Key Takeaways
- HVAC careers are growing in Columbia, SC. Strong demand and projected growth make now a great time to enter the field.
- Training can get you job-ready quickly. HVAC-R programs offer hands-on training that can prepare students for entry-level careers in about a year.
- HVAC work is hands-on and rewarding. Technicians solve problems daily while building skills that can lead to specialized and advanced career opportunities.
On any given day, South Carolina HVAC technicians can be found repairing complex air conditioning systems in commercial buildings, installing refrigeration units in restaurants, and upgrading heating systems for residential homes. For people who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, and fixing things, working in HVAC in Columbia, South Carolina, can be a great career.
Specialized training is required to become qualified to repair, install, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems. Attending an HVAC-R school in South Carolina prepares people for jobs in this growing field.
Is HVAC a Good Career?
Becoming an HVAC technician in Columbia, South Carolina, can be a smart move. In addition to the growing demand for HVAC technicians in the area, local training programs offer relatively quick paths to the job market.
Benefits of Becoming an HVAC Technician
South Carolina’s HVAC techs have engaging, in-demand jobs. Here are some benefits of becoming an HVAC technician:
Growing demand: Demand for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems continues to grow, driving a need for more HVAC technicians. The field is expected to grow much faster than the average rate for all occupations between 2032 and 2033, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Fast training: While many jobs require a four-year degree, HVAC technicians can enter the job market after about one year of training. Many HVAC programs offer a fast track to the workforce.
Engaging work: HVAC techs rely on strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, as they face new challenges on a regular basis. The variety of tasks they perform keeps the job interesting.
Career advancement: HVAC technicians can specialize in an area of their choice or move into an advanced role such as lead tech, supervisor, or contractor. Gaining professional certification also can help HVAC techs advance.
HVAC Career Paths
HVAC technicians can choose from several specializations based on their interests and the demand in their area.
Residential HVAC Technician
Residential HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems in private homes. They troubleshoot problems with air conditioning or heating systems, recommend upgrades, and audit residential systems. These HVAC techs need strong communication skills, because they often work closely with homeowners.
Commercial HVAC Technician
Commercial HVAC techs work in corporate facilities, restaurants, manufacturing centers, retail stores, and other businesses. They often work on large-scale systems, which requires specialized training. This can include installing and repairing rooftop air conditioning units, boilers, industrial ventilators, and other commercial HVAC equipment. Commercial HVAC techs also upgrade HVAC systems.
HVAC-R Technician
Refrigeration is a popular specialization within HVAC. These technicians install, troubleshoot, and repair refrigeration systems. Drawing on their training in commercial and industrial refrigeration, these techs check refrigerant pressure and follow safety guidelines. Specialists in refrigeration may work as HVAC-R techs or refrigeration techs.
Green HVAC Technician
Sustainability is the key focus of HVAC technicians who specialize in green energy. These techs conduct energy audits, install green energy systems, and employ best practices in energy conservation.
HVAC Training and Experience Requirements in Columbia, SC
South Carolina HVAC technicians need specialized training to qualify for entry-level jobs. HVAC-R schools help individuals build the knowledge and skills necessary to work in technician roles.
Students enrolled in an HVAC-R program learn about residential and commercial systems, HVAC tools and equipment, and safety requirements. These programs incorporate extensive skills-based training to prepare students for roles such as HVAC service technician, installation technician, or heating technician.
HVAC Courses
Students in an HVAC training program study core concepts in energy while gaining hands-on maintenance and repair skills.
Courses cover topics that include:
Electric and gas heating systems
HVAC system performance
Commercial and residential air conditioning
HVAC troubleshooting
Courses may also prepare students for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Universal Certification exam, which must be passed to obtain the professional certification that is required for refrigeration techs.
In addition to classroom-based learning, students learn how to use specialized tools such as pressure gauges, voltmeters, and manometers to test and repair HVAC systems. Experiential learning requirements help students build the skills necessary to service residential and commercial systems.
HVAC Skills
Through HVAC training program courses, students get the opportunity to develop the skills they need to be able to perform key tasks such as:
- Conducting recovery, evacuation, and charging processes for air conditioning or refrigeration systems
- Selecting and installing air conditioning components
- Troubleshooting problems in commercial refrigeration systems
- Conducting basic maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting for electric heat and heat pump systems
- Troubleshooting, maintaining, and installing gas-heating equipment
- Maintaining and repairing water-based heating systems
- Servicing various HVAC systems, such as those based on oil heating, solar energy, or natural gas
Students also get to develop their skills in areas such as:
- Following safety protocols
- Making calculations related to heating and cooling loads
- Analyzing circuits
- Troubleshooting problems in electrical systems
- Analyzing HVAC system performance
Benefits of Completing the Fortis HVAC Program
Students who complete the HVAC training program that Fortis offers can enjoy a range of unique benefits. For example, they have the opportunity to:
- Get comprehensive HVAC training that is career-orientedPrepare for entry-level employment in HVAC in the Columbia, South Carolina, area and beyond
- Receive training from qualified and dedicated faculty members
- Learn in a 3,000-square-foot lab dedicated to the HVAC training program
- Use Fortis’s learning resource center and its internet access, computer stations, web-based resources, books, and periodicals
- Take advantage of Fortis’s career services, which help students develop their resumes and improve their interviewing skills
HVAC Job Outlook in South Carolina
With its humid, subtropical climate, South Carolina residents and businesses rely on HVAC technicians to keep cool. As a result, the job outlook for HVAC technicians remains strong in the state.
At the national level, HVAC mechanics and installers are expected to see 8% job growth from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. Job growth for HVAC techs in South Carolina is projected to be 7.7% from 2022 to 2032, according to Projections Central. More than 550 job openings are expected to be available for HVAC technicians in the state each year during that period.
New building construction combined with upgrades to existing buildings is expected to drive future demand for HVAC services. In addition, an increasing number of both residential and commercial building owners are transitioning to efficient climate control systems. Technicians will also be needed to repair and upgrade out-of-date systems.
Train at an HVAC School in Columbia, SC
Are you interested in becoming an HVAC-R technician? Fortis College offers an HVAC-R Training program at its Columbia, South Carolina, campus. The program helps students build the technical expertise and skills they need to work in this in-demand field.
As an HVAC-R student, you will learn how to install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. You will also train to use computerized diagnostics to service HVAC systems. At the same time, you will strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on training.
Contact Fortis today to learn more about the program.
Recommended Readings
The Career Path for HVAC
Are Skilled Trades in Demand?
The Importance of Soft Skills in an HVAC & Refrigeration Career
