Do you want a challenging career you can really get your hands into? You may want to consider becoming a HVAC-R technician.

HVAC-R techs build, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. These systems keep humidity and air quality balanced in both commercial and residential properties, as well as industrial centers.

The work of the HVAC-R technician may be complicated. Once you graduate from HVAC-R school, you might find yourself working on entire systems include mechanical and electrical parts, pumps, switches, electrical parts, distributors and more. For this reason those who are trained in schools offering HVAC-R certification are in demand.

It is not uncommon for graduates of HVAC-R school to specialize in a particular field of operation or repair of certain equipment including, refrigeration mechanics, furnace repair, air conditioning installation and repair and more.

HVAC-R school trains students to read and follow blueprints and design specifications. HVAC-R technicians are required to understand what is needed and to solve sometimes extensively complicated problems. Along with simple maintenance of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration units, cooling and heating systems are also involved.

Where you might work:

• Retail buildings and stores
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Office buildings
• Factories
• Spas and health centers

Safety training is part of most HVAC-R certification training, as there are sometimes risks that come with the job, such as injury from moving and managing heavy equipment, burns, and shocks.

If you want to become a certified HVAC-R technician you need to find a well accredited school. Entry level jobs are often found without much delay. After a certain period of time performing maintenance and repair and installations, HVAC-R technicians can take various certification examinations offered through organizations like the HVAC Excellence, Carbon Monoxide Safety Association, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Coalition, to name a few.

The job outlook for HVAC-R technicians is very good. Many technicians become supervisors, instructors and may even start off in companies and end up working as independent contractors, servicing private clients and companies.

In 2006 there were approximately 292,000 HVAC-R mechanics and installers in the United States. As HVAC-R systems become more complex and the demand for breathable air and improved ventilation quality grows, the demand for trained specialists is increasing.

So if you want a well paying job with room for specialization and advancement, become an HVAC-R mechanic!