As a kid, you may not have felt a great need for air conditioning. As an adult, you've no doubt grown less tolerant of extreme heat, and you rely on your air conditioner to keep you calm and cool all summer long. You're not alone. And with so many customers to serve, it's no wonder why Air Conditioning Careers are the coolest around.Getting Acclimatized to Air Conditioning Careers
Air conditioning careers encompass air conditioning mechanics and installation, as well as home appliance repair. Those with air conditioning careers (mechanics and installers) install, maintain, and repair air conditioning systems. These technicians must be able to diagnose and correct problems throughout an entire system. Home appliance repairers, or service technicians, keep window air conditioners working and help prevent breakdowns. With air conditioning careers, you don't have to worry about working only when the weather is warm. In the off-seasons, air conditioning mechanics inspect the systems and perform required maintenance, such as overhauling compressors. Chilling Out
To get one of these cool air conditioning careers, you'll need to be trained at air conditioning schools. Courses in basic electricity and electronics are important, as more manufacturers install circuit boards and other electronic control systems in air conditioners. Appliance manufacturers and department store chains may offer air conditioning programs as well. These typically include home study and shop classes, where you'll prepare for air conditioning careers with demonstration appliances and other training equipment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that those with air conditioning careers be certified in the proper handling of refrigerants. To get certified, you'll need to pass an exam administered by air conditioning schools, unions, or employer associations. Many of these organizations offer air conditioning programs designed to prepare you for the exam. Keeping Your Cool
The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians offers the National Appliance Service Technician Certification for those aspiring to air conditioning careers. This voluntary credential does not expire, but continuing education from air conditioning schools is available so repairers can stay up-to-date with changing technology. Another voluntary certification for air conditioning careers is the Certified Appliance Professional designation from the Professional Service Association. This credential is valid for four years, and can be renewed by completing at least 15 credit hours through air conditioning programs each year. Good prospects are expected for those with air conditioning careers, with job openings continuing to outnumber jobseekers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, home appliance repairers held 50,000 jobs in 2004, and heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers held about 270,000 jobs. With training from air conditioning schools, you'll freeze out the competition for the coolest career around.
About the author:
Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
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