How To Become an HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians, also called HVACR technicians, maintain, fix and install the vital heating, cooling and refrigeration systems we rely on every day. Their work helps keep people safe and comfortable indoors, no matter how hot or cold it is outside. They help restaurants keep their kitchens stocked, they protect your groceries, and they ensure essential equipment like medicine and computer servers don’t overheat. 

You may not realize all they do behind the scenes, but HVACR technicians are some of the most important technicians around. If you’re wondering how to become an HVAC technician, keep reading to learn how Universal Technical Institute's HVACR Technician program can help you prepare to pursue a job that's truly essential. 1  ¹

What Is an HVAC Technician? 

Before we answer how to become an HVAC technician, it’s important that we clarify exactly what an HVAC technician is. 

HVAC technicians work for all types of businesses in diverse industries like medicine, education, residential and commercial. They install, repair and maintain the systems that control air quality, humidity and temperature in homes, hospitals, factories, schools, restaurants and offices. 

An HVAC technician job description might include duties like: 

• Installing HVACR systems, including wiring and electrical components. 
• Inspecting, testing and maintaining HVACR components and systems, including cleaning ducts, checking refrigerant levels and replacing filters. 
• Diagnosing HVACR problems and communicating issues to customers. 
• Repairing HVACR systems and repairing or replacing defective components. 
• Recommending maintenance to customers to improve HVACR system performance. 

There are different areas HVAC technicians may specialize in, such as commercial refrigeration or radiant heating systems. HVAC technicians may also work as part of bigger teams that help electricians, sheet metal workers and pipework experts install large air conditioning systems. 

“The industry’s always changing,” says Jason Freeman, operations manager at Technical Hot & Cold. “There’s so many different aspects of HVAC, and you can go into pretty much any field which we encompass here. We do refrigeration, residential boilers, commercial, industrial — we do it all. It’s really exciting because we can take on pretty much any line of work we’re looking at.” 

How To Learn HVAC

Learning HVAC may involve a combination of formal education, hands-on training and certification. Some steps you may take could include: 

1. Research the field 

It helps to have an understanding of what HVAC technicians do before you decide if training is right for you – this guide can help you out! 

2. Enroll in a training program 

Many trade schools, like UTI, offer HVAC programs that cover the basics, such as system design, installation, electrical components and refrigeration. Our HVACR Technician program is 9-10 months and can help you learn skills that are important in the industry. 

3. Gain hands-on experience 

While in school, it may be possible to get an apprenticeship working as an HVAC technician to build experience. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to enter the HVAC job market and pursue entry-level roles.

What is HVAC training?

HVAC training refers to the educational programs and hands-on instruction that prepare individuals to work in the industry. This training equips students with the knowledge and skills required to install, maintain and repair HVAC systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Some of the key components of HVAC training include technical knowledge, hands-on experience, certification preparation, safety protocols and job readiness. 

HVAC Technician Requirements

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most  HVAC technician employers prefer candidates who have training. That’s because HVAC systems are evolving rapidly and are constantly becoming more technologically complex. Training will not only help you prepare to become an HVAC tech, but it will also teach you to stay safe while using some of the latest equipment. 

Kenneth LeClair, lab trainer at Daikin, shared, “A training program is essential. It gives you a basic understanding of refrigeration systems, troubleshooting, diagnostics… a technical education is a must.”  

HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants must also be certified in proper refrigerant handling as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In HVACR school, you’ll be taught how to prepare for certification exams. Some states and localities may also require HVAC technicians to obtain a license. 
To succeed in the field, HVAC technicians need to know skills like the following: 

• HVACR safety procedures and tools 
• Piping and fitting 
• Basic electricity 
• Fundamentals of refrigeration, heating systems and indoor air 
• Air handling and hydronics 
• Vent system selection and installation 
• Mechanical and electronic controls 
• Ductwork fabrication 

Good communication and time management skills are vital to becoming an HVAC tech, as the role often requires direct contact with customers and completing several jobs in a single shift. Physical strength and stamina are also essential since HVAC work requires standing and moving around. 

Where Can I Learn How To Become an HVAC Technician?

So, if attending a trade school is the answer to, “How to become an HVAC tech?” where can you enroll? 

The HVACR Technician program is offered at several UTI campus locations throughout the country. The program is 9-10 months long (depending on the campus) and helps get students career-ready through courses such as:33 

• HVACR Core & Basic Electricity. 
• Electric Motors, OSHA. 
• Basic Refrigeration Systems. 
• Heating Systems I and II. 
• Indoor Air Fundamentals and Duct Fabrication. 
• Air Conditioning Systems I and II. 
• Construction Codes and EPA 608. 
• NATE Core & Building Management. 
• Commercial Refrigeration I and II. 
• Alternative Heating Systems . 

The curriculum also covers customer relations. Instructors who have experience working in the field can help you prepare to navigate and maintain professional relationships by sharpening soft skills like communication, professionalism and problem-solving. 

Graduates will also receive a certificate of completion and be prepared to test for valuable industry certifications! 

HVAC Technician Certifications

There are several certifications that could help set an applicant apart and help them become an HVAC tech. UTI’s training program helps prepare students to test for the following  HVAC certifications and exams:   

• Section EPA 608 Technician Certification: Displays competency in maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of equipment that utilizes refrigerant and is required by the EPA.  
• R-410A Certification: Displays competency in handling Refrigerant 410-A.  
• NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Core: NATE Core exams validate a technician’s training and HVACR proficiency/competency in subjects that include basic electrical and safety.  
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training: Shows an understanding of basic safety standards, including how to avoid safety hazards on construction sites.  

You may even be able to test for some of these certifications before you graduate! If you’re seeking NATE certifications, you’ll take two exams: the Core exam and Specialty exam. UTI offers preparation and testing for the Core exam only; if you pass, you are able to take the Specialty exam through an employer. 

Keep in mind that some certifications require renewal – keeping track of this information can help you continually present yourself as a professional and competent candidate to employers and customers alike. 

How Long Does It Take To Become an HVAC Technician?

Most employers require candidates to have hands-on experience, which often requires attending a trade school.  

HVAC vocational programs last anywhere from six months to a year. Our HVACR Technician program can be completed in just 9-10 months! 

Throughout students' educational journey at UTI, they can attend events like career fairs, where they’ll have the opportunity to meet employers. Students can also lean on our Career Services  team for help crafting an effective resume, interview practice, career coaching and career development assistance.  

The Career Services department also helps graduates identify potential employment opportunities, as they maintain contact with employers across the U.S. While the path to becoming an HVAC tech can vary, we pride ourselves on getting students and graduates the support they need.   

Interested in starting your HVAC journey? Request more information here to get in touch with an Admissions Rep who can answer any questions you may have about our program.  

Read: HVACR CAREER PATH OUTLOOK 

Where Are HVAC Technicians Needed?

 HVAC technicians are in demand across a wide range of industries and environments. From residential neighborhoods to commercial complexes and industrial sites, skilled techs are essential for installing, maintaining and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. 

Those exploring how to become an HVAC technician can find opportunities in sectors such as: 

• Residential Services – Working in homes to install or repair furnaces, air conditioners and ventilation systems. 
• Commercial Buildings – Maintaining HVAC systems in office buildings, schools and retail spaces. 
• Industrial Facilities – Servicing large-scale systems in factories, warehouses and plants. 
• Healthcare and Education – Ensuring climate control and air quality in hospitals and universities. 
• Government and Military – Supporting HVAC infrastructure on bases and public buildings. 
• Refrigeration and Cold Storage – Working on walk-in coolers, freezers and specialized refrigeration units in grocery stores or food processing facilities. 

Common FAQs Around Becoming an HVAC Technician 

Is becoming an HVAC tech hard? 

Like any skilled trade, becoming an HVAC technician requires dedication, hands-on training and a willingness to learn. If you're interested in how to become an HVAC technician, expect to study topics like electrical systems, refrigeration and safety protocols. While it can be challenging at times, many find the work rewarding, especially if you enjoy problem-solving and working with your hands. 

How many months does it take to become an HVAC tech? 

The time it takes to become an HVAC technician can vary, but many training programs, like the HVACR Technician program offered at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), can be completed in under a year. This allows students to get started in HVAC quickly and begin pursuing entry-level roles in the field. 

Can you make good money as an HVAC technician? 

Yes, many HVAC technicians earn competitive wages, especially as they gain experience and certifications. Factors like location, specialization and employer type can all impact earnings. If you're looking into how to become HVAC technician and wondering about income potential, know that it can be a financially stable career with opportunities for growth. 

Do you need to be good at math to be an HVAC technician?

You don’t need to be a math expert, but basic math skills are helpful. HVAC technicians often use math for measurements, pressure readings and interpreting technical data. During training, you'll learn how to apply these concepts in practical ways. If you're exploring how to get started in HVAC, don’t let math hold you back — many students build these skills along the way.  

How To Get Started in HVAC with UTI

If you're exploring how to get into HVAC or how to become an HVAC technician, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers a focused path to prepare you to launch your career.¹  

In less than a year, you can gain the skills needed to pursue entry-level roles in the field. From learning how to diagnose system issues to working with industry-standard tools and technology, UTI’s training prepares you for the real-world demands of the HVAC industry. 

Ready to take the next step? Fill out an application today!