[kdw88]

I have been visiting this site for more than 3 years to get the useful information for Replacing HVAC system for my house, and I have learned lots of things from the site.
Now I am facing the change of career chance now, and I am very interesting to be a professional A/C Technician. So I checked HVAC Tech School around my area, and I found Gwinnett-Tech College offers A/C Course.
However, there are a few options for the class, like "Certificates", "Diploma", and "Degrees".
I have a bachelor degree from Georgia State Univ, but the major is not related with A/C. However, my goal is being Professional A/C Technician to have own my A/C business in the future. So question is, should I pursue "Certificates" Class or "Degrees" class for my need?
Or is better a Technical School for it in Atlanta, GA?
I checked Interactive College of Tech School, but all reviews says it is not good school to attend.
I have to take an evening class because I work as a computer technician now.
Any advice or recommendation will be appreciate.

 

[ryan1088]

Have you thought about getting into building automation/controls since you already are familiar with computers? As for what would be best, someone from down that way would have to answer that for you.

 

[kdw88]

Have you thought about getting into building automation/controls since you already are familiar with computers? As for what would be best, someone from down that way would have to answer that for you.

I have never thought about it yet. Thank you for your advice. However, basically, my main goal for Changing Career is having my own business (small one). I am sure I have to work with A/C company to build up Real Life Experiences first, then move-on.

 

[Big_Ern]

If you're looking to own your own business someday, I would think that the more education you have in doing HVAC would be a better choice. Especially if you plan on working for a company first.

 

[kdw88]

If you're looking to own your own business someday, I would think that the more education you have in doing HVAC would be a better choice. Especially if you plan on working for a company first.

I guess you are right.
So I will take "Degrees" course that takes 4 semesters (2 years).

Thank you,

 

[Matt.James.53]

Completing a "degree" program should set you down the best path for success as a business owner. At my local tech college the first year "certificate" program covers residential products and ice machines. In the second year, you cover load calcs, controls systems, light commercial products and CAD.

Having the commercial training should help in securing a good job right out of school. The on the job experience will be what best prepares you for going out on your own. Good luck.

 

[kdw88]

Completing a "degree" program should set you down the best path for success as a business owner. At my local tech college the first year "certificate" program covers residential products and ice machines. In the second year, you cover load calcs, controls systems, light commercial products and CAD.

Having the commercial training should help in securing a good job right out of school. The on the job experience will be what best prepares you for going out on your own. Good luck.

Thank you for your advice.
I will follow the step.

Again thank you all

 

[BBeerme]

I have been visiting this site for more than 3 years to get the useful information for Replacing HVAC system for my house, and I have learned lots of things from the site.
Now I am facing the change of career chance now, and I am very interesting to be a professional A/C Technician. So I checked HVAC Tech School around my area, and I found Gwinnett-Tech College offers A/C Course.
However, there are a few options for the class, like "Certificates", "Diploma", and "Degrees".
I have a bachelor degree from Georgia State Univ, but the major is not related with A/C. However, my goal is being Professional A/C Technician to have own my A/C business in the future. So question is, should I pursue "Certificates" Class or "Degrees" class for my need?
Or is better a Technical School for it in Atlanta, GA?
I checked Interactive College of Tech School, but all reviews says it is not good school to attend.
I have to take an evening class because I work as a computer technician now.
Any advice or recommendation will be appreciate.

If you want to be an A/C technician, then the first "qualification" would be do you have a natural desire to take everything apart? Do you already spend a lot of time in your garage or shop? Do you work on your own car? Do you not care how dirty you get when something needs to be fixed?

Another way to say the same thing is: When something breaks around your house, do you call a repairman? If so, this probably isn't the trade for you.

If you are going to pay for education, there are really only two things I can think of. First, you want the best schooling you can afford. Do not settle for something just because it is close to home. Second, for technical training, you want the program to be half book work and half hands on with tools in your hand.

Good Luck

 

[CircusEnvy]

I was in your shoes a year ago. I have a bachelor's degree in an career that turned out to be a bore, so I changed shoes.

Take a few classes at a community college and aim for a certificate program. There's no use in going for a diploma or AAS because HVAC contractors don't care. What they care about is how motivated and smart you are, but they don't recognize that in the form of a degree. It's only recognized by your actions and what you do for their company. A basic understanding of electricity and refrigeration helps and you'll need an EPA card, but you're going to have learn 97% of everything in the field. There's no way around it.

While you're in school, start knocking on doors and look for a helper position. You're going to have to start from the ground up and no amount of school will put you ahead.

 

[earlburnermann]

I have been visiting this site for more than 3 years to get the useful information for Replacing HVAC system for my house, and I have learned lots of things from the site.
Now I am facing the change of career chance now, and I am very interesting to be a professional A/C Technician. So I checked HVAC Tech School around my area, and I found Gwinnett-Tech College offers A/C Course.
However, there are a few options for the class, like "Certificates", "Diploma", and "Degrees".
I have a bachelor degree from Georgia State Univ, but the major is not related with A/C. However, my goal is being Professional A/C Technician to have own my A/C business in the future. So question is, should I pursue "Certificates" Class or "Degrees" class for my need?

Your previous degree may satisfy the electives, math and science for a degree. In that case, the difference between a certificate and degree could be as little as maybe two additional hvac classes. The only extra hvac classes I needed to take to get my degree where commercial hvac, and system design. Came to a total of seven additional credits. Check with the school and see how many credits you need. You may luck out.

 

[WMG]

Here is my idea for the most efficient route to become an apprentice tech in the beginning and eventually a seasoned technician, which I am still working on becoming. Buy modern refrigeration textbook and learn how an electric circuit works as well as a refrigeration circuit works. Then learn the individual components and how they work and control wiring among other things. Everything else I have learned on the job. It helps to be sharp and study resources like HVAC-TALK and YouTube. All the technical stuff is online making trade school unnecessary if someone is really "on the ball". If you can get your foot in the door as an install helper for $10 an hour go for it. Almost everyone says they learned everything on the job.