Utah HVAC Training Schools – Degrees & Certification

Introduction

Utah's diverse climate and geographical features create a constant demand for HVAC services. From the frigid winters to the scorching summers, residents rely on efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maintain comfortable indoor environments year-round.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2023), there are currently 5,640 HVAC professionals employed in Utah. These technicians are essential in maintaining and repairing the HVAC systems that keep homes, businesses, and public buildings comfortable throughout the varying seasons.

Several organizations support HVAC professionals in Utah, such as the Rocky Mountain Gas Association, the Utah Mechanical Contractors Association, and the Utah Plumbing and Heating Contractors Association. These groups provide resources, training, and support to ensure that technicians stay up-to-date with industry standards and advancements.

Experienced HVAC professionals in Utah ensure that new equipment meets the specifications outlined in blueprints and manufacturer manuals. Verification that installations comply with local and federal regulations is another part of the job, and HVAC professionals also evaluate the energy use of the equipment and recommend improvements to customers to increase operating efficiency. All technicians are required to keep their credentials and certifications current.

Demand for HVAC Technicians in Utah

Utah is experiencing rapid growth in the demand for HVAC professionals. The expanding population and extreme temperature variations contribute to a robust market for HVAC and refrigeration services. This demand is driven by several key factors:

• Year-Round Service Contracts: Manufacturers and contractors are increasingly requiring year-round service contracts, ensuring steady employment for HVAC technicians beyond the peak installation and repair seasons.
• Construction Boom: The construction of new commercial buildings and residences is fueling the need for HVAC installations. This trend is particularly strong in Utah due to the state's rapid growth.
• Technological Advancements: The increasing complexity of new climate control systems requires skilled technicians to handle installations, upgrades, and maintenance.
• Energy Efficiency: There is a growing emphasis on improving energy efficiency and reducing pollution, leading to the retrofitting and replacement of older HVAC systems with more efficient models.

The need for HVAC technicians in Utah is growing at an extraordinary rate compared to the national average. By illustration, Projections Central (2023)—a data organization partnered with the US Department of Labor—reported that there would be a 46.2 percent increase in HVAC positions across Utah between 2020 and 2030. This high demand is attributed to several factors:

• Construction of new commercial buildings and residences
• Increasing demand for climate control
• The increasing complexity of new climate control systems
• Requirements that older systems be replaced, retrofitted, or repaired
• Focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing pollution

Schools in Utah

HVAC Worker Salaries in Utah

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals in Utah enjoy competitive salaries, particularly for positions that typically require only six months to two years of postsecondary education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023, there are approximately 397,450 HVAC mechanics and installers employed across the United States, earning an average annual salary of $59,620 or $28.66 per hour. In Utah, the 5,140 HVAC professionals earn an average annual salary of $53,580, slightly lower than the national average.

Here is a detailed breakdown of salary percentiles for HVAC professionals in the U.S. compared to those in Utah:

The demand for HVAC professionals in Utah is significant due to the state's diverse climate, ranging from cold, snowy winters to hot, dry summers. This range of weather conditions requires a high level of HVAC maintenance and service.

According to Salary.com, as of April 2024, the average salary for HVAC technicians in Utah is approximately $60,712, with a typical range between $54,058 and $68,308. The cost of living in Utah is relatively moderate, which can make these salaries quite attractive compared to other states.

Here is the detailed salary information for different regions within Utah as of May 2023:

• Central Utah nonmetropolitan area: $51,240 (130 employed)
• Eastern Utah nonmetropolitan area: $50,960 (160 employed)
• Logan, UT: $48,620 (190 employed)
• Ogden-Clearfield, UT: $54,320 (1,140 employed)
• Provo-Orem, UT: $49,030 (890 employed)
• Salt Lake City, UT: $55,960 (2,380 employed)
• St. George, UT: $50,780 (270 employed)

Unsurprisingly, HVAC professionals in the Salt Lake City region, which is the most populous area in the state, earn the highest average salary at $55,960 annually. In contrast, those in Logan, UT, earn a bit less with an average salary of $48,620.

The career prospects for HVAC professionals in Utah are strong, driven by the ongoing need for maintenance and installation of climate control systems to manage the state's variable weather conditions.

HVAC Certification and Licensing in Utah

Before HVAC professionals can work in Utah, they must meet specific licensing and certification requirements. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) oversees these regulations.

Licensing Requirements
To work as an HVAC contractor in Utah, individuals must obtain a Utah Contractor's License. Applicants must have at least four years of related work experience under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor. They must also pass both a trade exam and a business and law exam. The trade exam assesses knowledge in areas such as HVAC system design, installation, maintenance, and safety. The business and law exam ensures that applicants understand the regulatory and legal aspects of running an HVAC business.

National Certifications
In addition to state licensing, HVAC technicians are encouraged to obtain national certifications to demonstrate their expertise and improve job prospects. Some notable certifications include:

• HVAC Excellence: Offers certifications such as Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology (HEAT), and Green Awareness.
• North American Technician Excellence (NATE): Provides certification in areas like air conditioning, air distribution, heat pumps, and commercial refrigeration.
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES): Offers certifications in commercial air conditioning, domestic service, and dynamic compression.

EPA Section 608 Certification
All HVAC technicians handling refrigerants must obtain the EPA Section 608 Certification. This certification is divided into four types:

• Type I: Small appliances
• Type II: High-pressure appliances
• Type III: Low-pressure appliances
• Universal: Covers all types of equipment

Additional Information
The cost for the licensing application in Utah is $200, with an additional $100 for each extra category if a professional wishes to obtain licensure in more than one area. Continuing education is mandatory, requiring at least six hours of coursework every two years, three of which must be directly related to HVAC systems.

For more details on how to obtain these certifications and licenses, you can refer to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.