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Air Conditioning Repair as a Career

Air Conditioning Repair

Air conditioning repair is important since AC is found almost everywhere. Air conditioning improves comfort levels, which is known to improve our productivity levels at work. A good air conditioning system can even improve the air quality in a room, keeping pollens away.

The cooler a room, the less inviting to pests and insects. People also sweat less and aren’t as likely to become dehydrated.

Just like everything else, there are pros and cons to using air conditioning. One con is that the systems are not always perfect. Most systems require maintenance and repair, sometimes more than others.

Therefore, there is a great need for air conditioning repair technicians. In fact, the need for repair technicians is growing rapidly.

 

Career Outlook for Air Conditioning Repair

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, or HVAC, is expected to rise over the next ten years. With an estimated average income between $40,000 and $50,000, this line of work is very appealing.

Your salary will differ based on many factors. One may be the level of education and experience you have acquired. Another factor may be the location in which you work. Air conditioning is used by many more people in areas of the world where temperatures are hotter.

For instance, those in The South are more dependent on-air conditioning for longer periods of the year because they have more months with hotter temperatures. Therefore, they tend to use air conditioning systems for longer periods.

Duties of the job will also vary depending on the location of the system, how often it is used and because the uses are different for both residential and commercial environments.

 

Duties of an Air Conditioning Repair Technician

All repair technicians need to have the basic skills of being able to listen well to clients, communicating with customers and other technicians, and being creative when it comes to solutions. You will also need to have appropriate time management and organizational skills.

Air conditioning repair is not simply taking out an old system and installing a new one. There are many other tasks and steps you can take to resolve a problem for a system owner.

Repair technicians will need to know how to read blueprints of a house or building so you can identify where the system is located, its layout or where you need to install it. Other duties include following proper codes set forth for good business practices, safely wiring or rewiring low voltage systems and over-seeing the processes of installation and repair.

There may be times where you are providing technical service in the field and when a solution is not clear, you may find yourself troubleshooting until you find the right answers.

Air conditioning systems do not become faulty during a regular business week. As you know, systems break down in the evenings and on weekends. This means, as a repair technician, you will need to be on-call and expect to work odd hours to meet the needs of your customers.

Providing excellent customer service is one of the top duties of a repair technician. After all, the relationships you build with customers can help grow your business.

 

Educational Requirements of a Repair Technician

Air conditioning repair technicians with educational backgrounds may find it easier to obtain a job in the field. Larger companies want to hire employees who have made the efforts in getting an education and on the job training, such as that with an apprenticeship.

Many companies want new employees to have at least three years of on the job training, where they have been supervised by a more experienced technician.

Furthermore, employers like to hire technicians who have post-secondary education from a trade school or college in which they obtained licensure or certification stating they completed proper training.

 

Courses of Study for Repair Technicians

The courses you can expect to study as an air conditioning repair technician student include cooling and refrigeration, basic electricity, compressors, and the diverse types of systems and ventilation options.

Air conditioning repair technicians will need to learn much more than just cooling. In fact, they will also take classes on heating, heat pumps, motors, hvac piping, commercial and residential type systems, and detection of leaks and other problems.

You will learn how to determine air quality, which control circuit types are best for the job you are doing, soldering, and brazing.

The best thing about taking courses in this field is that they properly prepare you for taking the certification exam required for repair technicians by the EPA.

Whether you decide to become self-employed or work for a larger HVAC company, this certificate will assist you. It helps customers and employers feel secure in that you have received the proper amount of training to help you complete the job at hand.

It shows them you can work in different environments, solving a wide range of air conditioning problems.

 

Types of Work Environments

Climate control systems are advancing and becoming much more sophisticated for both commercial and residential environments. Office spaces, no matter how large or small, can install or upgrade air conditioning systems. With the constant development of new shopping malls, restaurants, office buildings and residential neighborhoods, there is a constant need for HVAC services.

You may find yourself repairing air conditioning systems in schools, hospitals, factories, government offices and even grocery stores. The work environments will be just as varied as the problems. Your work environment will often be hot and may need to happen when the weather is less than satisfactory.

But if you enjoy helping people in need, finding creative solutions that improve the lifestyle of others, and preventing the loss of products such as foods and medicines, this job is for you.

You may fine rewarding pay and each new day brings something different. It is doubtful you will find yourself bored by repeating the same routine day after day.

With expected growth in the use of air conditioning systems, the need for repair technicians will also grow, making it easier for you to maintain and grow a long-term, satisfying career.

 

The Advantages of Fast Track Training

Fast Track Training

According to Forbes Magazine, people choosing to acquire some form of higher education, even a minimal amount, may increase their earning potential after graduating with a high school diploma. Not everyone has the time, money or even the desire to obtain a four-year degree. Some may not even able to complete a two-year degree. Whether they are unable to because of time constraints, family obligations or financial reasons, entering the workforce without higher education is a reality for many.

Lacking higher education is not always a negative. In fact, many are finding they can do very well by creating a different, more unique path, towards a career.

Some high school graduates prefer to enter the workforce first, working towards their career goals, without the use of a college diploma.

Some may have been in the workforce for many years yet aren’t satisfied. You are thinking of changing careers but do not have the time to attend college courses for lengthy periods. You may not even be sure which direction you want to take your career.

Fast track training can help in a variety of scenarios. 

Fast track training is one way to get you into a career with some college education but without the need to complete an entire degree program. It can also help you avoid jumping from one career to another without having a clear direction.

 

What is Fast Track Training?

Fast track training gets you working in a field as soon as possible with little education and experience. It is an effective stepping stone to helping you reach career goals that are non-traditional. Meaning, you are not attending a higher education institution to receive a degree, but to receive a solid foundation that will help you enter or move upward in the workforce.

Some areas benefiting from fast track training include Information Technologies, or Computer Systems and Software. Other areas include pharmaceutical technologies, surgical technology, medical and vocational assisting, and even heating, ventilation and cooling.

Fast track training usually takes less than a year and gives your career goals that extra boost needed to help you achieve advancement.

Keep reading to learn some of the benefits of fast track training.

 

Gives You More Time to Decide on a Career

Not everyone knows the area of work they want to do for the rest of their lives at eighteen years old. High school does not set you up to decide on an exact career. Many students can gain work experience while in school, but not enough to help them determine a career path.

Getting as much experience as possible before investing in a college degree program can be beneficial by saving people time and money.

While some careers require a college degree, others require a master’s degree or higher.

Fortunately, there are many careers that only require a certificate before they can hire or promote you. Therefore, you can start working, then decide later if and how you want to continue your career journey.

While deciding, you are gaining real world experience, which can be very valuable in itself.

 

Gives You Real Experience by Working with Professionals

You need role models in your career. Fast track training gets you working with career role models faster than if you go through a longer degree program.

While a certificate is not the same as a degree, it can sometimes be a better fit for you lifestyle.

Fast track training allows you to jump right into work, learning through on-the-job training, getting the hands-on experience others may not get if they focus only on education before work.

You get the benefit of working with other professionals in the industry.

Having certificates through fast track training is getting people recognized by employers and enhancing job applications and resumes.

 

Enhances Your Resume

Fast track programs can sometimes give you an edge over other job applicants. When an employer must choose between two great candidates, having completed a fast track program may give you an edge.

While short term in length, fast track training can provide you with up to date instruction in specific areas within your field. Employers will take notice that you are current with trends and changes happening in the workforce.

On your resume, you can list the many specific courses you have taken related to the job in which you are seeking. This lets employers know you are already prepared for the job. It lets them know that orientation and training may require a lot less effort if they hire you.

Employers want to hire the person who is most capable of completing the requirements of the job. A fast track training program increases the number of tasks you can do well.

Furthermore, fast track training  shows your employer you like to learn, that you are eager to grow and adapt to the needs of the company or organization.

 

Connected with Fastest Growing Industries

Fast track training programs are not focused on random types of courses. Most programs are built around the industries with the fastest growth and most need for a varied sample of employees.

Industries such as the healthcare field are growing rapidly. Each year there is a need for more employees with specific knowledge. Fast track programs focus on many areas in healthcare that can get qualified staff into a job sooner.

In the medical field, opportunities for medical assistants, dental hygienists, and technicians are rising. This is also true for sectors needing more trade skills that include plumbing, heating and cooling, and even heavy equipment operators.

Information technology needs include web developers and software technicians. Repairmen within the software industry are also in high demand.

There are many certification programs that lead to exceptional job opportunities, many of which pay better than if you have just a high school diploma.

After completing a fast track training program, you will be able to determine how gaining education can benefit your career. This can help you decide if you want to pursue further education, or remain in the workforce, or both.