Are you interested in becoming an HVAC technician? Working with heating, air conditioning and refrigeration can be a stable and rewarding career. It also takes a lot of knowledge and skill. To make sure you have that, the government requires all HVAC technicians to have a certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some employers also want to see a NATE (North America Technician Excellence) certification. Having these lets employers and customers know that you have learned the trade.
If you don’t know where to start in getting these certifications, the good news is that you will prepare for these exams during an HVAC training program at Interactive College of Technology. Let’s look at what an HVAC technician does and then move on to the certifications that are required to become licensed as an apprentice HVAC.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
An HVAC technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The day-to-day tasks they perform include:
- Ensuring that HVAC systems are running efficiently and safely.
- Complying with all industry regulations.
- Working with a variety of complex HVAC tools and equipment.
- Installing and repairing HVAC components, such as ductwork, fans, compressors, heat exchangers, and air filters.
- Inspecting and maintaining HVAC systems to make sure they are running properly and safely.
- Troubleshooting and repairing any issues with HVAC systems.
- Abiding by the laws and regulations governing safety and energy efficiency.
- Providing advice to customers on how to save energy and money.
How Do You Become an HVAC technician?
A great way to become an HVAC technician is by attending a trade school. Trade schools prepare you for an apprenticeship and provide you with a complete curriculum to start working on day one. You also get plenty of hands-on training so you can learn from your mistakes with industry experienced instructors guiding you through the curriculum.
After completing the HVAC technician program, most HVAC technicians participate in an apprenticeship for several years so they can apply for a journeyman license. The HVAC technician program prepares you for the apprenticeship and journeyman roles with the knowledge and skills you need to stay safe and help residential HVAC customers.
What Do You Learn During an HVAC Technician Program?
During the HVAC technician program, you will take many different classes that build your knowledge of the topic. These courses include:
Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
Residential air conditioning and heating systems courses provide you with the skills needed to install, maintain, and repair residential air conditioning and heating systems. You learn how to inspect and evaluate HVAC systems. You also learn the fundamentals of air conditioning and heating systems, such as the various components, their functions, and the principles of air circulation. You learn about energy efficiency, new technology and safety protocols.
Principles of Electrical Circuits
Principles of electrical circuits covers circuit analysis, basic electrical engineering, and digital electronics. You will begin to understand how electrical components interact and how to use these components to create functional electrical systems. You also learn how to solve various electrical circuit problems.
Low Voltage Controls and Thermostats
Low voltage controls and thermostats courses provide you with the background necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot low voltage control and thermostats systems. Low voltage controls are a type of electrical control system used to regulate the flow of electricity through a system. They are used in many applications, from industrial projects to home electrical systems. Types of low voltage controls include switches, relays, timers, and solenoids. All of these are used to control various components in an electrical system.
EPA and NATE certification
When it comes to quality assurance, EPA and NATE certification are two of the most important certifications in the HVAC industry. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification is required for any person who performs work on HVAC equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. The NATE certification not only tests your knowledge of HVAC systems, but it also identify your ability to diagnose and repair problems with HVAC equipment. Having both EPA and NATE certification is a sign that you are highly trained and qualified to work on HVAC systems.
What is the EPA certification?
An EPA Certification is a designation to show that you have completed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approved training program. This certification proves your proficiency in assessing and identifying potential environmental hazards. To obtain an EPA Certification, you must complete a series of courses and exams about environmental law, waste management, air quality, water pollution, and hazardous materials management. You must also demonstrate your knowledge of the EPA’s regulations. An HVAC technician program at a trade school will prepare you for the EPA certification, so you are ready to become an apprentice in the industry.
What is the NATE certification?
NATE Certification is a nationally recognized qualification that proves competency in the HVAC industry. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is a certification that is administered by the National Comfort Institute. It is the go-to certification for employers looking for HVAC technicians with the highest level of education in the HVAC industry. To earn a NATE certification, you must pass tests that cover topics including installation, service, and maintenance. You must also demonstrate your knowledge of HVAC systems and components. A trade school will also prepare you for the NATE certification exam.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what the EPA and NATE certifications are, it is time to learn more about Interactive College of Technology’s HVAC residential training program. We help you lay a solid foundation that you can build upon throughout your HVAC career.
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.
