HVAC Online Training

The HVAC industry is one of the skilled trades currently experiencing a shortage of qualified workers. If you’re a recent graduate looking for a career with strong potential or someone who would like a career change, becoming an HVAC technician could be a smart move.

Here’s what you need to know about what it takes to become an HVAC technician and why online HVAC training can be beneficial.

How to Become an HVAC Technician

Requirements vary from one state to another. The only background you need is a high school diploma or GED.

Once you have a high school diploma, you can start working as an HVAC apprentice under the supervision of a licensed professional.

Depending on your state, you might need to obtain an HVAC or mechanical contractor license to work on your own. Some states also require a specialty license for performing maintenance and repairs on boilers, LP gas systems, solar equipment, and more.

Find out which requirements you have to meet to apply for a license in your state.

For instance, the state of Michigan requires HVAC contractors to apply for a license after completing a three-year apprenticeship. You can apply for a license in different areas, including HVAC equipment, refrigeration, ductwork, heating service, and more.

If you’re in Alabama, you’ll have to complete 3,000 hours of coursework from an approved curriculum or ask the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors to review your work history to determine if you have enough experience.

States like New York don’t have any licensing requirements at the state level, but municipalities have their own rules. For instance, New York City requires you to apply for a Class A or B contractor license once you respectively have four or three years of work experience. You’ll have to sit for a written and practical exam.

Besides obtaining an HVAC license from the state where you’ll practice, you should obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the EPA. This certification allows you to work with refrigerants.

You can also decide to seek additional certifications. The North American Technician Excellence or NATE Certification is a common option, and you can also obtain additional certifications from the EPA for air quality and other things.

Your Guide to HVAC Online Training

HVAC technicians need hands-on training to learn to perform repairs, but online training programs have some advantages.

Why Choose Online Training

Online programs are a convenient alternative to online classes if you live in a state with education requirements for HVAC licensing. You can complete the coursework on your own schedule without having to commute to campus.

It’s an excellent option if you currently have a job and need a training program you can fit into a busy schedule.

If you live in a state with licensing requirements, an online class can prepare you for the exam. Regardless of licenses and certifications, an online curriculum will also give you the knowledge you need to succeed on the job.

Plus, completing an online HVAC training program will make your resume stand out when applying for apprenticeships.

What Will You Learn in an Online HVAC Training Program?

It depends on the program you choose. Some programs will prepare you for a specific license or certification, while others take a more general approach.

Suppose you sign up for a program that focuses on a license or certification. In that case, you can expect the curriculum to cover the licensing process and the materials you need to know if there is an exam. Some programs will prepare you with mock exam questions.

There are several advantages to taking an online class designed to help you pass a licensing exam:

• Most states with exam requirements charge a fee for these exams. Taking an HVAC online training class increases your chances of succeeding on your first trial.
• Practicing with mock exam questions will make the exam feel less stressful.
• The class will cover additional material that will help you succeed as an HVAC contractor beyond passing your licensing exam.

Suppose you enroll in an HVAC training program with a more general approach. In that case, the curriculum will cover several topics you need to know about to diagnose issues, maintain HVAC systems, and perform repairs. Examples include:

• Key concepts regarding how heating and cooling systems work
• Best practices to make these systems safer and improve air quality
• Steps to follow to troubleshoot and diagnose issues
• Overview of the most common problems you’ll encounter
• How to perform common HVAC repairs
• Basic maintenance tasks
• Rules for working with refrigerants and other potentially dangerous substances

Some programs have a wider scope and will cover how to run a service business. You’ll learn about acquiring customers, promoting your services, accounting, and more.

Who Can Benefit From HVAC Online Training?

Anyone with interest in a career in the HVAC industry should consider signing up for an online class. It’s an excellent way to get started by learning key concepts about how HVAC systems work.

Since you only need a high school diploma or GED to start your HVAC training as an apprentice, you can enroll in an online class anytime after graduating high school.

Current HVAC professionals can also benefit from online training. Online classes are a convenient option for busy professionals, and they can help you obtain additional licenses and certifications. You could, for instance, obtain a specialty license to expand the services you offer.

Some states require you to renew your HVAC license after a few years. An online program is an excellent way to keep up with the latest best practices in your field.

How to Choose the Right HVAC Online Training Program

Answering these questions will help you choose the right online curriculum for your HVAC career:

• What is your current goal? Do you want to obtain a specific license or certification? Are you seeking training to learn about HVAC repairs regardless of licensing?
• What are the licensing requirements in your state? Do you need to complete some coursework? If yes, are there any accredited programs available online?
• Is the curriculum specific to your state? If you live in a state with a licensing exam, ensure the program covers what will be in the exam.
• Is the online training program something the employer will recognize? Will you obtain a diploma or certification you can show potential employers?
• What does the curriculum cover? Is it adapted to your current level of knowledge?
• How many hours will it take to complete the program? Is there a lot of work required outside of classes?
• What are the different learning formats used? Will you get to interact with HVAC instructors, or will you learn independently?
• Are there any reviews available for the program? Is there a pass rate available for students who took your state’s licensing exam?

How Much Does HVAC Online Training Cost?

The price varies depending on the institution that offers the training program. The duration and content of the curriculum can also affect pricing.

Typically, online training programs cost $800 to $3,000. On the lower end of this spectrum, you’ll find short programs designed to prepare you for a licensing or certification exam. A $2,000 to $3,000 training program will be a lot more comprehensive and cover everything you need to know to perform HVAC repairs.

To give you an idea, a semester at a community college typically costs a little under $2,000. You would take four or five classes and complete 15 credit hours during a semester. However, a semester of community college won’t be sufficient to prepare you for a new career.

Don’t make price the only factor you consider when choosing an online training program. Approach this expense as an investment in your future and ask yourself which program will help you achieve your professional goals.

Is Online Training Enough to Become an HVAC Tech?

An online curriculum is an excellent way to prepare for your EPA certification or state licensing exam, if applicable.

It also helps you develop a thorough understanding of how heating and cooling systems work. This knowledge will help you diagnose issues and turn you into an HVAC expert in no time.

However, many states require that you complete an apprenticeship. Even if your state doesn’t have any HVAC licensing requirements, working as an apprenticeship is a common practice.

Studying online won’t replace the hands-on experience you can gain during an apprenticeship. This type of work experience gives you the opportunity to learn from an experienced professional. You can observe as they work, ask questions, and perform your first HVAC repairs under their supervision.

You’ll still need in-person training to become an HVAC tech, but enrolling in an online program will give you an advantage. You’ll start your apprenticeship with an advanced understanding of HVAC repairs and will progress faster.

Wrap Up

If you’re thinking about a career in the HVAC industry, enrolling in an online training program can be a great first step. You can choose a program designed to prepare you for performing HVAC repairs or decide to focus on preparing for your state’s licensing requirements.

Before you choose an online program, you should learn more about the requirements you’ll have to meet to obtain an HVAC tech license in your state.