What career path combines high-tech computers, mechanical engineering, and construction, and has the goal of making people safe and comfortable? Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration—or HVACR.

This dynamic field offers the opportunity to use many different skills to achieve a result that everyone appreciates—comfort and security for people in a wide range of settings including workers on the job, patients in hospitals, guests in hotels, and families at home.

Gone are the days when a furnace in the basement provided heat and an air conditioner in the window provided cooling. Today, computer-controlled heating and air-conditioning systems regulate the temperature, humidity, and the overall air quality in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. Refrigeration systems, which use related technology, make it possible to store and transport food and other perishable items. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration technicians install, maintain, and repair these systems.

HVACR technicians are often highly specialized. They may focus on heating systems, air-conditioning, or refrigeration, and specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair. Some are skilled in one type of equipment such as solar panels, hydronics (water-based heating systems), or commercial refrigeration.

Technicians may also sell service contracts to their clients. Service contracts provide for regular maintenance of the heating and cooling systems, and help to reduce the seasonal fluctuations of this type of work.

What kind of training do HVACR technicians need? According to the U.S. government, “Because of the increasing sophistication of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, employers prefer to hire those who have completed technical school training or a formal apprenticeship.”*

On EducationForCareers.com, you’ll find many highly qualified career schools that offer HVACR training. Programs can last between six months and two years, and can result in a certificate or associate degree. Many people continue their education and earn a bachelor’s or even master’s degree in engineering or computer science.

The goal of most training programs is to prepare the student for professional certification. National accrediting bodies include HVAC Excellence, the National Center for Construction Education and Research, and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation. In addition, HVACR technicians are required to be licensed by many states and localities. Requirements for licensure vary greatly, but states or localities that grant licenses require the applicant to pass a test.

How about employment prospects? The news is good! According to the U.S. government, “Job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for those who have completed training from an accredited technical school or a formal apprenticeship.”*

Where are areas of possible employment growth? Here are a few:

• Replacement of old HVACR systems with environmentally-friendly systems

• Servicing HVACR systems from the recent building boom.

• New construction in growing areas of the country

• The increased complexity of new HVACR systems require more servicing

• Steady rate of retirement by older HVACR technicians

The opportunities are there—if a career in HVACR sounds right for you, then check out the career training programs in your area.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm (visited April 08, 2008).