An air conditioning repair service is always in demand, to care for problems and field questions about residential and commercial AC units. If you are located in an area where air conditioners are needed all year around, these skills may be very much in demand. Training for air conditioning repair can qualify you to work in an industry that won't go out of style.

If you want a job in home air conditioning repair, you'll have to choose between many education opportunities. Training for air conditioning repair has many different components. Most students of an HVAC training program will have to:

1. Complete online or classroom book work.

2. Pass certification tests to repair units with an air conditioner service.

3. Go through a period of hands-on training, either in the classroom or in the field.

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Choose online courses to learn AC repair at your convenience

AC repair can be a complicated process because there are many different models of air conditioners on the market. Choosing online courses for your licensing and certifications can save your a lot of time and money. You also have the option of mixing online courses with traditional brick and mortar courses, in order to get a more hands-on experience.

I recommend: Delmar Cengage Learning offers online companions to online learning courses. These supplementary resources provide a fun way to learn air conditioning repair skills through games and other learning tools. If you are unsure where you should take your courses, HvacTrainingGuys.com provides a list of top online schools for HVAC repair.

Find air conditioning repair classes that provide the right certifications

One of the most important parts of training for air conditioning repair is obtaining the correct certifications for the job. Different states usually require different certifications, so make sure you know what you need do to get certified as a repair specialist.

I recommend: HVAC Excellence offers information on both the professional and master specialist certification training. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides links to approved training courses that handle certification courses and exams for Section 608.

Consider air conditioning equipment repair classes that provide hands-on opportunities

Because air conditioners and other machines have complicated parts and processes, repairing a unit during a class is the best way to learn. If you get hands-on experience repairing a variety of units, you won't have to worry when it's time to do it for a customer.

I recommend: The HVAC Training School has many courses for air conditioning repair, and all of them include hands-on training. The HVAC Technical Institute provides hands-on training for all HVAC topics, including basic and advanced air conditioning training.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Certain cities and states require different types of licensing for air conditioner repair. Make sure you obtain a license that will let you work on AC repairs in your area.

Air conditioning repair is a necessary service provided by any real estate and construction business. Most AC repair providers fall under the heading of HVAC – that is, heating, ventilating and air conditioning.

There are a variety of air conditioner service people to choose from, both independent contractors as well as those who work for major AC manufacturers or suppliers. Whoever you hire, make sure the technician is certified in air conditioner repairs.

When you find one of your residences or buildings is in need of air conditioning repair service, choose from the following options:

1. Search for a local certified air conditioning repair professional. Ask around for recommendations.
2. Contact the manufacturer of the problem AC unit, especially if there’s a chance the air conditioning repairs will be covered under warranty.
3. Train one or several people on your current staff in air conditioning equipment repair.
   

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Contact a local air conditioning repair service

If this is the first time you've had trouble with an air conditioner, lucky you! Regardless, it might be time to establish a relationship with a certified AC repair technician.

I recommend: Air Conditioning Contractors of America lets you search its database of local AC repair service technicians. Just type in your zip code to get quotes from several contractors at HVAC Networx.

Get AC repair from the manufacturer

If you think the problematic air conditioner is still under warranty, your first call should be to the unit's manufacturer. This isn't a bad option for repairs not under warranty, as well.

I recommend: You can schedule an air conditioner repair service call with Whirlpool online. Sears offers central air conditioning repair for its Kenmore brand of products, as well as other HVAC units.

Train one of your employees in air conditioning equipment repair

After several AC repairs, you may determine that it is more cost-effective for your business to train someone on your staff to become certified in air conditioning repair. Be sure you understand what it takes to get licensed as an HVAC technician and that the person you have in mind is on-board with the idea.

I recommend: American Trainco offers air conditioning certification classes throughout the United States and Canada. Learn what it takes to become licensed in air conditioning repair by state at NationalContractors.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For basic air conditioning checkups - not emergency service calls - consider hiring an air conditioning repair service during the off-season. You'll find much better rates this time of year than you would in the heat of summer.
• •  Check the warranty before hiring out any air conditioner repair, and consider an extended warranty if you seem to have a bum unit.

With the seemingly ever-changing climate conditions, air conditioning repair is one avocation that can be nearly recession-proof. The average person will tolerate most anything but not a broken air conditioner. That's why air conditioning repair education and training can lead to new and stable career. Even if you're an established contractor or serviceperson, it's imperative to stay abreast of changes in the industry.

Air conditioning repair service education is available through several sources. First, if you simply want to understand the basics of repair and the industry, there are online tutorials and occupational outlook summaries. Next, you have the option to take AC repair courses or join service associations. However, there are few items to consider before you begin:

1. Investigate the basics of air conditioner repair industry.

2. Review the available air conditioning equipment repair courses.

3. Contact home air conditioning repair associations.

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Examine the essential elements of the air conditioner service profession

Part of the education for any vocation like AC repairs is finding out its basic elements and the occupational outlook. For instance, before you enroll in classes or join an association, it's prudent to know if this profession fits your skill set. The occupational outlook will tell you the nature of the work and what qualifications are needed to work in the AC repair service industry.

I recommend: Study the air conditioning repair tutorial at Inspectapedia for the basics of the process. Review the air conditioning repair occupational outlook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Register for air conditioner repair courses

In order to attain a certified degree in AC repair, a person must complete a training curriculum. Even if you aren't looking to become certified, these courses are usually the best and most expedient way to accumulate and expand industry knowledge.

I recommend: Fill out an information request form from The Refrigeration School to learn more about the AC repair courses they offer. Contact the Penn Foster Career School to begin the AC repair certification process.

Speak to a representative from an air conditioning repair service association

AC repair associations offer continuing education as well as keeping you informed of the latest industry developments. These associations can also offer member discounts on AC repair training and education.

I recommend: Contact the Air Conditioning Contractors of America for information about their online courses and other educational opportunities. Become a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers to attain access and discounts to their training resources.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure that you are in good physical condition before deciding to invest time and effort in the AC repair business. The profession often requires a person to be on their feet and active for most of the day and to lift heavy objects in order to be effective.

Maintaining property air conditioning is critical in any residential or commercial location. Air conditioning repair is confusing for anyone not experienced in these systems. Potential problems with the air conditioner thermostat, air handler and condenser could lead to significant repair costs. Failure to perform required preventative maintenance can lead to air conditioning failures as well. Learning about air conditioners can help a business make smart and financially sound decisions regarding the repairs they need.

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Air conditioner thermostat

The air conditioner thermostat is the device controlling the activation of the unit. Some repairs are due to a faulty thermostat or communication between the air conditioning unit and the thermostat.

I recommend: HomeTips offers a complete guide to air conditioner repair including help with the air conditioning thermostat.

Condenser

The condenser is another area of some air conditioning systems that may need repair. The condenser is usually a condensing coil. The condenser also has a fan, which blows air over the coils. The refrigerant located within the coils helps to cool air before it is pumped back into the space.

I recommend: InspectAPedia offers a description of the condenser and how it works to cool air.

Preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance is an important part of maintaining an air conditioning system. Common repair problems stem from failure to meet these requirements. In short, preventative maintenance is a term used to describe the necessary regular care the air conditioning unit needs.

I recommend: Kelly's Heating and Air Conditioning offers more information on the required preventative maintenance for air conditioning. Find out if important areas have been missed that could result in a need for repair.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

NATE is a certification program for technicians. Commercial and residential air conditioning repair technicians should be NATE certified. When they are, they have extensive and proved knowledge and ability.

I recommend: North American Technician Excellence provides more information about NATE certifications.

Heat pump systems

Heat pump systems are a type of heating and cooling system ideal for those with moderate needs. They use electricity to move heat and are also energy efficient air conditioning systems.

I recommend: The U. S. Department of Energy offers more information on heat pump systems.

Air handlers

Air handlers are a part of the air conditioning unit. They work to circulate cooled air throughout the building. Air conditioning repairs may include the need for a new air handler.

I recommend: Trane offers more information about air handlers at their website.