What is an HVAC Technician?

HVAC technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They diagnose issues, perform routine maintenance, and ensure the efficient and safe operation of these systems.

Where Does an HVAC Technician Work?

HVAC technicians can find employment in a variety of settings, including residential homes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and even transportation systems like trains and airplanes.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Texas? What are the requirements to Become an HVAC Technician in Texas?

1. Register with the State: If you're planning to work as a Registered Technician, which means working under a licensed contractor as an A/C and Refrigeration technician in Texas, you must first register with the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation. This branch of the government is also responsible for issuing and renewing all HVAC licenses in Texas. To register, you need to submit an online application and pay a $20 registration fee.

2. Gain Experience: For further advancement of your career and to become a Certified Technician, you'll need to gain work experience. This may involve working on a job site under the supervision of a licensed contractor for at least 24 months.

3. Get Certified: After gaining the necessary experience, you have the option to become a Certified ACR Technician. This requires completing a 2,000-hour certification program approved by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation and paying a $50 application fee.

Alternatively, if you choose not to become a Certified ACR Technician, you must complete 48 months of job site experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor.

4. Apply for a License: Once you've fulfilled the work experience requirements, you can apply for a Texas ACR Contractor License. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.

In Texas, there are two types of HVAC contractor licenses: Class A and Class B.

1. Class A license: This allows you to work on any size unit, without any restrictions.

2. Class B license: This permits you to work on cooling systems of up to 25 tons and heating systems of up to 1.5 million BTUs/hour.

In addition, Texas offers three endorsements that can be added to an ACR contractor license. These are Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, and Process Cooling or Heating endorsements. They are optional and will allow you to specialize in specific areas of HVAC work. Each license may have only one endorsement.

5. Take the Licensing Exam: Depending on the license class and endorsements you choose, you'll be required to take a licensing exam. This will determine the type of work you can perform and the insurance coverage you must maintain.

6. Provide Proof of Insurance: After passing the licensing exam, you must submit a Certificate of Insurance verifying that you have the necessary commercial general liability insurance coverage. The minimum insurance coverage required is based on whether you have a Class A or Class B license.

7. Pass background checks: The TX Department of Licensing and Regulation conducts a criminal history background check on all persons who apply for a license. You must pass a criminal history check by providing a Criminal History Questionnaire if you’ve ever been convicted or pleaded guilty to a criminal offense.

8. EPA Section 608 Certification: Don't forget, you also need to get your EPA Certification! The EPA Certification is a federal requirement for all HVAC professionals who handle refrigerants. There are four types of certifications you can get, depending on the type of work you want to do.

   The EPA Certification is a federal requirement for all HVAC technicians across the country. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires this certification for anyone who handles refrigerants, which are substances used in air conditioning systems. There are four types of EPA Certifications, each allowing for different levels of work with refrigerants.

• Type I: For servicing small appliances with less than five pounds of refrigerant.
• Type II: For servicing high-pressure units with five pounds or more of refrigerant.
• Type III: For servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
• Universal: This covers all systems and appliances, making you a jack-of-all-trades in the refrigerant world.
• Core Exam: This is a part of the EPA certification process. It covers topics like ozone depletion, the Clean Air Act, refrigeration, safety, and shipping among others. You must pass this exam regardless of the type of EPA certification you're pursuing.

How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Texas?

The cost of HVAC training depends on the program you choose. The tuition costs you around $1,200 if you decide to get a certificate. If you want to pursue a higher level of education like a diploma or associate’s degree, the cost can be more or less $15,000.

As for licenses, the standard fee for an air conditioning and refrigeration license in Texas is $115. However, there are other costs to consider. Registering as a technician under a licensed contractor requires a $20 fee. If you choose to become a Certified ACR Technician, you'll need to complete a 2,000-hour certification program and pay a $50 application fee. So, all in all, you're looking at a total cost of around $185, not including the cost of the certification program.

Where Can I Find HVAC Technician Classes in Texas?

Dreambound, the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs, can help you locate HVAC technician classes in Texas. Dreambound offers a comprehensive database of training programs, allowing you to search for options in your local area.

How Do I Get My HVAC Technician Certification?

After completing your HVAC training program, you will need to obtain the necessary certifications, which may include EPA certification for handling refrigerants and any state-specific licenses or certifications required in Texas.

How Do I Get a Job as an HVAC Technician?

With your training and certifications, you can apply for entry-level HVAC technician positions with local HVAC companies, contractors, or even large corporations. Networking, internships, and job search platforms can all be valuable resources in your job search.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming an HVAC Technician

As an HVAC technician, you can explore various career paths, such as specializing in residential or commercial systems, becoming a service manager, or even starting your own HVAC contracting business. The demand for skilled HVAC technicians is expected to remain strong in the coming years.