HVAC Tech Responsibilties:
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
HVAC Tech Benefits:
HVAC techs can get lots of overtime work since many people require fixes and upgrades during the summer and winter months. The shortage of HVAC techs means there are more opportunities than ever in this space!
In order to perform HVAC work in North Carolina, it is mandatory to have a valid HVAC license. If you are interested in working with commercial refrigeration units, you will need to obtain additional licensing.
In North Carolina, HVAC licenses are categorized into refrigeration contractor licenses and heating and cooling licenses. The refrigeration license specifically authorizes you to work on commercial HVAC or refrigeration units. On the other hand, heating and cooling licenses consist of three main classes: H1, H2, and H3. In each of these three classes, you have the option to obtain either a contractor license or a technician license. If you aspire to run an HVAC business, obtaining a contractor license would be the ideal choice.
The H1 license permits you to work on water-based heating systems in any type of building. The H2 license enables you to work on forced air heating and cooling units weighing more than 15 tons. Lastly, the H3 license grants you the ability to work on forced air heating and cooling units weighing less than 15 tons.
As for salary, the average income for HVAC technicians in North Carolina is $40,000. Individuals with an H1 license can earn around $43,000 annually, while those with an H2 license typically make an average salary of $53,000. Lastly, individuals with an H3 license tend to have an average salary of approximately $58,000.
In North Carolina, the HVAC industry offers various licenses that allow professionals to work in different areas within the field. As an HVAC technician, you will frequently face new challenges that require your problem-solving skills. Additionally, the work you do helps the environment by installing energy-efficient heat pumps and replacing old filters with newer ones, reducing the overall environmental impact.
The demand for HVAC technicians in North Carolina is high for several reasons, as highlighted in this article. Homeowners are increasingly seeking indoor climate control, necessitating trained technicians who can adapt to the digital landscape and work with modern HVAC systems.
When it comes to becoming an HVAC technician in North Carolina, it is important to be aware of the licensing requirements and associated fees. The following information will guide you through the process:
In addition to the licensing fees, a surety bond is also required. The typical amount for the surety bond is $2,000. However, please note that this amount may slightly vary in different cities within North Carolina.
By understanding the licensing fees and surety bond requirement, you can properly prepare and fulfill the necessary obligations for your HVAC occupation in North Carolina.
To qualify for a North Carolina HVAC license, you can obtain half of your on-the-job experience through education. Consider receiving a certificate or associate’s degree from reputable schools such as Central Piedmont Community College, Guilford Technical Community College, or Wake Tech. These schools offer Associate of Science degrees with an average tuition range of $5,000-$8,000. Don't forget to inquire about financial aid options.
For those aiming higher, top-tier universities like Duke University and N.C. State University offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. Tuition at these universities ranges from $20,000-$50,000 per year. Keep in mind that most coursework must be completed on campus.
To obtain a refrigeration license, you must have 4,000 hours of experience in commercial refrigeration. 50% of this can be obtained through academic or technical training, while the other half must be gained under the supervision of a refrigeration contractor or professional engineer.
If you plan to take the contractor exam for any heating and cooling license, you'll need at least two years (or 4,000 hours) of on-site experience in the maintenance, service, repair, or installation of heating systems or plumbing. Again, half of this experience can be sought through technical or academic training. For the standard HVAC technician exam, 3,000 hours of on-site experience is required.
The heating and cooling licenses are issued by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. On the other hand, the refrigeration licenses are administered by the State Board of Refrigeration Contractors.
To become an HVAC contractor or technician, you'll need to take a 4-hour primary heating licensing exam. Additionally, a 1.5-hour business and law exam is required. The North Carolina State Board of Examiners provides an extensive list of references to help you study for these exams, which can be found here. You can also access free practice tests at this link.
If you wish to obtain a refrigeration contractor license, you must complete an application and provide evidence of at least 4,000 hours in commercial refrigeration. This experience can be gained through a combination of education, technical training, or an apprenticeship. The refrigeration exam consists of four parts, all of which must be passed within a year. The exams contain a total of 100 questions, and you are allowed to use any books during the tests.
It is necessary to renew your North Carolina HVAC license every year. Failure to renew for three years will require you to retake the exams.
Obtaining your North Carolina HVAC license can take up to 3 years.
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