How to Become an HVAC Technician

What Is an HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician is a skilled professional who installs, repairs, and maintains heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings. They’re the experts in keeping indoor spaces comfortable and air quality healthy.

HVAC technicians work with various complex heating, temperature, and humidity systems, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ventilation systems. On any given day, they might install a new heating system in a home, repair a refrigeration system in a grocery store, or perform maintenance on commercial HVAC systems. 

Problem-solving, technical expertise, and knowledge of thermodynamics, electrical systems, and refrigeration principles are the main skills needed to succeed in this field. That’s why Skilled Trades College of Canada’s is a fantastic entry point for people looking to become an HVAC technician. With classroom and hands-on training, you’ll be one step closer to a winning career in the HVAC industry.

Get Your High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent

For those searching “How to Become HVAC technician,” the first step is to obtain a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. As a regulated trade, aspiring HVAC technicians usually need basic educational foundations before starting training programs, apprenticeships, or licensing.
While not always mandatory, a high school diploma or GED provides foundational knowledge in subjects essential for understanding the technical aspects of HVAC systems. If you plan to become an HVAC service technician, focus your studies on mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

Complete Pre-Apprenticeship Training

Starting your HVAC career is easier when you have the right foundation. People looking into how to get into HVAC often begin with a pre-apprenticeship program, like the HVAC course at Skilled Trades College of Canada. These programs cover foundational knowledge about HVAC systems, introducing students to system installation, maintenance, and repair basics.

Students learn core skills that prepare them for more advanced training and apprenticeships. By covering basic concepts, safety protocols, and hands-on techniques, pre-apprenticeship programs help students build confidence and develop a clear understanding of what an HVAC career path truly involves.

Think of it as a launching pad that gives you the initial skills and knowledge to stand out when applying for apprenticeships or entering more specialized HVAC training programs. When you complete an HVAC pre-apprenticeship course, you'll have a basic toolkit of knowledge and skills that will help you learn and grow better in the HVAC industry.

Gain Work Experience and Further Education

The next step in “How to Become HVAC Technician” is to sharpen your skills through on-the-job experience and further HVAC education. Most HVAC mechanics start with entry-level positions and apprenticeships, working and learning alongside experienced professionals.

An HVAC apprenticeship program usually combines on-the-job training and classroom education, with a set number of hours required before you can take your certification exam. You can take two common courses for your apprenticeship, the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) or the Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313D). The 313A covers commercial and industrial systems, while the 313D focuses on residential settings.

If you want to work on gas appliances and heating systems, you need additional HVAC education as a gas technician. Gas technician training comes in three levels—G3, G2, and G1—with G2 being the most common requirement for HVAC technicians.

Get Your License

Unlike plumbing, no single “HVAC license” covers all aspects of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work in Ontario. Instead, you need specific certifications based on the systems you plan to work on. To legally install and service HVAC equipment, complete your apprenticeship and pass the qualifying exam for your chosen trade or specialization.

Each certification covers what you can and can’t legally do as an HVAC technician in Ontario. Always check with local provincial authorities to understand the most current HVAC requirements for licensing.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Ontario

HVAC systems maintain comfortable and healthy indoor environments, and licensed technicians keep these systems operational. The process of learning specialized skills in this trade can vary depending on your background, goals, and preferences, but the key steps to getting into HVAC in Ontario usually look like this:

HVAC Technician Salary in Canada

The salary of an HVAC technician in Ontario varies based on experience, specialization, and skill levels. Experienced HVAC technicians with proper training and licensing are more likely to earn $90,000 per year or more. 

With consistent demand for HVAC services and evolving technologies in energy-efficient systems, plenty of advancement opportunities arise. Once you learn how to get into HVAC, you can specialize in project management, design, or energy efficiency, further boosting your earning potential. 

Benefits of Becoming an HVAC Technician

Why Become an HVAC Technician?

Once older generations retire in the next five to ten years, more skilled tradespeople, including HVAC technicians, will be in high demand. That, on top of a growing need for energy-efficient systems, makes the industry ripe with opportunity.

With competitive salaries, job stability, and room for advancement, there’s no better time to learn how to become an HVAC technician! Get your foot in the door with STC’s HVAC Pre-Apprenticeship Program. In just 12 weeks, you’ll earn skills, knowledge, and experience that can boost your employability and kickstart your exciting career.

Ready to become an HVAC technician? Contact the admissions team at Skilled Trades College of Canada to learn how to build a successful HVAC career!