If you are looking for a trade with real demand, one you can learn without quitting your current job and that can lead to steady work, HVAC is worth a close look. Here is how to get started.
What an HVAC technician does
- Installs air-conditioning, heating and ventilation systems in homes and businesses.
- Performs preventive maintenance: cleaning, pressure checks, filters and electrical connections.
- Diagnoses and repairs problems, from a failed capacitor to a refrigerant leak.
- Handles refrigerants, including the new A2L refrigerants, following safety standards.
The training
A solid course takes you through electrical basics, the refrigeration cycle, system components, installation and troubleshooting. Studying online lets you learn at your own pace, rewatch the videos as often as you need and practice with a quiz in every module.
Many students start while they keep their current job: an hour a day on the phone or the laptop adds up quickly. What matters most is consistency and understanding why a system works, not just memorizing steps, because that is what lets you diagnose a problem you have never seen before.
The certification the law requires
Federal law requires EPA Section 608 certification to work on equipment that contains refrigerant (the EPA). The exam is proctored by AVTI, LLC as an authorized proctor, and once you pass, your certification is issued by an EPA-approved certifying organization.
With your training and EPA 608 certification you can look for work as a technician with an HVAC company. If you later want to run your own business, each state has its own contractor license, which you apply for when you take that step.
The outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HVAC employment is projected to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035, with about 40,600 openings per year on average, and the median annual wage for the trade was $61,010 in May 2025. Actual pay depends on experience, state and employer.
Your next step
See everything included in the HVAC Technician Combo. Questions? Call us at 407-634-7948.
