HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) technician is one of those positions that can almost guarantee that you will always have a job, or multiple jobs for that matter. Millions of people have heating and air conditioning units – it’s almost as common as having a roof on your house. In the summer, when the whether outside is too hot, we need some kind of central air conditioner to keep our homes cool. In the winter, we need some kind of heating system to keep ourselves warm from the freezing outside air. HVAC mechanics are constantly in high demand and it is one of those jobs where you get to have an amazing, personal connection to your clients. Here are some ways you can become a heating and air conditioning service technician.

For one, you have to love this sort of line of work. If you took shop classes, like car or wood shop in high school, and have a love of technical construction, than HVAC technician might be a perfect job for you. However, you need to start with the technical skills earlier in life than later. Starting in high school is a great place to start, because you learn both the technical aspects and the safety aspects of what it takes to become an HVAC specialist.

Next, you want to get your degree in Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics. You can get this degree from any number of trade schools and community colleges that will teach you the basics of the industry, technology and mechanics. You will learn how to construct and repair units, and even how the business works, like client relations, how to handle billing and even how to create a caseload if you want to start your own HVAC repair business.

After you get your degree, your next step is to apprentice or intern at an already established HVAC repair company so that you can get your certification. It might be a few years before you can answer questions, like “is duct cleaning worth it?” – but you will gain invaluable knowledge to be able to answer all sorts of client’s questions once you are an established HVAC mechanic and have your certification under the state in which you live. Under most laws, you need to your certification before you can start working as an established HVAC specialist.

When you have completed your apprenticeship, it is time to take the exam so that you can receive your certification. The test will run the gamut, from the basics of current and upcoming technology, to more complicated questions, like installation and solutions to common problems. The board that will hand you the certification also wants to know that you understand all the safety requirements so that you don’t put your life or another life in danger. Once you have your certification you are on your way to a successful career as an HVAC specialist. In many cases, you get to work closely with people and you could potentially make a high salary, which can make the career of HVAC mechanic incredibly satisfying and worthwhile.