The term HVAC is often used by technical people, but do you know what it means? This technical acronym refers to heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It refers to different heating and cooling systems, technologies and machines used indoor such as residential places, offices, and transportation systems. These areas need environmental improvement to promote comfort at low cost of repairs and save energy..

Technicians in this field have acquired proper training on these systems in both commercial and residential areas. There are many accredited training courses about this profession in every state, and you can even enhance your knowledge in this skill by looking for online training programs. The NATE, or North American Technician Excellence organization, provides certification after training and after passing the licensure exam in air conditioning program.

What HVAC coursework includes

• Air-conditioning and refrigeration
• Advanced techniques in cutting and soldering pipes
• Theory and design in heating and ventilation
• Checking electrical circuits
• Blueprint reading
• Safety practices
• Tools needed
  

What the NATE certification includes

• Air distribution
• Air-to-air heat pumps
• Hydronics gas
• Gas furnaces
• Hydronics oil

The definition of HVAC varies according to area of specialization in the certification program. However, its meaning is generally applicable to the industrial sector, and its definition is generally the same. The training programs about this skill will give you some advanced know-how in the industrial field.

Typical cost of training programs

A certificate in HVAC training course may be from $1,200 to $15,000 which can be completed in a community college or technical school in your state for about 6 to 12 months. An associate degree may cost around $15,000 to $35,000 which you can complete in 2 years time. These tuition fees vary from one school to another. Apprenticeships in this field may cost about $500 to $2,000 with duration of 3 to 5 years time.

Cost of licensure exams

Licensing fees may range from $75 to $300 for AC technicians. The exam costs around $155 to $205, and may vary from state-to-state. There are states that require technicians to complete an apprenticeship program or should have acquired 2 to 5 years experience in this field to be licensed.

Career in HVAC is in demand nowadays because of constant rise in the use of air conditioners. Many people are becoming interested to take this profession because they envision the income and reputation that they can get from it. You can be one of them, and reach that goal.