Air Conditioning Contractors
Air conditioning contractors install, repair, and maintain the duct work, electrical equipment, and controls found in residential and commercial cooling systems. Depending on the problem being fixed, the job may require indoor or outdoor work. Some air conditioning contractors might travel to perform on-site repairs, and they may work in tight spots or in warm or cold environments.
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers have a higher-than-average rate of job-related illness and injury. This work may be seasonal, and busy periods can require overtime.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Postsecondary education or training (certificate, associate degree, or apprenticeship) |
| Degree Field | HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) |
| Experience | Varies; up to two years' experience may be requested by some employers |
| Licensure and Certification | Refrigerant handling certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandatory; state-mandated licensing; voluntary professional certification can increase employability |
| Key Skills | Physical strength; good hand-eye coordination; skills in customer service, troubleshooting, and time management; ability to use specialized HVACR equipment: power tools, air gauges, refrigerant pressure meters, power hacksaws, and voltage meters |
| Median Salary (2018) | $47,610 (for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers) |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2018), Occupational Information Network
Be an Air Conditioning Contractor
What steps do I need to take to be an air-conditioning contractor?
Step 1: Complete Formal Training in HVAC
While it's possible to learn the HVAC trade through work experience, air conditioning contractors who have completed formal training often have better employment opportunities. Options include apprenticeship programs, certificate programs, and associate degree programs. Apprenticeships usually last 3 to 5 years, while certificate programs require a year of full-time study. Associate degree programs take about 2 years to complete. Common courses include basic electricity, refrigeration, control wiring, and sheet metal fabrication.
Success Tip:
It's a good idea to take electives in electronics and computer science. The BLS reports that the best job prospects will be available to air conditioning contractors who are adept at working with complex computer and electronics systems. Look for coursework that covers such topics as digital circuitry, microprocessors, and industrial electronics.
Step 2: Earn Your EPA Certification
Federal law requires air conditioning contractors who work with refrigerants to pass certification exams designed to ensure the safe handling of these materials. Exam topics include refrigerant recovery; recycling; and shipping and disposal for high-pressure refrigerants, low-pressure refrigerants, or small appliances. The EPA approves technical schools and community colleges as certification exam providers.
Step 3: Acquire Work Experience
Employers often seek air conditioning contractors who have 2 or more years of experience. Many states also demand work experience as a prerequisite for licensure. The amount varies by state, but can range from 2 years after the completion of an apprenticeship up to 7 years of work experience for technicians who did not complete one of these training programs. Aspiring air conditioning contractors can meet these requirements by performing basic tasks alongside more experienced journeyman or master technicians in an entry-level position.
Step 4: Get Your License
Every state sets its own qualifications for licensure, but all require air conditioning contractors to pass a licensing exam after earning the necessary work experience. They might also mandate that they pass criminal background checks and carry liability insurance or performance bonds. Minimum age requirements could also apply.
Success Tip:
Be sure to research the continuing education requirements for your state. Some state licensing boards require air conditioning contractors to complete around 4 hours of continuing education as a condition of license renewal.
Step 5: Advance Your Career by Earning Professional Certification
While professional certification isn't necessary for employment, it could improve air conditioning contractors' career opportunities. Professional associations, such as the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute and HVAC Excellence, offer credentials to technicians who meet work experience requirements and pass exams in specialized areas.
Air conditioning contractors install, repair, and maintain the duct work, electrical equipment, and controls found in cooling systems. They have postsecondary training, EPA certificates, and state-mandated licenses. They're expected to be strong, with good customer service skills and the ability to handle the relevant tools, and they earn a median annual salary of $47,610.