If you are looking for a career that is in a rapidly growing field and has a high return-on-investment rate, as well as brilliant career opportunities, then a career of a HVAC technician is the one for you.
With the issue of climate control being ever greater in Arkansas, the demand for HVAC technicians is skyrocketing.
HVAC technicians are especially needed because 70% of systems need to be mended as they have inadequate airflow.
To become a HVAC technician in Arkansas you will need to undergo certain training, and acquire a license and particular certificates.
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Training
If you opt for a HVAC technician career, then you will need to acquire HVAC certification.
That is why it would be best if you got some training in the field.
In HVAC training schools you will acquire knowledge that will teach you about HVAC equipment and how to diagnose and troubleshoot problems; how to repair, replace defective components and equipment or wiring; and carry out preventative inspections and maintenance on HVAC equipment.
Electrical theory and psychometrics will also be taught.
The most subjects covered are duct leakage testing, residential heat loads, pressure enthalpy, combustion analysis and fuel efficiency, hydrocarbon refrigerants, best refrigeration and charging procedure, residential energy auditor, and EPA Section 608 and EPA Section 609.
The standards you will have to meet and according to which you will study will be pursuant to the Partnership for Air conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
This independent organization is the one that accredits programs, and sets the industry-validated standards that they are to meet.
Therefore, this is something that you should not overlook when searching for a HVAC program in Arkansas.
Schools
There are HVAC training schools that you can attend in Arkansas.
They vary in the number of hours, and of course the cost of the course.
Sometimes they even vary according to the subjects that are highlighted. Here is a table of the HVAC training schools in Arkansas:
16 HVAC Schools in Arkansas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ashworth College | Online Training for HVAC | 6625 The Corners Pkwy NW #500, Norcross, GA 30092 |
| Arkansas Northestern College | 2501 S. Division, Blytheville, AR 72315 |
| Arkansas Technical University | 1605 Coliseum Drive, Russellville, AR 72801 |
| Askins Vo-Tech | 7716 Hwy 271 South, Fort Smith, AR 72908 |
| ASU Technical Campus | PO Box 909, Searcy, AR 72145 |
| Cotton Boll Technical Institute | PO Box 36, Burdette, AR 72321 |
| Crowleys Ridge Vo-Tech School | PO Box 925, Forrest City, AR 72335 |
| hvacredu.net (Online Training) | P.O. Box 77, Heron, MT 59844 |
| National Park Community College | 101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913 |
| North Arkansas College | 1320 N. Spring Road, Harrison, AR 72601 |
| Northwest Technical Institute | 709 South Old Missouri Road, Springdale, AR 72765 |
| Phillips Community College | Campus Drive, Helena, AR 72342 |
| Pulaski Vo-Tech | 3000 West Scenic Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118 |
| Southeast Arkansas College | 1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 |
| Ultimate Technical Academy | 6108 Getty Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72117 |
| University of Arkansas Community College | 2500 South Main, Hope, AR 72601 |
The Arkansas State University in Searcy, per say, highlights training in the field of installation and servicing of central air conditioning systems, and various refrigeration equipment.
The number of credit hour technical certification in air conditioning technology that you will have upon completing the training is 34.
Some subject this school offers are: gas heating systems, electric circuits and controls, air distribution, air conditioning and refrigeration components, and introduction to general electronics.
The cost of the training is $5,200 and needs to be paid up front.
Another example is the Arkansas Tech University in Ozark.
Here you will have 35 credit hours technical certificate in air conditioning and refrigeration, and 60 credit hour associates in applied science in general technology with an in option in air condition and refrigeration.
In addition to passing the HVAC Excellence Exam, ones who attend this school must take the EPA Certification Test in order to graduate.
As for the cost, it is from $113 and 215 per credit hour.
Certification
In Arkansas you don’t need to have a license, but it will be and edge you need in order to earn more and advance your career.
The Licensing Board offers six classes. The classes’ scope is from air condition systems to refrigeration.
The license is renewed annually. There are A, B, C, D, and E license.
In order to be eligible for a license one must have two years of relevant work experience, and pass the required examination.
Apart from that, the applicant must at least have 18 years of age.
In this line of work, in order to be able to work with and dispose refrigerants, you must have EPA Section 608 Certification.
Salary
There is a high demand for HVAC technicians in Arkansas, and their hourly wage ranges from $10.21 up to $26.80.
Yearly it ranges from $21,240 to $55,750. Most probably the wages in this field will only rise.
If you are interested in earnings of HVAC technicians in Arkansas, look at the table below. Annual Salary Range:
Average Salary of HVAC Techs in Arkansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $43,430 |
| Fort Smith | $40,452 |
| North Little Rock | $43,430 |
| Fayetteville | $41,817 |
| Jonesboro | $43,878 |
| Pine Bluff | $41,822 |
| Springdale | $41,817 |
| Conway | $43,010 |
| Rogers | $42,565 |
| Hot Springs | $43,010 |
Conclusion
Even though Arkansas has a weak economy, the demand for HVAC technicians is on the rise and their wages are expected to grow.
This page covered all the necessary information for attaining the status of a HVAC technician through certification, as well as possibilities of advancing your career as a HVAC technician through acquiring a HVAC license in Arkansas.
