What is nature of the work?

Heating and cooling system mechanics install and repair refrigeration and heating equipment used in homes, schools and commercial buildings. Duties include diagnosing problems, setting up components such as motors and pumps, connecting parts such as air ducts and fuel pumps and hooking up equipment to a power source.

As it is reported, wages in Cook County are about 15-20% higher than the national average. It is found that the average starting wage is about $11-12.50/hr.and 10/24/2006e in the field. The highest paid employees have about $36.00/hr. in average.

It is suggested that individuals do their own surveys of the employers in the local area in which they are interested for more localized, up-to-date information on salaries in this field.

Because of the increased sophistication of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, employers generally prefer to hire technicians with technical school or apprenticeship training even though quite a few of these workers still learn the trade informally on the job. However, higher level skills and knowledge of the field help students enter the field. Applicants for apprenticeship programs must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Provisions of the Clean Air Act require that all air-conditioning/refrigeration/heating technicians be certified by the EPA to work on systems involving recovery or recycling of refrigerants.

Please be aware that often the academic curriculum for a certificate is very different from the bachelor's degree. See your counselor for details.

What skills are necessary for AHR specialists?

•  Using tools, measuring
•  Maintaining, inspecting, repairing
•  Installing, setting up
•  Following written and/or oral instructions
•  Keeping records
•  Analyzing, evaluating

What are possible occupations after completing AHR Program?

•  Cost Estimator
•  Equipment Salesperson
•  Heating and Refrigeration Technician
•  Commercial Refrigeration Mechanic/Tech
•  Heating and Air Conditioning Installers
•  System Designer
•  Engineering Assistant
•  Manufacturer's Service Specialist
•  Shop Supervisor
•  Small Business Owner

What certificates are offered by AHR Program?

• Residential Comfort Control (35 cr.)
• Residential Comfort Systems Installer (25 cr.)
• Stationary Engineer License Preparation (17 cr.)

What will the graduates of AHR Program be able to do?

•  Sit for the EPA Section 608 Certification
•  Install and service most common heating and cooling systems
•  Evaluate the performance of AC and refrigeration systems
•  Assess energy consumption
•  Understand principles and methods of energy conservation
•  Represent a manufacturer of heating and cooling equipment