helps keep people safe and comfortable indoors, no matter how hot or cold it is outside. They help restaurants keep their kitchens stocked, they protect your groceries, and they ensure essential equipment like medicine and computer servers don’t overheat.

You may not realize all they do behind the scenes, but HVACR technicians are some of the most important technicians around. If you’re wondering how to become an HVAC technician, keep reading to learn how Universal Technical Institute's HVACR Technician program can help you prepare to pursue a job that's truly essential.¹

What Is an HVAC Technician? 

Before we answer how to become an HVAC technician, it’s important that we clarify exactly what an HVAC technician is.

HVACR technicians work for all types of businesses in diverse industries like medicine, education, residential and commercial. They install, repair and maintain the systems that control air quality, humidity and temperature in homes, hospitals, factories, schools, restaurants and offices.

An HVAC technician job description might include duties like:

• Installing HVACR systems, including wiring and electrical components.
• Inspecting, testing and maintaining HVACR components and systems, including cleaning ducts, checking refrigerant levels and replacing filters.
• Diagnosing HVACR problems and communicating issues to customers.
• Repairing HVACR systems and repairing or replacing defective components.
• Recommending maintenance to customers to improve HVACR system performance.

There are different areas HVACR technicians may specialize in, such as commercial refrigeration or radiant heating systems. HVACR technicians may also work as part of bigger teams that help electricians, sheet metal workers and pipework experts install large air conditioning systems.

“The industry’s always changing,” says Jason Freeman, operations manager at Technical Hot & Cold. “There’s so many different aspects of HVAC, and you can go into pretty much any field which we encompass here. We do refrigeration, residential boilers, commercial, industrial — we do it all. It’s really exciting because we can take on pretty much any line of work we’re looking at.”

How To Learn HVAC

Learning HVAC may involve a combination of formal education, hands-on training and certification. Some steps you may take could include:

1. Research the field

It helps to have an understanding of what HVAC technicians do before you decide if training is right for you – this guide can help you out!

2. Enroll in a training program

Many trade schools, like UTI, offer HVAC programs that cover the basics, such as system design, installation, electrical components and refrigeration. Ours is 9 months and can help you learn skills that are important in the industry.

3. Gain hands-on experience

While in school, it may be possible to get an apprenticeship working as an HVAC technician to build experience. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to enter the job market and pursue entry-level roles.¹

What is HVAC training?

HVAC training refers to the educational programs and hands-on instruction that prepare individuals to work in the industry. This training equips students with the knowledge and skills required to install, maintain and repair HVAC systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Some of the key components of HVAC training include technical knowledge, hands-on experience, certification preparation, safety protocols and job readiness.

HVAC Technician Requirements

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most  HVACR technician employers prefer candidates who have training. That’s because HVACR systems are evolving rapidly and are constantly becoming more technologically complex. Training will not only help you prepare to become an HVAC tech, but it will also teach you to stay safe while using some of the latest equipment.

Kenneth LeClair, lab trainer at Daikin, shared, “A training program is essential. It gives you a basic understanding of refrigeration systems, troubleshooting, diagnostics… a technical education is a must.” 

HVACR technicians who handle refrigerants must also be certified in proper refrigerant handling as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In HVACR school, you’ll be taught how to prepare for certification exams. Some states and localities may also require HVACR technicians to obtain a license.
To succeed in the field, HVACR technicians need to know skills like:

• HVACR safety procedures and tools
• Piping and fitting
• Basic electricity
• Fundamentals of refrigeration, heating systems and indoor air
• Air handling and hydronics
• Vent system selection and installation
• Mechanical and electronic controls
• Ductwork fabrication

Good communication and time management skills are vital to becoming an HVAC tech, as the role often requires direct contact with customers and completing several jobs in a single shift. Physical strength and stamina are also essential since HVACR work requires standing and moving around.

Where Can I Learn How To Become an HVAC Technician?

So, if attending a trade school is the answer to, “How to become an HVAC tech?” where can you enroll?

HVACR technician training is offered at several UTI campus locations throughout the country. The program is 9 months long and helps get students career-ready through courses such as:³³

• HVACR Core & Basic Electricity
• Electric Motors, OSHA
• Basic Refrigeration Systems
• Heating Systems I and II
• Indoor Air Fundamentals and Duct Fabrication
• Heating Systems II
• Air Conditioning Systems I and II
• Construction Codes and EPA 608
• NATE Core & Building Management
• Commercial Refrigeration I and II
• Alternative Heating Systems 

The curriculum also covers customer relations. Instructors who have experience working in the field can help you prepare to navigate and maintain professional relationships by sharpening soft skills like communication, professionalism and problem-solving.

Graduates will also receive a certificate of completion and be prepared to test for valuable industry certifications!

HVAC Technician Certifications

There are several certifications that could help set an applicant apart and help them become an HVAC tech. UTI’s training program helps prepare students to test for the following HVAC certifications and exams:  

• Section EPA 608 Technician Certification: Displays competency in maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of equipment that utilizes refrigerant and is required by the EPA. 
• R-410A Certification: Displays competency in handling Refrigerant 410-A. 
• NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Core: NATE Core exams validate a technician’s training and HVACR proficiency/competency in subjects that include basic electrical and safety. 
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training: Shows an understanding of basic safety standards, including how to avoid safety hazards on construction sites. 

You may even be able to test for some of these certifications before you graduate! If you’re seeking NATE certifications, you’ll take two exams: the Core exam and Specialty exam. UTI offers preparation and testing for the Core exam only; if you pass, you are able to take the Specialty exam through an employer.

Keep in mind that some certifications require renewal – keeping track of this information can help you continually present yourself as a professional and competent candidate to employers and customers alike.

How Long Does It Take To Become an HVAC Technician?

Most employers require candidates to have hands-on experience, which often requires attending a trade school. 

HVAC vocational programs last anywhere from six months to a year. Our HVACR training program can be completed in just 9 months!

Throughout students' educational journey at UTI, they can attend events like career fairs, where they’ll have the opportunity to meet employers. Students can also lean on our Career Services team for help crafting an effective resume, interview practice, career coaching and career development assistance. 

The Career Services department also helps graduates identify potential employment opportunities, as they maintain contact with employers across the U.S. While the path to becoming an HVAC tech can vary, we pride ourselves on getting students and graduates the support they need.  

Interested in starting your HVAC journey? Request more information here to get in touch with an Admissions Rep who can answer any questions you may have about our program.