HVAC is a continuously growing and extremely lucrative industry whose workers are extremely in demand. Also known as climate control, HVAC stands for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. HVAC provides thermal comfort, high quality indoor air and cool air for families and businesses during the hot summer months. In virtually all areas of the United States, there is a dire and escalating need for HVAC workers.

More people are choosing to pursue a career in the HVAC industry. Because everyone needs heating in frigid climates and air conditioning in hot climates, this field will always be in need of employees. HVAC training offers a broad education in the areas of ventilation systems, heating technology, refrigeration and air conditioning. These systems may utilize several different types of technology and methods. However, they are closely connected and many HVAC workers possess in-depth knowledge in virtually all of these departments. At the same time, because there is such a vast array of equipment, many HVAC workers choose to solely work on one or two subjects.

Properly training HVAC employees requires keeping up-to-date with any changes, modifications or trends in the HVAC field. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning technology is rapidly changing and advancing. This causes many alterations in HVAC methods and equipment, while shifting levels of need and diverse environmental conflicts are driving changes in the field. Today’s HVAC graduates and newcomers should be knowledgeable in the correct handling of refrigerants, CFCs, potentially harmful health issues, quality air conditioning and air quality programs, air exchangers and appliances, energy efficient furnaces and safety. An increased need for laborers in these areas has resulted in a higher demand for skilled workers who possess the correct qualifications and are concerned and knowledgeable in these areas.

Colleges and post secondary schools that offer complete HVAC training are growing. There are more venues that offer this type of entry-level job education. These schools offer on site courses, online training, apprenticeship HVAC courses and related internships. By doing a simple Internet search, you can find the HVAC education outlet that best fits you. Most schools have Web sites that will give the prospective student with abundant information about courses, class schedules and tuition costs. Potential candidates should be sure that any school that they decide to attend will give them the appropriate knowledge and instruction for future employment in their preferred region. Different types of qualifications, credentials, licensing and certification are required in various areas.

Once a student graduates with a license, degree or certification in HVAC, he is very likely to start working immediately. The need for HVAC workers is expected to rise across North America until at least 2014. Certain regions of the United States, such as the western states of Montana, Nevada and Idaho, are expecting an increase of over 50 percent.

There is no U.S. state that doesn’t predict an increase in demand for HVAC workers. Currently, HVAC professionals are earning an average of $37,000 annually. In 2004, approximately 270,000 HVAC workers exist in the United States.