Heating & Air Conditioning
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As a Trade Contractor
AIR-CONDITIONING/REFRIGERATION/HEATING TECHNICIANS install,
maintain, and repair these systems in residential and commercial establishments.
Air-conditioning/refrigeration/heating technicians
- repair or replace defective equipment, parts, and wiring
- test electrical circuits and parts with electrical testing equipment and instruments
- follow blueprints or other guidelines to install oil, gas, electric, and multiple-fuel heating systems
- install fuel and water supply lines, air ducts and vents, pumps, motors, compressors, evaporators, piping, and other parts
- connect duct work, refrigerant lines, electrical wiring and controls and check the unit for proper operation
- perform routine maintenance and repair work in order to keep the system working well
- must use care to conserve, recover, and recycle chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants used in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, which contribute to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.
New technology, in the form of cellular Web phones that allow technicians to tap into the Internet, may soon affect the way technicians diagnose problems. Computer hardware and software have been developed that allow heating, venting, and refrigeration units to automatically contact the maintenance establishment when problems arise. The maintenance establishment can then notify the technician in the field by cellular phone. The technician can then access the Internet to "talk" with the unit needing maintenance. Although this technology is not yet widespread, its potential for cost-savings may speed its acceptance.
Estimated Salary
National |
|
North Carolina |
|||
|
Per Year |
Per Hour |
|
Per Year |
Per Hour |
Starting Salary |
$23,000 |
$11.00 |
|
$21,500 |
$10.50 |
Average Salary |
$36,000 |
$17.25 |
|
$34,500 |
$16.75 |
Salary w/ experience |
$53,000 |
$25.50 |
|
$51,500 |
$24.75 |
Economic Research Institute (Survey of Salaries in 2004) |
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Career Pathway
After a successful period of time as trainees or apprentices, individuals become AIR-CONDITIONING/REFRIGERATION/HEATING TECHNICIANS. Advancement usually takes the form of higher wages. With experience and more training, technicians may become supervisors, service managers, inspectors, job estimators, or manufacturer's service specialists. Those with enough money and managerial skill may open their own contracting business.
AIR-CONDITIONING/REFRIGERATION/HEATING TECHNICIANS work for:
- cooling and heating contractors
- fuel oil dealers
- refrigeration and air-conditioning service and repair shops
- schools
- department stores that sell heating and -air-conditioning systems
- sheet metal contractors
- the federal government
- hospitals
- office buildings
- the military
- various other organizations
- themselves
Costs
Registration Fees
- $175 Level I
- $175 Level II
- $175 Level III
- $175 Level IV
$700 Total
Admission Requirements
No additional requirements for this course. Students under 18 years of age must complete a minor permission form.
For Additional Information
Contact Corporate and Continuing Education Department Monday - Thursday 8 am - 8 pm and Friday, 8 am - 5 pm at (828) 726-2242 or contact Jeff Holman, Director of Vocational and Technical Programs, at (828) 726-2382 email at jholman@cccti.edu.
