A building’s air conditioner, heater, and ductwork keep interior environments comfortable and healthy, regardless of the outside temperature. Working HVAC systems are necessary for the health and safety of building occupants, especially in areas with extreme climates, such as Florida, maintaining proper humidity and indoor air quality.
HVAC contractors play a vital role in keeping people comfortable and safe. They ensure that HVAC systems are functioning properly and efficiently.
This blog post will take a closer look at what an HVAC contractor does and give an overview of how to become an HVAC contractor in Florida.
What Do HVAC Contractors Do?
HVAC contractors are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They work in various settings, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.
HVAC systems include all elements that move hot and cold air through a building, including ventilation and ductwork. Boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and refrigeration systems all fall under the umbrella of an HVAC system. They are the types of different units that HVAC contractors work on.
Some HVAC contractors will specialize in specific HVAC systems, while others will work on a wide range of different ones. Because HVAC systems are so complex, Florida, like most other states, requires HVAC contractors to be licensed.
Obtaining a contractor’s license requires training, successful completion of an exam, and a certain amount of hands-on experience.
Let’s take a closer look at some of an HVAC contractor’s responsibilities:
- Installation: HVAC professionals install heating and cooling systems not just in new buildings but also in older ones. Over time, building owners need to replace or upgrade their HVAC equipment. It is an especially complex process for older buildings that must be retrofitted to accommodate new or larger systems.
- Maintenance: HVAC systems get a significant amount of use year-round. Although they often remain dormant during milder seasons, routine maintenance, including an annual tune-up, is necessary. HVAC contractors check a system’s refrigerant levels, clean vents and fans, change filters, and ensure the system works as it should. This routine maintenance helps to identify any problems before they worsen.
- Repairs: HVAC repair involves troubleshooting system problems and fixing them. These repairs often include identifying leakage sources, testing thermostats, replacing parts, and more. Since the HVAC system and its many elements are often hidden from view, building owners often do not notice any problems until their HVAC system stops working. It is another reason why routine maintenance is so important.
How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Florida
To become an HVAC contractor in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete an HVAC training program
- Pass an HVAC contractor exam
- Acquire general liability insurance
- Demonstrate financial responsibility
- Pass a criminal background check
HVAC Training Programs
There are two main types of HVAC training programs:
- Apprenticeship programs: These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices typically work under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor for three to five years.
- Vocational school programs: HVAC school typically takes one to two years to complete. HVAC trade schools provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to become an HVAC contractor.
HVAC Licensing Exams
The trade knowledge exam and the business and finance knowledge exam are administered by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), and successful completion of both is required to become an HVAC contractor.
The trade knowledge exam covers various topics, including HVAC system components, installation and repair procedures, and safety regulations.
The business and finance knowledge exam covers business management, accounting, and contracting law.
General Liability Insurance
HVAC contractors are required to have general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects contractors from financial losses in the event of a lawsuit.
Financial Responsibility
HVAC contractors must also demonstrate financial responsibility. This can be done by providing proof of a good credit score or obtaining a surety bond.
Criminal Background Check
HVAC contractors must pass a criminal background check. The background check is conducted to ensure that they are of good moral character and do not have any criminal convictions that would prevent them from performing their job duties.
Local licensing requirements
Some cities and counties in Florida have additional licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. Be sure to check with your local licensing authority to determine if there are any other requirements you must meet.
Skills and Qualities of a Successful HVAC Contractor
Successful HVAC contractors possess a variety of skills and qualities, including:
- Technical skills: HVAC contractors must have a strong understanding of HVAC systems and components. They must also be able to troubleshoot and repair HVAC problems.
- Customer service skills: HVAC contractors interact with customers regularly. They need to have good customer service skills and communicate effectively with customers.
- Business skills: HVAC contractors who own businesses must also have strong business skills. That includes skills such as accounting, marketing, and customer management.
Career Outlook for HVAC Contractors in Florida
The job outlook for HVAC contractors in Florida is good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of HVAC technicians will grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for HVAC services in residential and commercial buildings. Florida’s hot and humid climate also contributes to the high demand for HVAC services in the state.
Salary for HVAC Contractors
The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $51,390 in May 2022.
HVAC contractors who own their own businesses can earn significantly more than those who work for others.
Become an HVAC Contractor Today
CBT Technology Institute, a premiere HVAC school in Miami, Florida, offers an 8-month HVAC technician program and a 20-month AS program to start you on the road to a successful career as an HVAC contractor.
Contact CBT Technology Institute’s HVAC school in Miami today.