The One Thing HVAC Schools in San Antonio TX Are Missing
Trade and tech schools are growing rapidly in Texas, and for good reason: they work. Attending a trade school is an effective way to prepare yourself for a stable, lucrative career, providing you with the skills and networking to quickly impress potential employers.
Nowhere has this been more valuable than in the HVAC industry, where students need careful technical training to do their jobs correctly. As effective as HVAC schools in San Antonio TX are, however, many neglect to properly train their students for all of the necessary certifications. To be worth your time and money, HVAC schools in San Antonio TX must be able to prepare you for certification in:
HVAC
This is the most basic certification in the industry, and you are required by law to receive it before you can work in HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation. To receive this certification, you must take a test measuring your skills in light commercial and residential cooling and heating as well as in refrigeration.
EPA
EPA regulations on indoor climate control and refrigeration continue to grow, and HVAC technicians are in charge of making sure that all homes meet these regulations. EPA certification proves that you understand all of the EPA’s policies and know how to help your customers comply.
Green
Though not officially required, green certification will make you a more competitive candidate. Earning this licenses shows you can improve home energy efficiency, helping HVAC systems to work just as well with less electricity. This is essential for saving customers’ money and combating climate change.
R-410a
R-410s is a common chemical used to keep refrigerators cool. Because it does not cause ozone depletion, it is rapidly replacing other refrigerants in the industry. Certification in R-410a builds on previous certification in HVAC installation and maintenance, focusing specifically on how to use the chemical safely.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air is often highly polluted, contributing to sick building syndrome, asthma, and a myriad of other health issues. HVAC systems are the key to reducing indoor pollution, and customers will pay top dollar for a technician with a license to eliminate these hazards. HVAC schools in San Antonio TX that are worthwhile will prepare you for this certification.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Often abbreviated TDLR ACR, this certification establishes safe, effective standards for air conditioning repair, maintenance, and installation. Receiving this certification will demonstrate to clients that you are capable of performing HVAC work suited specifically to Texas’s needs.
North American Technician Excellence
Abbreviated as NATE, this certification demonstrates that you have practical knowledge of how to work with specific HVAC issues. You can receive NATE certification in a variety of specific fields, including hydronics gas, hydronics oil, air distribution, light commercial refrigeration, gas heating, heat pumps, and ground source pump installation.
Preventative Maintenance
Being an HVAC technician doesn’t just mean fixing climate control and air condition systems; it also means identifying and reversing potential problems before they become apparent. Thus no HVAC schools in San Antonio TX are complete without preparing you for preventative maintenance certification, which tests your ability to detect and remove moisture and acid, test for leaks, and perform a wide range of other diagnostic and maintenance procedures. Extensive preparation for certification is essential in an HVAC school, but it alone does not guarantee a good program. The best HVAC programs not only prepare you for all eight certifications but also provide internships, mentoring, and other services to get you ready for a career. For more on finding a school with all of these benefits, contact the Southern Careers Institute today.
