The HVAC Blog
Advances in HVAC-R practice are driving HVAC education forward, toward an understanding of greener systems and components, and connected and embedded technologies such as Nest thermostats that control advanced heating and cooling systems in ever more sophisticated ways. New HVAC certification and degree programs focus on preparing technicians to install, maintain and repair modern HVAC-R systems, often device-controlled and incorporating progressively greener technology. This blog surfaces the best modern HVAC programs across a number of dimensions, along with the professors that are pushing HVAC education forward, and the apps and technologies that are emerging as future HVAC-R standards. As licensing and certification requirements evolve to incorporate new advancements in the field, and as active HVAC educators and practitioners share their stories, the www.hvacclasses.org team will publish that information here.
There is no question that air conditioning technician is a job that is in high demand. Virtually every new building needs a trained technician to install new air conditioning systems, which is to say nothing of the air conditioners around the country that need regular maintenance and repair. Luckily there are many choices for a good AC technician school if you know where to look.
As a homeowner, you own your HVAC/R systems. And while you don’t need to be an HVAC/R specialist yourself, it is important to know a few basic facts about how your home is heated and cooled. What type of HVAC/R system you have, what condition it’s in, and how old it is will impact how and when you (and your HVAC/R technician) should repair, replace, or maintain it....
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration appliances and systems are integral to most modern buildings. Not only do they keep living and workspaces cool and comfortable, but they can also be relied on to keep food refrigerated or frozen. It takes years of education and training to become an HVAC tech with the skills to work on these intricate and complex systems.
Whether you’re a current or prospective homeowner, or whether you’re a new and aspiring HVAC professional, it’s important to know about the types of climate control systems in homes built in different eras.
This winter is projected to be slightly colder than last year, but some consumers may feel a serious chill when they get their energy bills. Retail prices for energy are already at or near multi-year highs. The US Energy Information Association (EIA) has forecast that they will go even higher over winter.
“Intelligent” products, including a variety of smart thermostats that are already on the market, give consumers more personal control over their homes through the use of technology that “learns” on its own or through an app on a phone or other networked system.
Huge bills from the energy companies face homeowners and building managers, especially during the record-setting heat and cold weather prevalent this past year. Solar power is evolving to meet those energy needs, creating a growing demand for solar HVAC.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has included sustainable building practices, healthy buildings, and a strengthened HVAC workforce as three of its top public policy priorities for 2021.
Learn about the benefits of union membership, and about the advocacy issues most important to the HVAC industry today, through an interview with a past president of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA).
Solar technicians may find that their skills are in high demand, as the costs of solar panels drops and the demand for systems increases. Learn how you can become a solar technician by turning to our solar technician training guide for information on school programs and certification.