Sunday, December 18, 2011

Learning HVAC Online

The recovery in the HVAC industry is that many people can't afford or qualify for new home loans and they are left with only one alternative - update the house they are currently living in. Everyone needs HVAC qualified technicians, whether it is to install new systems or repair and maintain existing systems. The market and the need for qualified HVAC technicians that can do quality maintenance and repair work is on the upswing.

With HVAC systems being complex pieces of machinery, most employers prefer hiring technicians that have been formally trained. Most HVAC training classes are approximately one to two years long with the curriculum covering the following; theory, design, electronics, installation, maintenance, and repair. Other courses in the HVAC curriculum may include the basics of refrigeration and the study of electricity and voltage.



In order to become certified, most of graduates will first work under a certified technician, for a year or more in order to gain hands-on experience in the field. This type apprenticeship will prepare you for real-life situations dealing with HVAC systems.

If a career in HVAC is your interest then you have a major decision to make that includes whether to take online HVAC courses or attend a brick-and-mortar college. There are several colleges, trade schools, and community colleges that offer HVAC training but the popularity of completing this training in an online setting is gaining in popularity.

The main advantage of completing online HVAC courses is that you can complete them in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. However, many online HVAC courses do have prerequisites that the prospective student must complete prior to taking online courses. For example, you may be required to take a class on Construction Industry Standards prior to taking a class on the installation of piping materials used in plumbing and/or HVAC systems. This is also true with attending a brick-and-mortar college; you may still have prerequisites to adhere to.

Online HVAC courses can also be taken if you plan on specializing in a particular field, such as refrigeration. This is one specialty that is chosen by some future HVAC technicians with certification being awarded after completing classes and the certification exam.

Before enrolling in an online HVAC course be sure and check the curriculum thoroughly and ensure the HVAC program is accredited. HVAC accreditation should come from one of the following: HVAC Excellence, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (PAHRA), or the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (NCCER).

The main disadvantage to completing online HVAC courses is the ability to be self-disciplined. Online students must follow a pre-set schedule on getting assignment completed and turned in. This tends to be a little harder for some students vs. attending a traditional classroom.

Once a student completes the online HVAC courses, it should not be difficult to find a certified technician to work under or an employer that will offer on-the-job experience.