HVAC and refrigeration are related fields that require similar skill sets. Many trade school programs combine both under a single umbrella, allowing students to specialize in one or both after graduation.

It’s valuable to choose an HVAC school that trains students in both systems, like the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program at Penco Tech campuses in Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ. Here, we discuss HVAC&R careers and why it can be beneficial to learn both systems.

What Is HVAC?

HVAC is an acronym standing for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Technicians in this field are primarily focused on maintaining air quality and keeping buildings at a comfortable temperature. Their work encompasses a variety of systems and machinery, including:

• Forced-air duct systems
• Ductless mini-splits
• Furnaces
• Boilers
• Air filters
• Humidifiers
• Dehumidifiers
• Central air conditioners

Technicians may be engaged in installing, repairing, or replacing any of these systems. They may also perform routine maintenance, including inspections, cleaning, and filter exchanges. Work sites may be residential, commercial, or both. Some HVAC technicians work for a contracting company that serves many clients. Others may be hired to maintain systems for a particular building or complex.

What Is Refrigeration?

Like HVAC, refrigeration technicians are focused on the physics of heat transfer. They specialize in the usage of refrigerants to keep environments cool. Some refrigerants may be used to lower the temperature of air within buildings. In many cases, however, they are used for temperature control in more confined spaces such as refrigerators and freezers. Refrigeration technicians may work in residential settings or commercial settings such as hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants. Common responsibilities include:

• Installing new systems
• Performing inspections
• Replacing air filters
• Cleaning ducts
• Repairing broken or faulty equipment
• Checking refrigerant levels

While performing these duties, refrigeration technicians must also follow regulations regarding the handling of refrigerants. Many take the form of fluids or pressurized gases that require special storage, recovery, and disposal practices to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact.

The Benefits of Learning Refrigeration at HVAC School

HVAC and refrigeration are often considered separate specializations. Both HVAC and refrigeration careers, however, use similar tools and skill sets. Because they are so alike, many vocational schools teach both in their training programs. These programs teach skills related to both HVAC and refrigeration, preparing students for both career fields.

By learning both skill sets through a single program; this gives you additional flexibility when planning your career. You have the option to specialize in one field or work in both, with the well-rounded skillset to support either decision. You will also qualify for a wider variety of placements, opening more opportunities. This improves your employability and allows you to select the jobs that best fit your priorities of salary, work hours, and location.

HVAC&R Career Outlooks

Currently, HVAC&R is a stable and promising industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 6% increase in employment through 2032, with 23,000 new openings created each year. This is faster than the national average and indicates a growing and thriving industry. By training in both HVAC and refrigeration, new workers can take advantage of all these opportunities and enjoy strong job security.

HVAC&R careers also pay well. BLS data indicates that heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn average annual wages between $64,180 and $77,970 in New Jersey and between $57,930 and $63,970 in Pennsylvania. Technicians can also improve their pay as they gain experience, develop more specialized skills, and move beyond entry-level positions.

What to Expect from HVAC&R Training

Not only is the HVAC&R industry growing quickly, but it’s also reasonably accessible. The program at Pennco Tech requires a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma to enter and can be completed within 35 weeks. Day and evening classes help you fit the training into your busy schedule. Financial aid is also available to help students who qualify.

Our program trains students in both HVAC and refrigeration. Our classes cover a variety of skills related to both specializations, including:

• Combustion analysis
• Ductwork design
• Pump systems
• Insulation materials
• Refrigerant handling

We also train with up-to-date technologies and trends such as geothermic and solar heating. These lessons are delivered by instructors who have worked in the industry, allowing them to teach from personal experience. They can provide insight into the skills employers most value, preparing students for success not just in the classroom but in the workforce as well.

Begin Your HVAC Career Today in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

If you are ready to kickstart your career in HVAC or refrigeration, get started today with Pennco Tech. Our enrollment is open year-round, being able to start their training when the next term starts. Our HVAC&R program is available at both of our locations in Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ. Contact us today to learn more and find out whether our HVAC&R school is right for you.