Are you interested in training to become an HVAC technician? If you enjoy working outside of an office and fixing things with your hands, then you could enjoy working as an HVAC technician.1 It can be a fulfilling job helping others manage their HVAC systems. So, let’s look into the difference between HVAC and HVACR.
What Does HVAC Stand For?
HVAC — or heating, ventilation and air conditioning — helps heat and cool homes and commercial buildings. The ventilation process helps circulate air inside homes or commercial buildings to keep the air fresh, temperate and healthy.
What Is the Difference Between HVAC and HVACR?
Both focus on heating, ventilation and air conditioning. However, HVACR includes refrigeration.
The “R” in HVACR refers to refrigeration systems that can be found in retail settings, warehouses or even the back of refrigerated trucks. This is a specialty that many HVAC technicians supplement their skills with during an HVACR technician training program.
What Is HVACR?
There are four main components of an HVACR system. They include:
Heating – This system generates heat and distributes it throughout a home or commercial building. Furnaces heat air, while boilers heat water to produce steam for heating.
Ventilation – This system expels air from the interior of a structure while bringing in fresh air from outside. In addition to the transfer of heat and cold air in and out of a home or building, the ventilation system can also help control the exposure of airborne contaminants. Ventilation also helps maintain the temperature and humidity within a building or home.
Air conditioning – This system cools the air and removes existing heat and moisture. Ultimately, an air-conditioning system evaporates humidity, blows air for circulation, condenses and releases heat, compresses refrigerant to chill the indoor air, filters outdoor air to remove unwanted particles, and controls the amount of cool air distributed via a thermostat.
Refrigeration – This system cools items for transportation, storage and sale to consumers. These systems keep products like food at a consistent temperature to help maintain freshness. Refrigeration systems can include truck transportation, walk-in refrigerators and full-size warehouses.
What Does an HVACR Technician Do?
An HVACR technician maintains, repairs and installs heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVACR mechanics and installers typically do the following:
· Install, diagnose and maintain HVAC systems
· Install electrical components and wiring
· Inspect and test HVAC and refrigeration systems and components
· Repair or replace parts on HVAC and refrigeration systems
· Recommend maintenance to improve system performance
· Keep records of work performed for future appointments
How Do You Become an HVACR Technician?
One way to train to become an HVACR technician is by attending a trade program like the one offered at MIAT College of Technology. Highlights of our HVACR Technician Program include:
A complete curriculum
Our HVACR program helps prepare students to become HVACR technicians with a complete curriculum. Each class builds upon itself until students have a solid foundation to build upon throughout their careers.1
Industry-experienced instructors
Our industry-experienced instructors know what it takes to succeed in the industry. Many of them have started in entry-level positions and moved up the ranks, completing apprenticeships and securing licensing to become certified HVACR technicians.
Small class sizes
Don’t want to be just another face in a large lecture hall? MIAT offers small class sizes, so you get individual attention from instructors. Instructors are available to mentor you through the program and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Lots of hands-on experience
In addition to classroom lectures, students in the program get lots of hands-on experience in workshops with real HVAC tools and equipment. Instructors are there to help you learn from mistakes and build confidence in your HVACR skills. Practice makes perfect, and at MIAT you’ll get plenty of HVACR practice!
Career Services
One of the best parts of attending MIAT is our Career Services staff. They’ll not only help you build a résumé and prepare for interviews, but they’ll also try to help match you with prospective employers that are looking for MIAT graduates.1 Our Career Services staff may even find out about HVACR opportunities before the general public and match you with a role and employer you’re passionate about.2
Final Thoughts
Does an education in HVACR interest you? If you’re ready to pursue a new career as an HVACR technician, MIAT is here to help. We can help prepare you for a new career that fits your passion. We take pride in helping our graduates succeed. Let us help you prepare for a future in the HVAC industry.1
Want to Learn More?
The HVACR Technician Program is 9 months in length for full-time students, assuming no interruption in training, and is offered at MIAT campuses in Canton, Michigan, and Houston, Texas. The training allows students to focus on their chosen field and graduate in less time than it takes to earn a traditional 2- or 4-year degree or to complete a 3- to 5-year apprenticeship.2
To learn more about our HVACR Program and to explore whether MIAT College of Technology is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us today if you’re interested in training to become an HVACR technician.
Disclaimers
1MIAT is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.miat.edu/disclosures.