In a warm and humid state such as Florida, HVAC technicians play a critical role. They work on the air conditioning systems that keep homes and buildings comfortable throughout the year. An HVAC technician might install new equipment in a building, repair older systems or recommend improvements and upgrades to their clients.
If you’re looking for a stable career in a growing field, earning (HVAC certification in Florida) can be a good option for you. Check out a few reasons to train to become an HVAC technician and earn your HVAC license.
1. The HVAC Field is Growing
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 15,000 new HVAC technician jobs will be created by 2029, an increase of about 4%. A few factors could contribute to the growth of the HVAC field and lead to an increased demand for licensed technicians.
One factor is the need for new buildings and new heating and cooling systems in those buildings. For example, according to Census data, 1.682 million building permits were issued in February 2021 and 1.362 million new homes were completed.
Another factor that can increase demand for licensed HVAC technicians is the adoption of new and increasingly complex HVAC systems. Today’s heating and cooling systems are considerably more sophisticated than the ones produced in the past. They require skilled installation and maintenance.
2. You Need an (HVAC License in Florida)
Getting HVAC certification in Florida can be a practical matter. If you want to work as a technician in the state, you need to be licensed.
There are a few ways you can go about preparing to earn your certificate in the state. You can complete a career certificate program or an apprenticeship. After you complete the required training, you’ll need to pass several exams issued by HVAC Excellence.
3. An HVAC License Helps You Get Ahead
Earning your HVAC license means you can get hired by customers to install or repair their heating and cooling systems. While some customers might be willing to work with a technician who isn’t licensed, many realize that it’s not worth the risk. If you want to get hired and continue to find work, you need to earn your certification.
Beyond basic licensure, some certifications can help you get ahead in the field. For example, if you also earn NATE certification, you demonstrate subject matter expertise. A customer might be more interested in hiring a NATE-certified technician compared to someone who isn’t NATE-certified.
4. Technicians With an (HVAC Certification in Florida) Earn Higher Salaries
The more experience you have as an HVAC technician, the more you can earn. The median annual salary for HVAC technicians is $50,590, as of May 2020. Apprentices typically earn about half as much as licensed technicians.
Since customers are looking for skilled technicians, having proof of licensure and certifications can mean that you can command a higher salary. If you work for yourself, you may be able to charge clients more. If you work for a company, the company might increase your salary as you earn additional certifications and complete continuing education programs.
5. (HVAC Continuing Education in Florida) Helps You Build New Skills
Once you’ve earned your (HVAC license in Florida), you’ll need to complete continuing education programs to maintain licensure. Continuing education keeps your skills sharp and introduces you to new concepts and technologies in the field. If you hope to grow your career in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, keeping up with continuing education lets you stay competitive and up-to-date.
(How to Get an HVAC License in Florida)
If you’re interested in learning (how to get HVAC certified), the first step is to learn more about the career certificate programs offered by Orange Technical College. Our two HVAC programs offer advanced training in HVAC systems, preparing you for a fulfilling career in the industry.
After completing each of the programs, you’ll be ready to take the licensure exams offered by HVAC Excellence. You can also continue your education by enrolling in an associate’s degree program at Valencia College.
To take the first step toward HVAC certification, contact Orange Technical College today to request more information.