Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems regulate temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as in enclosed vehicles.
Commonly, "refrigeration" is added to the field's abbreviation as HVACR, HVAC&R, or HVAC/R, and "ventilation" is sometimes dropped, as in HACR.
HVAC/R is based on inventions and discoveries made by several people, as multiple inventions came before the first air conditioning system designed by Alfred Wolff in 1902 for the New York Stock Exchange, while Willis Carrier equipped the Sacketts-Wilhems Printing Company with an AC unit the same year. The first residential AC was installed in 1914, and window air-conditioning units were introduced in 1931.
HVACR technicians install and repair heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. They work mostly in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Because parts of these systems are outside the building, work may also be performed outdoors. Cramped spaces and irregular hours are common.
High school students interested in becoming an HVACR technician would do well to take courses in vocational education, math, and physics. Knowledge of plumbing and electrical work is also helpful.
Many HVACR technicians receive postsecondary instruction from vocational, technical, or trade schools, and community colleges may also offer programs in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs may last from six months to two years and lead to a certificate or an associate's degree. Since HVACR systems have become increasingly complex, many employers prefer applicants with postsecondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship.
New HVACR technicians typically begin by working with experienced technicians. Initially, they perform basic tasks such as insulating refrigerant lines or cleaning furnaces, then progress to more complex tasks, such as cutting and soldering pipes or testing electrical circuits.
Some technicians are trained through apprenticeships, which last from three to five years. During their apprenticeship, they learn to use tools, read blueprints, and follow good safety practices. They may also learn about various heating and cooling systems. Apprenticeship programs may be sponsored by unions or contractor associations.
Requirements will vary by jurisdiction. Some states and localities require HVACR technicians to be licensed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy, handle, or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. Many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed to prepare students for the EPA certification exam. Technicians may also have to pass a background check before being hired.
HVACR technicians often join the United Association of Journeymen and Apprenticeships of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, typically referred to as United Association; or the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART).
Recommended Resources
Run by Craig Migliaccio, an HVACR master license holder and licensed teacher, AC Service Tech is an HVAC training and resources site offering a certification platform for technicians with course content and video lessons, books and other downloadable materials for field use, instructional videos (linked through its YouTube channel) and quizzes to test knowledge, aong with practical calculators and tool recommendations for technicians. An online store offers educational bundles, and e-books.
https://www.acservicetech.com/
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News
ACHR News is a weekly news magazine for HVACR contractors covering residential, commercial, and refrigeration markets. It publishes industry news, technical guidance, product announcements, podcasts, videos, and special features, including Top 40 lists and centennial coverage. It reports on company moves, mergers, product launches, and market trends, along with installation guides, troubleshooting tips, and technical articles for technicians and contractors.
https://www.achrnews.com/
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
AHRI was formed in 2008 by the merger of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA). It is a North American trade association of manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment. The organization performs political advocacy on behalf of its member industries, maintains technical standards, certifies products, conducts research, shares data, and awards scholarships.
https://www.ahrinet.org/
The online directory helps homeowners and businesses find licensed HVAC technicians across Canada, listing companies by service type and province, aggregating reviews, verifying licenses, and offering a "Get Quotes" feature for contacting multiple professionals at once. Its coverage includes listings for all provinces and territories with separate pages for common service categories such as air conditioning, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, commercial HVAC, and emergency repair.
https://canadahvacspot.com/
Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and operating worldwide, Carrier is a global HVAC and refrigeration company that designs and manufactures heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, commercial and residential refrigeration, and related building automation, fire, and security solutions. Founded as Carrier Engineering Corporation in 1915, the company traces its roots to Willis H. Carrier's invention of modern air conditioning in 1902.
https://www.carrier.com/us/en/
Evolution HVACR is a commercial and industrial refrigeration and HVAC service contractor offering 24/7 emergency service and installation with a focus on customer-specific maintenance and repair. Its service area includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and its website emphasizes fast local technician response times across these states. A profile of the company is provided, with an overview of its services, and its telephone/fax numbers, office hours, and email are provided.
https://www.evolutionhvacr.com/
Offering focused, industry-specific content with clear topical breakdowns, HVAC Mavericks is a how-to resource for people who want to start, run, and grow an HVAC business, offering practical guides on business structure, planning, marketing, staffing, and operations. Intended for new entrepreneurs who need a practical blueprint to launch an HVAC company, small business owners seeking marketing and staffing strategies to scale, and technicians moving into management.
https://hvacmavericks.com/
HVAC Trade Schools is a career-focused portal that helps prospective students find HVAC/R programs, get guidance on licensure and certification, review career overviews, and access state-specific licensing information. The website aggregates program listings, career guides, certification resources, and articles about training options and financing. Includes directory-style listings for HVAC schools and programs, as well as information on industry certifications and credentials.
https://hvactradeschools.org/
HVACR Business is an industry trade website and magazine focused on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration professionals. It publishes industry news, management and business advice, columns from regular contributors, product coverage, event listings, and resources for contractors and distributors. Recurring features include interviews and publisher commentary, as well as fleet features such as "Tops in Trucks." Readers can subscribe to regular updates.
https://www.hvacrbusiness.com/
Founded in 1927, Levine & Sons is a Michigan-based plumbing, heating, and cooling contractor headquartered in Southfield. According to its website, it offers online scheduling, emergency service, and financing, and its stated service area is the Detroit metropolitan region. The company's services include plumbing, drainage, HVAC, and the installation of water heaters, boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, and tankless systems. Promotional offers are featured on the site.
https://www.levineandsons.com/
North American Technician Excellence
NATE positions itself as the largest non-profit certification organization for HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) technicians in the United States. This is the organization's online hub for contractor and technician resources, exam information, training, and certification services. The platform offers certification pathways and exams, training resources, verification, and credential services, as described here. Contact details are provided.
https://natex.org/
The U.S.-based non-profit supports women working across heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trades by providing networking, mentoring, education, scholarships, and professional development. Its programs include mentorship, scholarships, regional and national events, educational resources, and a membership network, as well as hosting an annual conference (networking, breakouts, workshops) and other industry events. Its board of directors and membership information.
https://www.womeninhvacr.org/
