About half a typical home’s energy is used for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that cooling demand will increase by 71% for residential buildings and 30% for commercial buildings in the coming decades.
Americans already spend about $14 billion each year to service and repair HVAC systems, according to the Energy Department. That figure will continue to rise as demand for high-performance, energy-efficient HVAC systems grows. Demand for HVAC systems — and technicians who have the expertise to work with them — will be particularly high in regions like Indianapolis, Indiana, known for its hot, humid, rainy summers and frigid, snowy winters.
Those seeking to launch a career in HVAC in Indianapolis, or anywhere in the country, should explore what they need to do to enter the profession, including what kind of education and training is required and the type of licensure they may need to acquire.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
HVAC technicians work with HVAC systems that regulate temperature and air quality in buildings. Technicians have numerous responsibilities, which may include the following:
Inspecting and testing HVAC systems
Installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems
Repairing or replacing system components
Advising on how to maintain HVAC systems and improve performance
Complying with regulations concerning the handling and disposal of hazardous materials, such as refrigerants
Many HVAC technicians also work with refrigeration, a field known as HVAC-R. Some technicians specialize in certain aspects of HVAC-R, such as radiant heating systems or commercial refrigeration, while others may focus on installation or maintenance and repair.
An HVAC technician’s day-to-day duties vary depending on the type of employer they work for and the setting in which they work.
Where Do HVAC Technicians Work?
HVAC-R technicians work in a wide range of environments, including homes, schools, retail stores, warehouses, factories, and hospitals. Depending on their employer, they may work at a single jobsite or multiple jobsites on a given day.
While the majority of HVAC-R technicians (67%) work for contractors, other avenues of employment exist, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), including the following:
Self-employed (8%)
Wholesale trade (3%)
Retail trade (3%)
Educational services (3%)
Steps to Become an HVAC Technician in Indianapolis
Beginning an HVAC career in Indianapolis isn’t much different from beginning an HVAC career anywhere else in the country, though licensure requirements may differ. While everyone’s professional journey will differ to some degree, following certain key steps can set them up for success.
Education
HVAC technicians often need a postsecondary nondegree award to enter the profession. Earning a certificate or an associate degree from an HVAC-R program can position students for entry-level employment in the field. Pairing extensive hands-on training with classroom instruction, these programs teach students how complex HVAC-R systems operate and how to maintain and repair them, giving students the confidence they need to pursue their career goals.
Experience
Novice HVAC-R technicians generally work under the supervision of experienced technicians, either as apprentices or in an entry-level role. Students can gain experience through an apprenticeship program while still enrolled in an HVAC-R program. Although work experience isn’t always a necessity to be hired, certain employers may require some level of practical experience, and it’s typically a prerequisite for licensure.
Licensure
Licensure requirements for HVAC-R technicians vary by state. Indiana, for example, doesn’t issue a state license for HVAC-R technicians; instead, it’s handled at the local level. HVAC-R technicians in Indianapolis need to meet certain prerequisites if they wish to be licensed, including the following:
Have a high school or GED diploma.
Be enrolled in an HVAC-R program, or have experience as an entry-level employee/apprentice for a licensed contractor.
Pass a mandated exam.
HVAC-R technicians may also need to submit certain documents, such as proof of insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
While HVAC-R technicians don’t always need a license to ply their trade, having one can yield numerous benefits, including making them more attractive to potential employers and boosting their earning potential. Licensure is also a requirement for anyone who wants to start an HVAC-R business.
Job Outlook for HVAC Technicians in Indianapolis
New residential and commercial construction, coupled with a greater emphasis on energy-efficient climate control systems, including upgrading or replacing older systems, will lead to increased demand for HVAC-R technicians nationwide in the coming years.
Employment of HVAC-R technicians will grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, creating approximately 23,000 new jobs, according to the BLS. The BLS projects about 37,700 new openings for HVAC-R technicians each year, on average, during the time period.
In Indiana, statewide demand for HVAC-R technicians is expected to be even more robust. Projections Central, a site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, estimates that employment of HVAC-R technicians in the Hoosier State will grow by nearly 8% between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 750 job openings each year.
In Indianapolis, HVAC-R technicians stand to benefit from continued growth in the construction sector. According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, employment in the construction industry in Marion County — where Indianapolis is located and by far the state’s most populous county — grew by nearly 19% between 2019 and 2023, adding more than 5,000 new jobs.
A 2023 Axios report revealed that Indianapolis has become one of the hottest homebuilding markets in the nation over the last few years, with new home construction approaching levels seen in other fast-growing markets, such as Phoenix, Arizona; Atlanta, Georgia; and Denver, Colorado. Apartment construction is also reaching near-record highs, the report noted.
Low unemployment and low development costs in the Indianapolis area are driving investment in residential construction, according to the report; this bodes well for HVAC-R technicians seeking to launch their careers in the region.
Launch Your HVAC-R Career at Fortis
HVAC-R technicians are vital to the construction industry, ensuring that our indoor environments are healthier and more comfortable. As demand grows for more energy-efficient, high-performance climate control systems, there will be a greater need for technicians who have the expertise to install, service, and repair them.
If you’re interested in entering the field of HVAC-R in Indianapolis or another part of the country, explore the HVAC-R program at Fortis in Indianapolis. Balancing classroom instruction with hands-on training — and with support from our career services department — our program is designed to teach you the skills to land an entry-level role after you graduate.
Learn more about how Fortis can help you enter a growing field.
Recommended Readings
The Importance of Soft Skills in an HVAC & Refrigeration Career
HVAC vs. Electrician: Comparing Career Paths
How to Become an HVAC Contractor