HVAC Technician Certifications and Education

May 2, 2023

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC technician is responsible for all aspects of a building’s climate control system, ensuring that it maintains the proper temperature and humidity level. Some HVAC technicians work solely on residential equipment, others on commercial or industrial systems, and some do both. If you want to get into this industry, you will need to become certified. Here’s what you should know.

What Does an HVAC Technician Do?

HVAC technicians not only install climate control systems, but they are also responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. You will work on equipment in both new construction and existing buildings. Smaller residential systems are typically quite simple, while large industrial systems can be highly complex. Either way, you must be an expert in all parts of the system.

OSHA requirements govern everything from personal protective equipment (PPE) to fire prevention and safe handling of hazardous chemicals. As a contractor, you are responsible for knowing and enforcing all OSHA regulations on every job site.

How Do I Become an HVAC Technician?

First, you will need to earn a high school diploma or GED and then enroll in a training program. You can either enter a certification program, which typically takes less than a year to finish, or earn a two-year associate degree. As part of your training, you will typically complete an apprenticeship. This provides valuable on-the-job experience alongside a seasoned HVAC technician.

Next, you will need to become licensed in your state. Licensure requirements vary, but HVAC technicians in all states must pass the Section 608 Technician Certification exam. Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this exam has three levels, depending on the specific type of equipment you plan to work on. It’s generally best to pass all three levels to keep your future career options open.

There are also four additional certifications offered by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) organization. While these are not required, they can be useful in helping you work your way up the career ladder. They range from an entry-level Ready-to-Work certificate to a Senior Level Efficiency Analyst Certification designed for those with significant experience.

An HVAC technician can be an excellent career choice. Pay rates are competitive, and the industry is largely recession-proof. But you will need to become certified before you begin, and gaining optional certifications as you go along can help you reach the highest levels of this career.

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At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting professionals in the skilled trades with contractors who need their services throughout the Great Lakes region. If you’re a skilled trade worker looking for your next position, check out our available jobs today!

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Overcoming Common Challenges in Urban Commercial Construction

March 27, 2024

Urban commercial construction brings a whole set of challenges that contractors in the suburbs and rural areas never have to consider. But revitalization is extremely important for urban cores to survive and thrive, so these projects can be quite lucrative. Here are some common difficulties, along with tips to overcome them and remain on good terms with the neighbors. Tight Spaces In urban areas, there simply isn’t as much space to move around. You might have difficulty getting some of your heavy machinery to fit, or your subcontractors could be trying to paint an apartment the size of an average broom closet. Rise to the challenge by thinking outside the box. Carefully survey the entire space before you get started, and develop a detailed project plan in advance. Be sure to include entry and egress routes, alternative ways of getting things done, and even subcontractor schedules that minimize the number of people working in the same space at the same time. Local Regulations Many urban areas have byzantine construction regulations that are confusing and hard to follow. Take the time to research these regulations and understand what you need to do. Then, boil it all down into a simple, easy-to-read document that you distribute to everyone involved. Get to know the local authorities and find someone whom you can call whenever you have questions or concerns. Make sure your team members are ready to pivot if you find out that you missed or misinterpreted something significant. Always have a backup plan. Community Engagement Transparency can go a long way toward getting the local community on your side. Let people know what you’re working on and how it will benefit them. Explain why the project is happening, how long it will take, and whether it will impact their costs (such as taxes). If you’re redeveloping a historic building, be especially sensitive to the concerns of preservationists and meet with them separately to explain your plans. Noise Control You won’t endear yourself to the local community if you’re making a lot of noise when residents are trying to sleep. And remember, even if you’re working on an office building, there could be luxury apartments right next door. Use sound baffling measures to reduce noise. Whenever possible, work during daylight hours. Minimizing Disruptions No matter how careful you are, urban commercial construction projects are inherently disruptive to the neighborhood. But you can mitigate this with careful planning. Try not to block streets during morning or evening rush hours. Be considerate of any upcoming local events. Do your best not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns. When you do need to create a blockage, be sure to put up signage and work as quickly as you can without compromising safety. Need a Skilled Trade Professional? At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and then contact us today!