For many people, becoming an HVAC technician can be the first step towards a great career. Are you thinking about starting along this path, and wondering if it’s the right one for you? Below, we have a quick guide with an overview for what do you learn in HVAC school, so you can get a better understanding of what your training — and future career — might look like.
Safety
First and foremost, as an HVAC tech it will be important to have a full understanding of safety rules and regulations in order to prevent accidents on the job. After all, you’ll be dealing with complex systems and electrical currents, so you’ll need to know how to properly handle tools, wear safety gear, and identify potential hazards in order to keep yourself and others safe.
Heating, refrigeration, and ventilation
You’ll also learn the principles of heating and cooling systems, air circulation and ductwork, as well as refrigeration cycles and the safe handling of refrigerants.
Electricity
Electricity is a fundamental part of heating and cooling systems. So, it’s important to be knowledgeable about electrical theory, how electrical currents flow, and how to use various electrical components in HVAC.
Blueprint reading and load calculations
As an HVAC tech, you’ll also have to know how to read schematics and blueprints. You’ll then need to be able to interpret these into accurate formulae to figure out the capacity of a system and its ability to function properly in the space in which it’s located.
Troubleshooting
When working with heating and cooling systems, you’ll need to be able to figure out what any given problem might be and how best to fix it. So in your program, you’ll learn how to identify issues, spot glitches, and determine the best way to remedy them.
And more!
Not all HVAC programs are exactly alike. Some may offer certain specializations, or focus more on one aspect of the field than another — from tools to customer relations. When deciding which program you should enroll in, reach out to your prospective schools to learn more about what specific skills you’ll be learning, as well as how these skills will be taught.
Now that we’ve answered the question of “what do you learn in HVAC school,” interested in learning more? Click the link below to read about HVAC school cost and program length!
