To become a heating technician, you often will need to attend a formal trade school or complete a technical training program. An alternative way to become a heating technician is to seek out a company that offers on-the-job training through a full apprenticeship by working directly with a licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installer. You also will need to understand a lot of technical information to become a heating technician, including having the ability to read blueprints, a working knowledge of the physical properties of electricity, the ability to understand physics and the capability to learn the various heating systems, including forced-air, boilers, oil burners and geothermal heating systems.
HVAC schools range from six to 24 months of training, and they teach you how to diagnose heating and electrical problems, how to use the various tools and meters that are used during the repair, maintenance and installation of HVAC systems. After you have completed the full program, you will take an HVAC certification exam, which covers all areas of installation, maintenance and repair. Passing the certification exam will allow you to work for a company or start your own business. An apprenticeship-type job can last from three to five years, and it allows hands-on training to become a heating technician. As an apprentice, you must be able to demonstrate your knowledge of mechanical work prior to being able to practice on your own.
Deciding to specialize in the installation and maintenance of heating systems is a big decision and covers a lot of areas of expertise. Two fairly distinct areas of expertise are residential and commercial heating and air contracting. Computer skills are an asset, because HVAC software programs can help calculate and determine the equipment size and load needed for specific building requirements.
The HVAC field is a growing and ever-changing field as more and more companies look for ways to install cost-effective, high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. Also, environmentally friendly systems are being installed as governments provide various rebates to upgrade HVAC systems. Another area of expertise for a heating technician is to specialize in the healthcare industry. Hospitals require allergen and dust-filtering systems to maintain adequate clean air for the main hospital, intensive care units and operating rooms.
