HVAC Education Online Winfield WV

How to Find the Right Heating and Cooling Certification Class near Winfield West Virginia

air conditioner condensers in Winfield WVOnce you have made a decision on a career as a heating and air conditioner professional, the next step is to look for an HVAC technical school near Winfield WV. But with so many to choose from, how do you pick the ideal one to get the training that you require? Many prospective students will make their selection based entirely on the price of tuition or how close the school is to their home. Even though these are significant concerns, they are not the only ones to evaluate. Just some of the other details that you need to research are the graduation completion rates of the HVAC schools, their reputations, and if they are accredited by professional trade organizations. Those and other criteria will be covered in more detail later in this article. But before we explore how to select an HVAC training program, let’s take a look at what a heating and a/c professional does to become a licensed professional tradesman.

Becoming an HVAC Pro

Winfield WV HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is frequently used in the business that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC techs specialize in the installation, repair and maintenance of air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As professional tradesmen, they are commonly required to be licensed, however every state and regional municipality has its own requirements. Attaining professional certification is not required, but an alternative way for Winfield WV HVAC specialists to demonstrate that they are exceptionally qualified and accomplished in their area of specialization. There are multiple acknowledged certifications within the industry that are available. Below are some of the significant ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally recognized certification for HVAC techs. The certification is achieved by passing a proficiency examination and can be earned in one or more specialties.
  • HVAC Excellence. This certification offers both a professional and a master specialist credential. 2 years of field experience together with passing a comprehensive exam are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists need to have three years of experience in addition to a passing score on the professional level exam. Similar to NATE, certifications are made available in multiple specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is mandatory for techs that work with refrigerants. There are three forms of certification obtainable, one for small appliances, and the other two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Since licensing may be required in your area, and you may also desire to acquire certification, it’s important that you pick an HVAC trade school that will prepare you for both. And since you will most likely be handling refrigerants, make certain that the program you decide on readies you for passing the EPA Section 608 examinations.

HVAC Degree and Certificate Courses

radiator heater in Winfield WV homeThere are a variety of choices available for HVAC instruction in a vocational or trade school. You can earn a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining a certificate will take the lesser period of time, typically accomplished in just 6 months, though some courses are longer. A certificate will qualify you for most HVAC positions, particularly if you are licensed and have certification related to the position. The degree programs might provide a competitive edge for securing employment and will deliver more in-depth training than the certificate programs. Below is a short description of each credential offered near Winfield WV.

  • Certificate. Normally requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are very popular among entry level commercial or residential HVAC professionals. They furnish a solid foundation of skills for job opportunities within the industry.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program provides a more exhaustive background of heating and a/c systems than the certificate program. Usually taking 2 years to finish, some degrees incorporate an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is suited more for a career in management as well as business ownership. Some programs require an Associate Degree, while others are a traditional four year program. In addition to mastering how to service and maintain heating and cooling systems, you will also study how to design them.

Choosing the appropriate credential program will be based on what your future career objectives are, along with the time and financial resources that you have to commit. One option is to begin with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after gaining some experience in the trade in Winfield WV, eventually going back to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your approach, make sure to ask the HVAC tech school you are considering about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Online Training

Winfield WV student attending HVAC school onlineChoosing an HVAC school online is one possibility to obtaining your education and earning a degree or certificate. Most schools will require some attendance on campus to complete practical training. A number also offer internship or work-study programs in addition to or as an alternative to practical lab work. But since the balance of the classes can be attended online, this approach may be a more convenient solution for some Winfield WV students that are pressed for time. And a number of online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus alternatives. Even driving expenses from Winfield and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more affordable. And many online programs are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your career or family responsibilities have left you with little time to attend classes, perhaps an online HVAC degree program will make it easier to fit school into your active lifestyle.

What to Ask HVAC Certification Classes

Questions to ask Winfield WV HVAC training schoolsAs soon as you have selected the type of degree or certificate that you would like to attain, either online or on campus, you can begin to decrease your list of schools. As you are certainly aware, there are numerous HVAC technical schools in the Winfield WV area and throughout the Country to pick from. That’s why it is imperative to have a list of important qualifiers when making school comparisons. As previously mentioned in our opening paragraph, tuition and location will most likely be the first two variables you will take into consideration. Following are some additional ones that you need to investigate before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC vocational programs in the Winfield WV area have earned either a regional or a national accreditation. They can acquire Institutional Accreditation, which involves the school’s programs as a whole, or Programmatic Accreditation, which relates to an individual program, for instance HVAC technology. Verify that the program is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping make certain that you get a quality education, it may help in acquiring financial assistance or student loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Additionally, some states require that the HVAC training course be accredited for it to qualify for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the Heating and Cooling schools you are reviewing what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage of students who enroll in and finish the program. A low completion rate may indicate that students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. It may also indicate that the teachers were not competent to train the students. It’s also important that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a more extensive list of alumni, which may mean more contacts for the school to utilize for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only confirm that the school has an excellent reputation within the industry, but additionally that it has the network of Winfield WV HVAC employers to assist graduates secure apprenticeships or jobs.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Numerous HVAC trade programs are taught in conjunction with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating vocational and trade schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program inside their network of Heating and Cooling businesses or labor unions. Find out if the schools you are considering have referring relationships with local Winfield WV HVAC contractors. An apprenticeship not only offers a rewarding experience by furnishing practical training, but it also furnishes job opportunities and helps to establish relationships in the area HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make certain that the campus facilities and the tools that you will be trained on are up-to-date and what you will be using on the job. If you are already in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the HVAC tech you are working with concerning what you should be looking for. Otherwise, ask a local Winfield WV HVAC company if they can provide some tips. Also keep in mind that unless you are willing to move, the school must be within driving distance of your Winfield WV home. Remember that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, in addition to relocation costs there may be increased tuition fees compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s important that you receive as much personalized training as possible, which can be challenging in bigger classes. Ask if you can sit in on some of the classes so that you can see how large they are and experience the interaction between teachers and students. Speak with several of the students and get their feedback regarding class sizes and instruction. Last, talk to a few of the instructors and find out what their level of experience is and what certifications or degrees they hold.

Flexible Scheduling.  Verify that the class schedules for the schools you are evaluating are flexible enough to handle your needs. If you are only able to go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Winfield WV, verify that the programs you are reviewing offer those choices. If you can only attend part-time, make sure that the school you select permits part-time enrollment. Finally, ask what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, sickness or family emergencies.

Considering an HVAC School near Winfield WV?

Perhaps you are considering enrolling in an HVAC training program in the Winfield West Virginia area.  If so, you may find the following background information about the location of your new school campus both interesting and informative.

Winfield, West Virginia

Winfield is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of the 2010 census, the MSA had a population of 287,702. New definitions from February 28, 2013 placed the population at 363,000.[8]

Winfield was established on a 400-acre (160 ha) tract of land owned by Charles Brown. He established a ferry across the river in 1818. The first meeting of the county court was held at the home of Talleyrand P. Brown, in Winfield, on May 22, 1848. The town was incorporated on February 21, 1868, and named in honor of Winfield Scott,[9] the commanding general of the U.S. Army during the Mexican–American War.

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 2,301 people, 920 households, and 660 families residing in the town. The population density was 954.8 inhabitants per square mile (368.7/km2). There were 967 housing units at an average density of 401.2 per square mile (154.9/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 95.2% White, 1.2% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.

HVAC Education Online Winfield WV

Enrolling in the right HVAC school program is a crucial first step toward a gratifying career in the heating & cooling industry. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding HVAC Education Online. However, as we have addressed in this post, you should choose an HVAC school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the HVAC trade. Other things to search for are plenty of hands-on training and state-of-the-art facilities. You should check out each of the schools in person that you are most interested in to tour the campus and talk with both the current students and faculty. Try to get a feel for the quality of the instruction and the interaction between them. In addition, ask about scheduling options and if night or weekend classes are offered if needed. And don’t forget to inquire about financial assistance and student loan options too. If you ask the proper questions as we have laid out in our guidelines for comparing schools, you’ll be able to filter your choices so that you can make an informed decision. With the proper training, hard work and dedication, you can eventually become a licensed HVAC professional in Winfield WV.

More Hot and Cool Locations in West Virginia

  • School for HVAC Technician Middlebourne WV
  • Heating and Cooling Classes Hinton WV
  • How to Choose HVAC Certificate Programs Ansted WV
  • Degree Air Conditioning Sophia WV
  • Heating and Cooling Schools Institute WV
  • Heating and Air Conditioning Trade Schools Marlinton WV
  • How Long Is HVAC Training Chester WV
  • HVAC Online School Itmann WV
  • Air Conditioning Classes Elizabeth WV
  • HVAC Program Fairmont WV
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 22

    Pride Heating and Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    153 Riverine Dr, Winfield, WV 25213

    Absten & Sons
    2 Reviews
    Electricians, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Plumbing
    Phone:
    13465 Winfield Rd, Winfield, WV 25213

    Dodrill Heating & Cooling
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Home Energy Auditors, Insulation Installation
    Phone:
    420 A Old Goff Mountain Rd, Charleston, WV 25313

    Darnold & Lyons Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Plumbing
    Phone:
    117 1st Ave, South Charleston, WV 25303

    SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley
    1 Reviews
    Damage Restoration, Carpet Cleaning, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    7 Poverty Lane, Nitro, WV 25143

    Ashworth Heating & Cooling
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1439 Johns Creek Rd, Milton, WV 25541

    Charleston Heating Company
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    2417 Smith Rd, Charleston, WV 25314

    Al Marino
    3 Reviews
    Electricians, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1653 4th Ave, Charleston, WV 25387

    Callihan Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    3580 Balls Branch Rd, Culloden, WV 25510

    DH Jones & Son
    2 Reviews
    Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Contractors
    Phone:
    12599 Coal River Rd, Saint Albans, WV 25177