Approximately 95% of homes in Virginia use air-conditioning equipment — tied for sixth highest usage among all states — according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Those systems require regular maintenance and even occasional replacement by skilled technicians.
Additionally, with the state’s population expected to grow in the coming years, fueling new construction, particularly in major metropolitan areas, and temperatures projected to rise, demand for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and professionals will likely increase.
Those considering a career in HVAC in Richmond, VA, can benefit from comprehensive HVAC training, which can position them for entry into this growing field.
HVAC Education and Experience Requirements
While everyone’s professional journey will differ to some degree, beginning a career in HVAC generally entails some combination of education and experience. By completing the key steps below, aspiring HVAC professionals can position themselves for success.
Education
HVAC technicians typically need at least a postsecondary nondegree award to enter the profession. Earning a diploma or certificate from an HVAC program can position students for entry-level employment in the field. Combining extensive hands-on training with classroom instruction, these programs teach students how complex HVAC systems operate and how to install, maintain, and repair them, giving them the confidence they need to pursue their career goals.
Admission to a postsecondary HVAC training program is usually conditional on holding a high school diploma or an equivalent.
Experience
Graduates of an HVAC program typically begin working under the supervision of experienced professionals, either as apprentices or in entry-level roles. In some cases, students might be able to gain practical experience through an apprenticeship while still enrolled in an HVAC program.
Although work experience isn’t always required, some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have field experience. Additionally, some level of practical experience is a prerequisite for licensure.
Licensure
To be eligible to obtain an HVAC license in Virginia, technicians may need to meet some or all of certain requirements, including the following:
Have a high school or GED diploma.
Hold a degree or diploma from a postsecondary HVAC program or a related field, such as mechanical engineering.
Possess some level of practical experience. Experience requirements vary depending on the type of postsecondary education an individual has. For example, individuals who’ve completed 240 hours of training at a vocational school through a diploma program need four years of work experience to be eligible for a license.
Upon meeting these requirements, applicants then need to pass an exam to obtain licensure, which is good for two years.
Virginia offers three different levels of licensure for HVAC technicians: journeyman, master, and contractor. The practical experience requirements for each license vary, and the licenses dictate what types of projects HVAC professionals can work on.
Although HVAC technicians don’t need a license to work in Virginia, earning one can have 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 business.
Types of HVAC Careers
Within the HVAC industry is a wide range of roles that individuals can pursue. Many jobs focus on installation, maintenance, and repair, while others specialize in designing HVAC systems. Some parlay their HVAC expertise into a sales position, and the most entrepreneurial HVAC professionals may choose to start a business.
Below are some of the most notable HVAC occupations.
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, service, and repair HVAC systems. Some technicians specialize in installation, while others primarily work on maintenance and repair. Many technicians do all three. Their other responsibilities often include inspecting and testing HVAC systems, replacing worn or defective parts, and advising customers on how to keep systems in good working order. Technicians work in a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial environments, including homes, hospitals, factories, and schools.
HVAC Design Engineer
HVAC design engineers design and develop HVAC systems. When drawing up designs for HVAC systems, design engineers consider factors such as the square footage of the space, how many hours per day the system will be used, and energy costs. Design engineers are also responsible for making sure their designs comply with building codes and obtaining any relevant building permits.
Becoming an HVAC design engineer may entail additional education and experience beyond vocational training.
HVAC Sales Representative
HVAC professionals who work in sales deal directly with customers, generally spending more time in office settings than at worksites. They generate new customer leads — which may include individuals and businesses — build relationships with customers, and pitch customers on their organizations’ HVAC products. HVAC sales representatives often collaborate with internal teams, including technicians and design engineers, to ensure smooth project execution and customer satisfaction.
HVAC Entrepreneur
Experienced HVAC professionals can also start their own business. HVAC entrepreneurs may be business owners who assign technicians to jobs and oversee their work, or they may be independent contractors who operate their own business and perform the work themselves.
HVAC professionals who launch their own business typically spend several years developing their skills as technicians or in various other roles; this allows them to gain the necessary expertise and industry know-how. In Virginia, multiple years of practical experience is also a prerequisite for HVAC licensure, which HVAC business owners are required to have.
Benefits of HVAC Training in Richmond, VA
Pursuing training at the Fortis HVAC school in Richmond, VA, can have several benefits for aspiring HVAC professionals.
Hands-On Training
Students in the HVAC training program at Fortis receive hands-on training, combined with classroom instruction, to help them hone the practical skills and technical expertise they need to enter the profession. They work with the same tools and learn the same techniques that experienced HVAC professionals use in the field. Through this career-focused training, students develop skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to the HVAC industry, enabling them to find employment soon after they graduate.
Promising Job Market
New construction and growing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient climate control systems are expected to drive employment growth for HVAC technicians over the next decade. Employment of HVAC technicians will grow by 9% between 2023 and 2033, creating more than 40,000 new jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The job market for HVAC in Richmond, VA, and elsewhere in the state is also expected to be strong. The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), estimates that employment of HVAC technicians in Virginia will grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, with roughly 1,200 job openings each year during that period.
Strong Regional Economy
A growing population and new construction have contributed to an active job market for HVAC professionals in Richmond, VA. According to Axios, the Richmond metropolitan area added more than 33,000 new residents between July 2020 and July 2023, a 2.5% growth rate — more than double the national average.
The region’s population growth has fueled residential and commercial construction, including a 57% increase in housing units in Richmond’s downtown area between 2010 and 2020 and nearly $4 billion worth of economic development projects between 2019 and 2022, according to Venture Richmond.
Richmond’s climate also makes it a promising market for prospective HVAC professionals, with hot and humid summers and cold winters that drive demand for high-performance HVAC systems. Like the rest of the country, Virginia’s weather is getting warmer, with heat waves expected to become more frequent and intense, according to the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS).
Train for a Rewarding HVAC Career
Population growth, new construction, and seasonal fluctuations are driving demand for HVAC systems and professionals across the country, with the HVAC market expected to grow by $17 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Completion of an HVAC education can enable individuals to pursue a wide variety of roles in this growing industry, from technicians to salespeople to even entrepreneurs.
If you’re considering a career in HVAC, explore the HVAC training program at Fortis in Richmond, VA. The program’s career-focused education can help you develop the practical skills and technical knowledge you need to enter the profession once you graduate. The Richmond region also boasts an inviting job market for prospective HVAC professionals.
Learn more about how Fortis can help kick-start your HVAC career.
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