AC Technicians have many responsibilities. These are: installing, diagnosing, and repairing complete air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration units and working with both hand and electric tools to properly install air conditioning or refrigeration units, testing the systems regularly to ensure proper operation and condition. In addition, make sure there are no leaks in the system or units and clean and replace parts as needed.

In most areas, you must be licensed as a registered professional with the state before becoming an Air Conditioning/Heating Technician. However, some states do not require licensing for such professionals, while others do. If you are not a registered professional with your state, becoming an Air Conditioning/Heating Technician is very simple. You can contact your local licensing board, and they will help you get the correct paperwork for your state. Air conditioning and heating technician jobs also usually require that the technician has a diploma from an accredited school or trade school. 

The most common job for a technician is in a retail store or another retail atmosphere. However, you can also find openings with warehouses or manufacturing facilities. Another way that technicians are employed is in an industrial shop or factory setting. One of the most common types of jobs for a technician in these conditions is installing or repairing refrigeration equipment. There are also many positions that technicians can obtain, such as in warehouses or service departments of large corporations.

A technician may specialize in one particular aspect of the Air Conditioning/Heating field. Some technicians, for example, may specialize in the repair or replacement of AC systems, ductwork, plumbing, electrical systems, or even HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) equipment. You may also find technicians that focus on only one type of refrigeration system or a few different types. For example, some technicians may specialize in a specific brand of refrigeration equipment. 

One option for obtaining a job as a technician is to complete an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program can be completed at a trade school or technical college. Often, when you complete an apprenticeship program, you will complete the associate’s degree within one year. To qualify for the apprenticeship program, you will need to have completed high school. If you have not yet taken college courses in your high school years, you should consider completing college classes in the future.

An additional way to obtain an apprenticeship is through an existing air conditioning company or facility. Many companies have existing programs that will train new or current air conditioning technicians and their regular job duties. In some instances, existing companies will hire you on a temporary or permanent basis. Contact your employer to determine if they have any of these options available.

A final option for obtaining entry-level positions is to complete certification. Certified technicians are required to undergo rigorous training and certification before being promoted. If you complete the certification process successfully, it will provide several benefits, including increased qualifications, increased opportunities, and improved pay. However, to be certified, you must pass a comprehensive examination administered by the American Society for Aesthetics and Aerobics (ASA) and the National Air Conditioning Association (NAICA).

If you are interested in becoming a technician or have been a technician for many years, there are many job openings for experienced and young individuals. You can either work directly for a technician or an air conditioning maintenance company. Either way, you will most likely have plenty of opportunities for advancement and growth. Repairing refrigerators and other cooling systems is not a job that you will have to do every day. However, as you get more experienced and move up in your position, you may find yourself with additional responsibilities or tasks. In addition, as your knowledge and skills increase, you may find yourself needing additional training and certification to advance your career.

Glenn Gerber