Students pursuing a degree in HVAC heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology will be equipped with the knowledge needed to help them maintain and repair commercial units. The coursework will prepare students by giving them a knowledge of the electronics, safety procedures, and accepted regulations of the industry.
Throughout their coursework, students of HVAC heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology will need to learn how the systems work and how to analyze, troubleshoot, and make repairs. Some courses that a student might take in this type of program include:
Programs for HVAC heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology are available in both traditional classroom and online college learning formats. Students going into this area of study should examine what the different formats have to offer and determine which one is most convenient for them.
Diploma, certificate, and associate's degree programs are all popular programs in this field. These programs focus primarily on the mechanics of the various systems. Pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher in this area of study means that the student will also likely learn about designing systems and other more advanced topics. Technician jobs typically only require a diploma, certificate, or associate's degree.
The job outlook for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be excellent through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS anticipates job growth that is “much faster than average” for this field, due in part to the retirement of many aging workers. In May of 2008, the average hourly wage for these workers was $19.08 per hour.