Install or repair heating, ventilation, and central air conditioning and refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces and heating stoves in all types of buildings. In addition to the shortage of all types of skilled tradespeople in the area, consumers are replacing older, less efficient and healthy systems with new green models, increasing the demand for HVAC technicians!
Make a Difference
A Typical Day
- Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as by changing filters or thermostat technology, cleaning ducts, or refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
- Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuits.
- Study blueprints, to ascertain the configuration and ensure the proper installation of components.
- Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to diagrams.
- Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
Recommended Credentials
Vocational school, associate's degree or similar experience
Education & Training
Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.
Northwest Lower Michigan
Northwestern Michigan College:
Construction Technology Program HVAC/R Technology or Electrical Technology
Elsewhere in Michigan
Kirtland College: HVAC/R Degrees
Ferris State University: HVACR (Top national program!)
Mid Michigan College: Facilities, Heating, Refrigeration and AC (HRA)
Explore This Career
Try it before you buy it!
Job shadow on an HVACR installation or repair.
The Local Advantage Learning Pathway
Pathway 1
Northwest Education Services Career Tech Center: Electrical Occupations
Pathway 2
Attend Northwest Michigan College for Construction Technology: HVAC/R Technology
You can go straight to apprenticeship, but having a degree increases your employability and shortens your apprenticeship hours!
Pathway 3
Get an apprenticeship to become a certified journeyman through U.A. Local 85 or with employers like Precision Plumbing and Heating Systems!
TIP
Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.
Sample Job Titles...
- A/C Tech
- HVAC Installer
- HVAC Mechanic
Hear It From The Pros
10-Year Job Growth Projections
Employed Regionally
Wage Range & Median 10-County Region
Annual Hires Regionally
Other Regional Career Resources
Learn more about HVAC Technicians at O*NET Online.
Real World Career Pathways
It doesn't have to be a straight shot! Hear from people who have taken unique pathways.