Do you live in Texas and want to become an HVAC technician? Not sure if you need an HVAC license to work in the state of Texas? The good news is that you have options. First, however let’s look at what an HVAC technician in Texas does and then let you know how to get an HVAC license in Texas.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do in Texas?
HVAC technicians install, maintain, test, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As an HVAC technician in Texas, you will work on the following tasks on a day-to-day basis:
- Installing, cleaning, and maintaining HVAC systems
- Installing electrical components, parts, and wiring
- Inspecting, diagnosing, and monitoring HVAC systems
- Repairing or replacing worn or defective parts
- Analyzing systems for maintenance to improve system performance
- Keeping records of work performed for future appointments
Do You Need an HVAC License in Texas?
To perform HVAC work in the state of Texas, you must either be a licensed HVAC technician or a certified technician working under a licensed contractor. You must also pass the EPA 608 universal certification exam.
You can apply for an HVAC license at the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation. To apply, you must have at least 48 months of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor in the past 72 months. Or you must hold an HVAC technician certification from Interactive College of Technology and have at least 36 months of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor.
How Do You Become an HVAC Technician in Texas?
A great way to become an HVAC technician in Texas is by attending Interactive College of Technology. You can also supplement your education with an apprenticeship for extra hands-on training and experience.
What is Taught During an HVAC Technician Program?
An HVAC training program specializes in the many areas of residential HVAC. You will learn the many phases of repair and maintenance for domestic HVAC, including residential heating and ventilation systems as well as air conditioning systems.
The curriculum also covers Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) certification programs for refrigerant management.
The entire program is made up of five core categories:
- Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
- Principles of Electrical Circuits for HVAC Professionals
- HVAC/R Fundamentals (knowledge, skills, and best practices)
- Low-voltage Controls and Thermostats
- Customer Service and Safety Protocols
Why is HVAC a Good Career?
If you value your time and want a good work/life balance, then becoming an HVAC technician may be the right career path for you. While most HVAC technicians work during business hours, not all work the typical 9-to-5 routine. You may decide to work around your schedule, specialize in maintenance and repairs or even open your own HVAC business.
Active Environment
As an HVAC technician, you will work an active career, while traveling to and from various customer locations. You also get to work outdoors, use your hands, and problem-solve as you repair systems and perform diagnostics.
Communication
Although you may work solo as an HVAC technician, you can still enjoy communication with customers, supervisors, and dispatch. You’ll work to gather information, offer suggestions, and even conduct consultations to help a customer choose the right HVAC solutions.
You’re in Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in HVAC employment through the decade. There will be approximately 40,100 openings for HVAC technicians each year over the decade. Many of these openings come from current HVAC technicians reaching retirement age.
What are the Benefits of Attending a Formal Education?
Although you can start your journey to becoming an HVAC technician as an apprentice, you will still need the same amount of experience in HVAC to get a license and become an independent contractor. Plus, there are many benefits to attending a formal education before starting an apprenticeship. These benefits include:
A Complete Curriculum
Starting as an apprentice may create knowledge gaps that you are unaware of when starting out as an HVAC technician. A formal education creates a complete curriculum where each class builds upon itself to create a solid foundation. You won’t get pigeon-holed into a specific task or niche, instead you will gain a complete understanding of HVAC that allows you to advance in your career or move in a lateral direction into something you are passionate about.
Substitute Time as an Apprentice for Formal Education
To apply for a license, you must have at least 48 months of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor. Or you can hold an HVAC technician certification from Interactive College of Technology and have at least 36 months of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor. This gives you an opportunity to gain a complete understanding of HVAC so you can hit the ground running when you start your apprenticeship.
Time to Make Mistakes and Learn From Them
During a formal education, you will get mentorship from instructors while working with real HVAC equipment. This is the time to make mistakes and learn from them, because making a mistake on a real client’s HVAC system can cause a catastrophic accident or a loss of money for the company you work with. Instead, you can try new ideas and learn the proper procedure during a formal education before you start working in the real world.
Experienced Instructors
At Interactive College of Technology, we only hire experienced instructors that know what you need to be a successful HVAC technician. They have been in your shoes and are ready to mentor you through the HVAC technician program. Our smaller class sizes also allow our instructors to give you their full attention and answer any questions you have along the way.
Network Opportunities
During your time at Interactive College of Technology, you will encounter many instructors and make life-long friendships with classmates. This is a great opportunity to network, because you never know when you will need help finding a job during your career. You may even be able to find a job through your externship and help your classmates find a job with the same employer.
Career Services
We offer career services to all of our graduates. We start off helping you build a resume that will stand out in the crowd. We understand how recruiters and hiring managers sift through resumes and we give you a good chance to be seen by HVAC employers in Texas. The next step of the career services process is extensive interview preparation. Whether it is a telephone interview, your first in-person interview, or time to start negotiations, we prepare you for the many people you will encounter during the interviewing process.
At Interactive College of Technology, we also keep close ties with organizations in Texas that understand our graduates are work ready. Our career services staff matches you with jobs you are passionate about and helps you create a connection with these hiring managers. We have matched up many graduates with great opportunities and we can do the same for you.
Final Thoughts
Ready to start the journey and become an HVAC technician in Texas? Let Interactive College of Technology help you take the first step toward a rewarding and challenging career. If you are ready to start a life-long career with advancement opportunities, then it is time to take the first step of your new journey. Interactive College of Technology will be with you every step of the way.
Want to Learn More?
The HVAC residential training program at our Pasadena, TX, Chamblee, GA, and Newport, KY campuses offer training in all phases of repair and maintenance of residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This program prepares you for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification in the management of refrigerants and North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) Certification.
An externship is a part of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning residential training program and assigns you to a partnering company for 135 hours, giving you the opportunity to put your new skills to use and gain real-life career training experience. Plus, after you graduate, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will be there to help you find work whenever you need it.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
