What is an Air Conditioning Engineer?
An air conditioning engineer is also referred to as an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) mechanic, installer, or technician.
Basically, an air conditioning engineer is someone who has the training and HVAC certifications to install and work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality of a building.
At Southern Careers Institute, the HVAC Air Conditioning Training Program offers training for both commercial and residential HVAC systems.
After enrolling in this program, students will then get hands-on training with a variety of air units, condensers, and cooling and heating systems. They also receive instruction on piping using different materials.
Job Description
The job of an HVAC engineer includes many duties. The following are some examples:
- Installing, cleaning, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems
- Installing wiring and electrical components
- Discussing system malfunctions with customers
- Inspecting and testing HVAC systems and components
- Repairing or replacing worn or defective parts
- Recommending maintenance for improving system performance
- Keeping detailed records of work performed
Government regulations regarding the recovery, conservation, and recycling of refrigerants must be followed by technicians when installing or repairing air conditioning systems.
For example, these regulations involve the proper handling and disposal of fluids and pressurized gases. Because refrigerants are hazardous and contact can cause frostbite, skin damage, or blindness, appropriate safety equipment is necessary when handling them.
Engineers work mostly in homes, stores, schools, office buildings, hospitals, or factories. Also, most jobs are full-time, with nights and weekends often required. Additionally, overtime and irregular hours are common during peak cooling and heating seasons.
Air Conditioning Engineer Courses
The HVAC training program is available online and at the Austin, San Antonio-North, Harlingen, and Waco campuses.
After enrolling in this program, then students will learn to install, repair, and maintain AC and heating units.
Students receive specific instructions in the following: refrigeration and air conditioning technology; automatic, electronic, and programmable controls.
HVAC training in Texas also includes, system evacuation, refrigerants, small appliances and system charging; also in commercial refrigeration and heating systems; and lastly, EPA regulations and energy efficiency.
Course titles include the following:
- Trade Safety
- Construction Basics
- Introduction to HVAC
- Heating and Cooling
- Venting and Ducting
- Diagnostics and Maintenance
- HVAC Electrical
- Troubleshooting
- Hydronics
- Commercial and Industrial Systems
- Quality and Conservation
- Crew Leadership and Placement
Types of Certifications
Graduates of the training course are eligible to become registered HVAC technicians through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Basically, this allows them to find entry-level employment in residential or commercial fields. However, certifications require work experience under a seasoned HVAC service technician.
Then, after 24-months of air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed contractor, registered technicians are eligible to become certified HVAC technicians.
They can also become licensed HVAC contractors after 48-months of supervised practical experience.
The type of certifications available to graduates of the HVAC program include the following:
- HVAC Certification
- Green Certification
- EPA Certification
- Indoor Air Quality Certification
- R410A Certified
- TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Certification
- North American Technical Excellence (NATE) Certified
- Preventative Maintenance Certification
Air Conditioning Engineer Salary
On average, air conditioning engineers in the United States earn $47,610 yearly with top earners making about $76,230. Furthermore, low-end employees earn about $29,460 a year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary in Texas is $46,070. Lastly, heating and air conditioning apprentices usually earn half the wage of certified technicians.
The industries with the highest levels of employment and their annual wages include the following:
Colleges and Universities- $53,090
Commercial and Industrial Machinery/Equipment- $52,670
Merchant Wholesalers-$52,190
Direct Selling Establishments- $50,090
Building Equipment Contractors-$49,100
The following are top-paying industries for this occupation along with their annual salaries:
Heavy Construction and Civil Engineering- $84,590
Aerospace Products and Parts Manufacturing- $75,580
Electric Power Generation and Transmission- $72,730
Deep-Sea Water Transportation- $71,880
Monetary Authorities-$70,460
Texas HVAC Career Training
If you want to explore whether a career as an air conditioning technician is right for you, fill out the request info form.
Then, someone from our admissions staff will be happy to answer your questions and assist you with everything from enrollment to financial aid.
But Don\’t delay! It\’s time to be in control of your life. Contact Southern Careers Institute today at 1.833.SCI.TEXAS!
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499021.htm#st
Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCITexas.edu does not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute. Career and program information stated in this blog does not guarantee that programs and specifics are offered at Southern Careers Institute.
