A Career as an HVAC Technician
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditing. An HVAC technician installs or repairs heating, ventilation, central air conditioning or refrigeration systems including oil burners, hot-air furnaces and heat pumps. This is a job where professionals use troubleshooting skills and technology while learning more about energy-efficient systems. Homeowners are replacing older less-efficient systems with new green models, increasing the demand for HVAC technicians.
High School:
Some high schools in our area have on-the-job training with an HVAC company as part of their curriculum. Ask your high school counselor for information.
Post-Secondary:
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North Central Michigan College, Petoskey, has an HVAC FAST TRACK
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Kirkland Community College program www.kirtland.edu/programs-we-offer/hvacr-degrees
More about a career as an HVAC Technician
Career Development
HVAC technicians can become certified in Mechanical Occupations in the State of Michigan under the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs department.
Training Courses
The courses listed below are offered by Online CTI, headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan. Online courses for certification in Michigan are also available from many sources.
A Day in the Life of an HVAC Technician
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Repair or service (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency. These are accomplished by changing filters, cleaning air ducts or refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
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Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water or refrigerant source to form a complete circuit
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Study blueprints, design specifications or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components
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Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment according to wiring diagrams using the proper tools
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Install and test automatic, programmable or wireless thermostats to minimize the energy usage of heating/cooling units
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Repair or replace defective equipment, components or wiring
Watch a video about this career: VIDEO LINK
More info on becoming an HVAC Technician: O*NET Online