HVAC experts play a crucial role in making sure people are comfortable. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. If you want to get an HVAC job, try one of the best HVAC schools and programs in 2021.

This guide will help you determine which HVAC school is ideal for you based on your needs and interests. It contains essential information about each school, including tuition, curriculum, and more. If you want to become an HVAC technician, keep reading.

The table below compares the schools and programs based on degrees, tuition, and possible certifications you can earn after graduation. Please be aware that costs can change, and all tuition has been sourced from each school’s official website.

The best HVAC schools offer more practical instruction than theory because that is what the occupation demands. So, this is one of the first things you should consider when choosing an HVAC program. You also need to select an accredited school that offers certification so you can work right after graduation.

On average, HVAC workers earn an average salary of $54,148, according to ZipRecruiter. However, the base salary varies based on experience and location. For example, ZipRecruiter reports that an HVAC engineer earns an average of $82,752 per year, while a manager earns $72,515 per year.

Below is a table of the most common and lucrative job titles for HVAC experts. While a bachelor’s degree is listed as the minimum requirement for these positions, certified HVAC specialists with diplomas and years of experience may qualify.

You should become an HVAC technician in 2021 because it is a lucrative field that does not require too much education. Formal education programs for these experts take six months to two years. Apprenticeship might take more time, but you will log in hours of real-world experience while you study.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that HVAC technician job growth is about four percent between 2019 and 2029. This means that there will be many job opportunities in the coming decade. If you want to become an HVAC technician, you should start now.

No one can dispute the importance of plumbers on a commercial and residential level. Irrespective of how technology has evolved over the years, plumbers still play critical roles in society. If you’re interested in learning how to become a plumber, the first thing you need is training.

You can learn the skills you need by attending formal classes at a trade school or through an apprenticeship program. This piece contains the necessary details about the best plumbing schools and programs in the United States. You’ll learn what each school has to offer, how much tuition will cost, and what you will get out of the training.

You can learn basic plumbing skills on the job. However, attending an official training program will help you understand everything from the fundamentals to expert principles of plumbing. The best training for plumbing covers all these and still gives you the chance to get hands-on experience with plumbing apprenticeships.

The table below contains details about the programs offered in each school, and it is a preview of a more detailed list. Note that all the information in this piece is sourced directly from the website and representatives of the school.

There are things you must consider before choosing a program for your plumbing training. You might be searching for “the best plumbing school near me,” but there are many other factors than location to consider. The three main factors listed below will go a long way to help you make the right choice.

The national average salary for plumbers in the United States is $50,641, according to ZipRecruiter. However, as a plumber, your earning potential will depend significantly on your work environment.

If you’re attached to a company, your yearly earnings will depend on your contract. As an independent contractor, your income depends on the number of gigs you complete as well as your own rates.

Below is a list of the highest-paying plumbing jobs in the United States.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for plumbers is currently the same as the national average for all jobs. Between 2009 and 2029, the projected job growth for plumbing jobs is four percent. This means that there will be many more job opportunities for plumbers in the next decade.

Plumbing is a trade profession, and like many other trade professions, you will spend the rest of your career applying your knowledge and skill. If you’re someone who makes job satisfaction a priority when choosing a career, learning plumbing could be a great choice.

Mechanics play vital roles in the repair and maintenance of machinery across all sectors. It is a broad career path with various job opportunities at different levels. So, before you get educated, the first thing you need to do is decide which field you want to work in as a mechanic.

Whether you want to become an aircraft mechanic or radio mechanic, this guide will teach you more about the best careers for mechanics in 2021. You will learn the minimum education requirements, salary expectations, job outlook, and job description for the best careers for mechanics.

A mechanic is a hands-on expert who creates, repairs, or maintains machinery. These experts often work in tandem with other professionals to develop solutions to mechanical problems.

The two basic classifications of mechanics are heavyweight and lightweight. Within the heavyweight category, you will find mechanics who work on trailers and other heavy-duty machinery. For the lightweight category, you will find people who work on cars or anything with a smaller engine.

The mechanic career path is primarily for people who love to work with their hands and have a talent for fixing things. Keep in mind that most mechanics don’t need a postsecondary degree. They can get appropriate certifications after completing an apprenticeship program.

The salary potential for mechanics varies depending on the path you take. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that automotive mechanics earn a median average of $44,050 annually. On the other hand, aircraft mechanics earn up to $66,680.

The job outlook also varies from one field to the next. Per the example above, there is a four percent projected decline in auto mechanic job opportunities. For aircraft mechanics, the BLS projects a five percent increase. If you’re concerned about your job outlook, you should choose a mechanic career with a rise in demand.

The table below contains basic information about the 10 best mechanic careers in 2021. All data has been sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job growth statistics refer to the rise in the number of job opportunities by 2029.

Now that you know the best career paths for mechanics, it’s time to learn what each job entails. Study the descriptions below to see which of these careers will be a perfect match for your natural talent.

The entry-level education requirement for most mechanics is a high school diploma combined with an apprenticeship program. This makes sense since the job involves a lot of hands-on training, and it’s better to gain this knowledge in a real-world position.

For some other career paths, it’s not enough to work as an apprentice. You will benefit significantly from higher education to qualify for the certification exam required to get jobs in the United States. For example, aircraft mechanics need to attend the FAA Academy and pass a series of exams before getting certified.

Another option for more advanced careers is getting an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. These experts deal primarily with the design and development of power-producing machines that other mechanics repair and maintain.

Yes, you can become a mechanic through online classes. However, most online schools are accompanied by hands-on internships that allow you to apply what you’ve learned and get work experience.

It is also important to note that not all types of mechanics can benefit from online learning. It is popular among auto and motorcycle mechanics because they can learn basic knowledge through online colleges. In most cases, however, it’s still advisable to get hands-on training.

Mechanics across industries need to have natural problem-solving skills since this is what the bulk of their work involves. It’s also vital that they apply this skill on the spot because machines can be unpredictable.

A mechanic should also be good at paying attention to detail. This allows them to identify machine malfunctions quickly and efficiently. There are diagnostics tools available, but a mechanic should be able to find problems on their own.

Communication is one of the most important soft skills for mechanics. You need to know how to listen properly so you can understand when others are explaining a mechanical problem to you. You also need to communicate with clients and customers to explain how you will fix their machines.

Yes, it is a great job for you. If you are physically capable of handling hands-on projects, mechanics is a great career option. The job description typically depends on the field of study and job title. However, all mechanics need to get their hands dirty. This explains why most mechanic certifications involve practical exams.

If you prefer working in an office with no hands-on work, you may want to consider another career path. However, if you do enjoy physical work, you should look into one of these careers for mechanics.

HVAC technicians are known for their maintenance skills. They work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These professionals are usually self-employed, but some work for companies that manage large residential properties or businesses.

Do you want to pursue a career in this field? This guide will highlight how to become an HVAC technician. You will learn about the training programs and apprenticeships required to qualify.

HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, heating repairs, refrigeration system repairs, and air conditioning repairs. HVAC is an abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Experts in this occupation may choose to specialize in one skill rather than do all. Some may choose repair and maintenance while others work with the installation. However, some technicians focus on a single system like air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration. Others work across all the systems.

HVAC technicians do not need to attend a university, and in most cases, a high school diploma is enough. However, students may need to take courses in basic electronics, plumbing, or electrical work in a vocational school.

A trade school or vocational school, as it is popularly known, is the best way to enter the industry. Most of these programs include apprenticeships to give students an opportunity to learn on the job.

There are so many ways to learn the trade. Most involve technical training rather than academic teaching. The best way to master the skills is by learning from others.

Below are the best education tracks to consider on the way to becoming an HVAC technician.

This is the most important step. Vocational schools teach you everything you need to start working as an entry-level technician. Many of these training sessions last for up to two years. They also include apprenticeships to give students hands-on training on the job.

If you choose to use the vocational school route, you will learn to read and understand blueprints, calculate loads in British thermal units, and troubleshoot commercial equipment.

In addition, students learn to connect electrical wiring, follow safety protocols, and solder pipes and fittings. In addition, you will handle refrigerants. This is the gas or fluid used in both the refrigeration cycle of air conditioning systems and heat pumps.

Community colleges also offer associate degrees for technicians. However, it has a broader training scope and includes general education courses for a well-rounded experience. The programs usually last for two years and are quite similar to diplomas or certificate programs.

This training method may require an extra apprenticeship to become an entry-level HVAC technician. But the extra time invested at this point can qualify you for supervisory roles when you have notched up some work experience.

You do not need a bachelor’s degree to become an HVAC technician. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employers prefer technicians with post-secondary education. Some opt for applicants who have gained several years of apprenticeship experience.

While technicians do not need to attend a university, they still need technical training. HVAC systems are more complex than ever and people who work in this field still require up-to-date information about the technology.

Whether you choose a certificate or diploma for your training, there are some courses that prepare you for the job as a technician. You will learn about basic electricity, theories of ventilation, heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating fuels.

You may also need to learn to interpret mechanical diagrams and drawings, safety practices, building codes, and piping. In addition, students will study installation and services plus venting and duct systems.

If you want to become an HVAC technician, you need to consider the path to get there. Do you want to go to a vocational school or a community college? Also, think about the years you will spend on an apprenticeship.

Below is a step-by-step guide to becoming an HVAC technician.

To thrive as an HVAC technician, you need some special skills. You must be familiar with HVAC systems and know the fundamentals of cooling and heating systems. As an entry-level employee, you should also know how to install gas piping, and how duct systems are arranged.

The more technical skills you have, the better. Here are some essential requirements for the job.

This professional has a higher-than-average salary in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for HVAC technicians was $50,590 in 2020.

The BLS also predicts that the employment of HVAC technicians will rise by four percent in the next decade. This growth is the average for many occupations.

You need a high school diploma or a GED equivalent as well as physical skills for lifting equipment. In most cases, you will need extra post-secondary education like a vocational school or associate degree. You may also need an apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience. Lastly, you need to be licensed.

These experts are responsible for maintaining appliances like heating systems, air conditioning, and refrigerators. They may also install these systems when required.

Below are some other roles HVAC technicians fulfill.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification for HVAC technicians is compulsory. Without this license, you cannot work with refrigerants in HVAC units. Like many other professions, certifications can also increase your job prospects.

The Section 608 Technician Certification is required by the EPA before you can work in this field. It has four different types of certifications and each is specific to the equipment. You will need to undergo an exam and pass before you can be certified.

Aside from the EPA-required certifications, you can add the NATE certification. While not a legal requirement, this qualification will enhance your skills and make you more attractive to potential clients/employers.

The interview is rarely ever academic. It is more about what you can do. Your practical experience will come in handy during interviews. You may also be asked about your work ethics and your safety knowledge.

Below are some potential interview questions to expect.

To become an HVAC technician, you may spend around two to four years or more, depending on the training path you choose. Community colleges take two years or less while vocational school may be shorter or longer.

Apprenticeships may also lengthen the process. Sometimes, they take up to five years and students learn on the job. After this process, you can get certified and start seeking employment.

If you prefer a career in a technical field, you should become an HVAC technician in 2021. The career option is a good one because it has a decent salary as well as a wide range of opportunities for employment.

The profession is quite fulfilling and it means you will not be burdened by student debt. It is also a good choice if a regular desk role is not for you. The job will not become obsolete because people will always need to maintain and repair their heating and cooling appliances.