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HVAC/R
Keep people comfortable — heating, cooling, and refrigeration.
What is a HVAC/R Technician?
HVAC/R technicians install and service heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. As buildings electrify and heat pumps take over, skilled HVAC techs are in serious demand.
What you’d actually do
- Install and commission furnaces, AC units, and heat pumps
- Diagnose airflow, refrigerant, and electrical issues
- Perform seasonal maintenance and emergency repairs
- Handle refrigerants safely under EPA Section 608 rules
How to get started
- Enroll in an HVAC apprenticeship or a community-college certificate
- Earn your EPA 608 certification to handle refrigerants
- Build toward a state HVAC contractor license over time
Common questions
Is HVAC a good career?
Yes — it offers steady year-round demand, strong pay without a four-year degree, and clear paths to specialize in refrigeration or start your own business.
What certification do HVAC techs need?
An EPA Section 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants, and many techs add NATE certification and a state contractor license as they advance.
Your future is hiring.
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