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The objectives of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating
program are to provide the technical skills necessary for entry level
employment in a highly technical HVAC field such as:
- Domestic
- Commercial/Industrial
- Air Conditioning
- Automotive air-conditioning
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems consist of
many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, such as
motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and
switches. In central heating systems, for example, a furnace heats
air that is distributed throughout the building via a system of
metal or fiberglass ducts. Technicians must be able to maintain,
diagnose, and correct problems throughout the entire system. To do
this, they adjust system controls to recommended settings and test
the performance of the entire system using special tools and test
equipment.
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and
installers are adept at using a variety of tools, including hammers,
wrenches, metal snips, electric drills, pipe cutters and benders,
measurement gauges, and acetylene torches, to work with refrigerant
lines and air ducts. They use voltmeters, thermometers, pressure
gauges, manometers, and other testing devices to check airflow,
refrigerant pressure, electrical circuits, burners, and other
components.
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- The Air-Conditioning Excellence program, offered through
North American Technician Excellence, is the standard for
certification of experienced technicians.
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE), 4100 North
Fairfax Dr., Suite 210, Arlington, VA 22203. Internet:
http://www.natex.org/
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| Many secondary and
post secondary technical and trade schools, junior and community
colleges, and the U.S. Armed Forces offer 6-month to 2-year
programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
Students study theory, design, and equipment construction, as
well as electronics. They also learn the basics of installation,
maintenance, and repair. All technicians who purchase
or work with refrigerants must be certified in their proper
handling. To become certified to purchase and handle
refrigerants, technicians must pass a written examination
specific to the type of work in which they specialize. The three
possible areas of certification are: Type I—servicing small
appliances, Type II—high-pressure refrigerants, and Type
III—low-pressure refrigerants. Exams are administered by
organizations approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, such as trade schools, unions, contractor associations,
or building groups. |
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- Job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics
and installers are expected to be good, particularly for those with
technical school or formal apprenticeship training.
For information on career opportunities and training, contact:
- Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, 4100 North Fairfax Dr.,
Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22203. Internet:
http://www.ari.org/
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