The U.S. Department of Labor, in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Job Outlook series, notes that the average home heating and cooling system requires replacement every 10 to 15 years. Someone has to work fill HVAC service technician jobs to repair these systems; why not you? With a starting hourly average of $19.08 and pay that goes as high as $30 per hour, finding a heating and cooling school for training makes sense. If you don't have the time to sit in a traditional classroom, read on for online HVAC training information.
Online HVAC Training
If you're looking for Free HVAC Training, most courses are in person, but the training itself is completely free. If you don't have the time for in-person courses and want online HVAC training, as yourself whether distance learning for heating and air conditioning school is right for you.
Some questions to consider:
- Do I need to be in a classroom to learn?
- Will I be motivated to do the course at home?
- Do I have time for a commute to a campus?
- Do I need complete flexibility in my schedule for when and where I study?
If online HVAC training makes sense, read on.
Why Choose Heating and Cooling Schools Online?
Technicians in this field work with air conditioning systems, furnaces, boilers, ducts and refrigeration. It's a hands-on field, which is likely why you're drawn to it. HVAC classes don't teach you how to sit at a desk. You learn how to repair and install residential and commercial systems and that requires a mind that can envision complex systems, find broken components, and determine how to make repairs.
If you are ready to make a career change and become HVAC certified, online heating and cooling schools might be a good choice, especially if you've already dabbled with repairing and installing some heating and cooling components in your own home, the homes of friends and relatives, or at work. Online HVAC programs let you work at your own pace in many instances, and you can work faster to get the certification you need.
Distance Education for Air Conditioning, Furnaces, Ducts and Refrigeration
So what should you look for in an HVAC distance education course?
- Accreditation. Only enroll in courses accredited by one of two organizations: HVAC Excellence and the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
- Exam preparation. How well does the online HVAC training prepare students for certification? Ask about the program's pass rate for students.
- Curriculum. If you are interested in commercial systems, don't pick an online heating and cooling school that focuses more on residential issues.
- Cost. Why spend more if you don't have to? But don't go cheap if the course isn't accredited.
- Support. If you fail the HVAC certification exam, does the program let you retake classes? Have refresher courses or exam prep? No one plans to fail the test, but it happens, and you need to know how the program handles that.
When choosing a distance education program, look and whether air conditioning, furnace, duct, refrigeration, design and repair are all covered. If the material covered isn't state-of-the-art and up to date, you won't be an effective technician when you get out into the field and look for a job.
Look for as much information as possible on online HVAC training, from education and marketing campaigns online to articles in print magazines and promotions in newspapers. Students who succeed and get those jobs that pay between $19 and $30 per hour are persistent. You need to research every possible way to get this online HVAC training to become certified and begin an entry-level job in a growing field.
Resources:
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, "Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers."
HVAC Excellence (accessed November 2, 2010)
National Center for Construction Education and Research (accessed November 2, 2010)
To learn more about trade jobs and online training, please read these articles:
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Online CNA Classes – Want an entry-level job in the medical field that has good job security and helps nurses? Become a certified nursing assistant and take online CNA courses. Learn how here.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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