Are you aspiring to become an HVAC technician? You can find plenty of useful information and resources online – however, the centerpiece of your preparation should be specialist HVAC training.
Today, we’d like to cover the importance of proper training for HVAC technicians. You were going to complete some HVAC educational program anyway, we’d like to give you an incentive to work harder and pay more careful attention to the aspects of your HVAC training.
This guide will be useful for beginners and seasoned HVAC engineers alike, so keep reading no matter your experience level!
What Is The Job Of An HVAC Technician?
As a general rule, the job of an HVAC technician includes but is not limited to:
- Installing and repairing AC systems.
- Performing AC checks.
- Installing and repairing heating systems.
- Ensuring the efficient operation of the HVAC system.
So as you can see, the job of an HVAC technician requires technical skills along with a deep understanding of the installed HVAC system.
Reasons Why Proper Training Is Crucial To Become A HVAC Specialist
Now, let’s have a look at the top reasons why proper training is important if you want to become an HVAC technician or deepen your current knowledge.
Note that these reasons are also relevant for seasoned HVAC specialists. You should keep learning even if you have decades of experience behind your shoulders! We’ll cover the reasons for this below.
The profession is more about hands-on skills
First and foremost, becoming an HVAC technician requires in-depth hands-on skills. The theory isn’t sufficient to allow you to properly assemble, install, and repair an HVAC system – you need to have specific practice to be able to do these jobs safely and efficiently.
Furthermore, you need to actually continue training throughout your years of practice to make sure that you are up-to-date with the industry’s developments.
Although hands-on experience is key for becoming an HVAC technician, theory should not be neglected too. You must understand refrigeration concepts, heat transfer, principles of electricity, and more.
And by combining your theoretical and practical knowledge, you will be able to safely complete the job and keep the client satisfied.
HVAC systems are very complex
Next, HVAC systems are quite complex and require a trained eye and hand for safe maintenance, repair, and installation.
When dealing with HVAC systems, common sense will not help you prevent trouble. You must have very specific knowledge to be able to avoid accidents, property damage, and unnecessary expenses for your client.
Furthermore, the modern HVAC industry is arguably more sophisticated than it has ever been. Modern HVAC systems feature state-of-the-art solutions, complex electronics, and delicate parts. Needless to say, you need substantial technical knowledge to handle an HVAC system and its components safely.
You need to pass an exam to become an HVAC technician
If you want to become an HVAC specialist, then you will also need to get officially licensed in your country.
Needless to say, you are going to need plenty of theoretical and practical knowledge to be able to successfully pass the exam. Hands-on experience is equally as important though, so you will need to invest time in your profession to successfully get a license.
The HVAC industry is perpetually changing and progressing
So you’ve completed an exam and have become a licensed HVAC specialist. Do you think that your educational stage is over?
Working as an HVAC technician involves everlasting education. You aren’t quite done once you become a certified specialist. If you want to maintain the trust of clients and ensure high service quality throughout the years, you will need to continually invest time and effort in education.
Companies often re-train all newly-hired HVAC technicians
Most HVAC specialists are re-trained every time they are hired. The need for frequent retraining arises from the distinctions between HVAC systems of different brands, production years, and types.
Not only that, but every company has its own service techniques and policies that need to be mastered by each new specialist. This is somewhat beyond the topic of HVAC skills though, so we won’t cover it here.
Whether you are a beginner or not, you should work hard to complete the training program of your new employer and for your professional development. Keep in mind that due to the specifics of company policies and the distinct features of HVAC systems, your training experience will be unique with every employer.
Final Words
Hopefully, we’ve given you a good enough idea of why proper training is important for an aspiring HVAC technician. As a recap, here’s why you should invest maximum time and effort into training:
- Hands-on skills and practical experience are key with HVAC specialists. The theory is not enough – you need to invest a lot of time into honing your practical skillset.
- HVAC systems are complex and require significant practical and theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, each HVAC system has distinct features and poses unique challenges for technicians.
- You need to gain a qualification and pass an exam to become a licensed HVAC technician, which is impossible without prior training.
- The HVAC industry is continually evolving, and every specialist needs to undergo regular training to stay up-to-date with technology trends.
- Each company may need you to undergo specific training before you can start working.
Once you do start your HVAC training, make sure that you remember these points. And most importantly, remember that HVAC training is a continuous process!