I have received a few emails from readers who are interested in enrolling in HVAC/R school but do not have a high school equivalent or GED diploma. The question remains – do you need a high school diploma or GED to attend HVAC/R school?

Well, unfortunately there is no cut and dry answer as every school may have their own set of requirements. There are many community colleges that offer HVAC courses but every community college may have different prerequisites. Some online schools do not require a GED or high school equivalent diploma. Trade schools are another alternative but they are usually more expensive than a community college and their requirements also vary by state and school. The best advice I can offer is to research the websites of any school that you may be interested in attending or even giving them a call to make sure. Another option would be to contact your local Trade Union – they will be able to point you in the right direction, as they are familiar with local schools and requirements.

Feel free to leave any questions or comments below:

Here is a brief video that has some insightful info as to how you can go about applying for and receiving more information regarding financial aid and scholarships to complete your HVAC training. These tips can be used at any HVAC school and will surely prove to be helpful when applying for an HVAC financial aid, scholarships or federal grant. It may be difficult to receive an HVAC training financial aid as there is usually a lot of competition; following the steps in the video should provide you with a significant advantage.

The technical world offers you the best, most exciting and challenging jobs available for job candidates at the present time. One of such service is the HVAC technician and HVAC services route.  Individuals or candidates may have a successful HVAC career because it provides continuous advancement, education, and job growth opportunities.What is HVAC -  HVAC means Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the indoor heating and air conditioning technology or the technology of the  automotive environment. HVAC is based on the lines of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. HVAC system design is the major sub-division of the Mechanical Engineering course – a fundamental operating principle of HVAC/R.  It is a very important in designing systems for office buildings, industrial and marine environments and also for aquariums and many other applications. All these designs are necessary because of the safety and health constraints that need to be met in order for the creation of a successful HVAC system.

HVAC careers can prove to be the best for an individual because it promises the tremendous growth and also offers the potential of higher earnings through education, experience, and certifications. HVAC careers includes the enhancement of the candidates for instance, improvement in his or her  inter-personal, communication and  technical skills, self-confidence level, poise and determination, and of course applicable experience. A program known as the Technician Career Development program helps a candidate in career guidance. There are plenty of opportunities given to HVAC technician candidates and service technicians for career advancements and job promotoions; making an HVAC career a solid choice for anyone looking for a rewarding career.

HVAC Career Opportunities:

Within the field of HVAC there are numbers of career choices and all of them offer great opportunities and benefits. There are plenty of courses and programs offered by HVAC schools and they all have their specialized and particular tasks. Some of them are as follows:
RESIDENTIAL

When a technician has to deal with the homeowners, then he must have good communication skills and also the knowledge of working in the field. There main fields of working are designing, maintenance, installation, and repairing any home appliances.
COMMERCIAL

HVAC career also gives rise to the candidates willing to work in the commercial construction sectors or areas. Such specialists work in the areas like the corporate buildings, institutional businesses. They must posses the perfect information of the construction blueprints and able to work with the large scale boilers, cooling towers, and exhausts fans. There major responsibilities are, installing, maintaining, and repairing the commercial systems.
INDUSTRIAL

This is also the field where a candidate can make his future as it is a competitive field which also pays well. Designing the plans and manufacturing the labor parts are the fields of work. They also conduct on-site visits to check for adequate working conditions and compliance. Mostly they work with the construction designing departments. They must also posses the information about all the contractual, technical, and legal aspects of the installation process. They also deal in the selling and distribution of components related to HVAC systems.
HVAC CAREERS AND SALARY

An HVAC technician salary varies from company-company, location-location, industry-industry, and experience-to experience. Basically it ranges anywhere from $23,000-$86,000 per annum in developed countries  but, an average salary that is earned by any HVAC technician of any field, area, sector, in the entire world averages around $65,000. Most of them also work on hourly rates and charge anywhere from $15 to $22. So by and large it a safe career bet which ensures a very competitive income and career.

To get an idea of the job demand in the HVAC field, take a look at our HVAC jobs page – it provides available HVAC technican jobs listed by zip code!

In Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area is a growing region that is constantly under construction. All of this construction beckons the need for skilled and trained HVAC technicians – I am sure you have figured that out, that’s why you’re here!

Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) has a pretty nice selection of HVAC Schools that will prepare you to become a certified and HVAC career ready technician. HVAC schools in DFW will definitely put you on the fast track to a promising, rewarding, and fun career in HVAC. If you have been looking for HVAC training schools in DFW I suggest you take a look at some of these schools below:

Heating Gauge Meter

Heating units are as commonplace in the country as air-conditioning units. There are also refrigeration units that are increasing in number every year. The units have both electrical; as well as mechanical parts that can go wrong any time or develop a snag that requires servicing or repair from those having complete knowledge about the advanced machines and equipment being made these days. Complex systems have made certain level of expertise on the part of technicians to reassure the technicians and HVAC certifications are just the kind of competency levels that are welcomed by the industry and those requiring the services of HVAC technicians.


It is a fact that there are specialists for every aspect of a technician’s job. For example, specialists are required for installation, repair and maintenance while an ordinary technician trains in all these areas. HVAC schools train an technician in one of the three aspects or all three if the person so desires. Certifications and diplomas are being offered in dozens of HVAC schools spread all over the country. One can enroll for certifications in such vocational institutes soon after passing his High School exams if obtaining a job is his first priority and he does not wish to go for a Bachelors Degree.

HVAC certifications are like guarantees of a higher paying job in a better company. These courses are designed to make an HVAC technician competent in the latest heating and air conditioning units and the candidate does not need to look for HVAC jobs as HVAC  jobs come after him after HVAC certification.

If you have a desire to advance in your career as an technician, you need to enroll inb a reputed HVAC school in your area. If however there is no such school in your area, it is possible to complete the course through online courses that also cost less than physical schools. In fact, these online schools also provide the study material that may be required to pass the written exam that can be taken anytime the candidate feels he is ready for it. The only drawback of online programs designed to provide HVAC certifications is that as instruction is from a distance, practical classes are not possible and a student has to arrange for practical classes on his own.

If being an technician is what you have always dreamt, getting an HVAC certifications is the right step in the right direction as not just employers but even the industry today wants technicians having the requisite certifications to reassure employers about competencies of the technicians. Those having HVAC certifications are not only getting instant jobs, they are also getting a far better salary. Earning around $40000 per annum is not a big deal once you complete the course and get the necessary HVAC certification.

HVACR Technician Bright Future

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) the career outlook for HVAC technician’s is looking pretty good!

The BLS indicates that between 2008-2018 there will be a 28% increase in the employment of heating, ventilation, and repair mechanics and installers.They attribute this growth to the maintenance and repair of HVACR systems that were installed in the past 10-15 years.

Another reason for the installation of new HVACR systems is the environmental factor. Many businesses receive incentives to install more environmentally friendly HVACR systems – increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.


The BLS stated that the job outlook for HVACR technicians should be excellent, barring that they have completed a program either at an accredited vocational training school in HVACR or a formal apprenticeship.

HVAC Certification

HVAC has become the buzz word for all budding motivated individuals; there is no doubt about that. Just what are these certifications and what is their significance for all those who want to make a mark in their chosen field of an electrician. To be sure, the field of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning is a much advanced and complex field today that it was a few decades ago when an average electrician was expected to look after the heating and air-conditioning systems. Today there are so many types of equipment and so much of work at different levels that specialization is required on the part of those who are involved with installation, repair and maintenance of electrical systems and other equipment. In a situation like this, HVAC certifications ensure a warm welcome from the industry for all aspiring electricians.


It is true that for a simple job like maintenance of a split heating and air-conditioning unit in a home does not call for a high level of expertise but when it comes to complex systems in offices and factories, those with requisite skills are preferred over those without these certifications. HVAC certifications assure employers that the person holding these certifications are skilled and will provide professional services with guarantee. Whether it is ducting or installation or repair of energy efficient systems, HVAC certified electricians are in great demand as they are believed to be aware of all the latest systems of heating and refrigeration.

HVAC certifications are not of a single type as there are different professionals lying at different stages of their careers. Also there are electricians who are doing jobs and want to specialize in their chosen field and for such individuals there are tailor made courses. This implies that courses are also of different durations from 6months to 2 years and thus different fees of courses. There are certifications from NATE as well as EPA. NATE certifications make you nationally qualified to take up middle to high level jobs in HVAC. Though not mandatory, electricians are advised to take up certifications from NATE. Those interested in CFC related certifications should go in for Environmental Protection Agency certifications. There are three levels of certifications of which type I make a person qualified to repair small appliances, type II providing skills to repair mid to high pressure systems and type III qualifying one to deal with low pressure systems.

As described above, duration of courses vary from 6 months to 2 years. There are lots of HVAC schools in the country and you have to choose one to complete your training. You can opt to complete the course online also which is a good option for those who cannot afford high fees of physical schools.

If you are interested in getting your Florida HVAC license, you will need to review the licensing requirements and guidelines set forth by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, a division of the Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board. HVAC licenses fall under the “Class A & B Air Conditioning” and “Air Conditioning Service” occupation and class codes, and licenses are issued either by registration or by certification. In the State of Florida, candidates who take a local HVAC competency exam can become registered but are only able to practice in their locale. Candidates who pass a state examination in this field can practice throughout the state of Florida.


Here’s what you need to know about Florida HVAC certification and Florida HVAC license regulations.

Florida HVAC Certification Programs

You can take a Florida HVAC certification program at a technical college or even a four-year public college that offers certificate and degree programs in air conditioning, refrigeration and heating systems technology. Some Florida HVAC certification programs prepare students to serve as an assistant and are only one or two semesters in length. Others are two-year programs that cover a range of courses in HVAC subjects and prepare students for the Florida HVAC certification exam.

Examples of Florida HVAC certification programs include:

• Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Assistant Certificate
• Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technician Certificate
• Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology
• Associate in Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Systems Technologies

Technicians who are planning to work with ozone-depleting refrigerants also need to pass a separate certification program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can take this exam through one of two certification organizations: HVAC Excellence and the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) organization.

Florida HVAC License Types

The State of Florida recognizes the following types of Florida HVAC license options, and you can only qualify for each type when you meet certain criteria. Here’s a breakdown of Florida HVAC license types, and their limitations:

• State Certified Class A Florida HVAC license – allows you to work anywhere in the state of Florida. You must have workers comp, pass the exam and meet educational and on-the-job requirements in order to qualify for this license. The exam fee is $355, while the certification and renewal fees are $125.
• State Registered Class A Florida HVAC license – allows you to work in local areas where local requirements are met, and you can work on any size unit. You can contact the local government for details, but you do have to fill out a formal application. There is a $100 registration fee and a $100 renewal fee.
• State Certified Class B HVAC license – you can work anywhere in the state but must have workers comp, pass an exam and meet other educational and job requirements. You are limited to working with cooling systems that are 20 tons or lighter, and heating systems that are 500,000 BTU and lower. You must also be 18 and have a four-year accredited degree and one year of experience (or 2,000 hours of service), or four years of active experience before you pass a state exam. There is a $354 examination fee.
• State Registered Class B HVAC License – you can only work in local areas where you meet local requirements, and are limited to working with cooling systems that are 20 tons or lighter, and heating systems that are 500,000 BTU and lower. You’ll need to contact your local government for details and submit a formal application for your license. There is a $100 registration fee and a $100 renewal fee.