In the beautiful state of Georgia, the summers can be very hot and very long, while winters are shorter and more mild. People are always in need of a good HVAC system to keep them comfortable regardless of the season.
Therefore, HVAC technicians are always in demand in Georgia. If you’re considering a new career, this could be the right job for you. Read on to learn more about how to get your HVAC license in Georgia.
How to Become a Licensed HVAC in Georgia
Becoming a licensed HVAC worker has different legal requirements in different states. If you want to get your license in Georgia, you need to fulfill the requirements set by the state. Here is how you can become a Licensed HVAC technician in Georgia:
- Obtain a certificate or diploma in HVAC-R. This isn’t necessary, but certification can reduce the required experience for the licensure exam.
- Gain the required experience. The experience for each class has different requirements for lead mechanics and heat loss and gain courses.
- With the certification and experience, you can apply for the license exam for the license of your choice.
- Upon passing the exam, you can apply for the license, which takes about three to four weeks.
Once you receive your license, you are free to practice as a licensed HVAC technician.
How to Get Your HVAC License in GA
The requirements for a license usually depends upon the class of license you are applying for. There are two classes of licenses for HVAC technician:
Class I License
For this class of license, you need at least four years of experience in HVAC services. In these four years, two years must be dedicated to residential experience as a lead mechanic and one year each as a service technician and residential supervisor.
By the end of the four years, you are also required to complete courses of heat loss and gain as well as duct design, approved by the Georgia Board of Conditioned Air Contractors.
Class II License
This license requires five years of experience before the exam. Out of five years, two must be spent as a lead mechanic and two as a commercial supervisor. Only one year as a service technician is needed. You will have to complete the same courses as required by the Class I license.
Georgia HVAC Exam Prep
To get the license for practice, you need to pass the HVAC licensure examination. With sufficient prep and practice, you can easily breeze through this exam. The test is based on 140 questions, and you need to score at least 70% in order to pass.
The exam is usually taken in two parts that are both conducted on the same day, with a break in between. Each part is three and a half hours. The topics covered in these exams include laws, system designs, gas piping, installation, refrigerant piping, maintenance, electrical control system, and repair.
How Hard is the HVAC Test in the State of GA?
If you think about the HVAC exam in Georgia before completing the requirements, it may seem very hard. But after you have gained the relevant certification and experience, you will come to find that it isn’t very hard at all.
The exam tests your practical knowledge of the field. Everything that it asks, you will have already learned about in your course and experience. Licensure examination in Georgia also allows you to take some reference books in the exam, so you can find references for more help as well.
What Books Do You Need to Take the HVAC Test For Licenses in GA?
There are no specified books that you need to go through. However, you may find it useful to go through some reference books. These include:
2018 International Gas Code
2018 International Mechanical Code
2015 International Energy Conservation Code
Manual D-Duct Design for Residential Winter and Summer Air Conditioning
Manual J-Load Calculation for Residential Winter and Summer Air Conditioning
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology
Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management
OSHA Code of Federal Regulations Title 29, Part 1926
Carrier System Design Manuals (1-3)
Flexible Duct Performance and Installation Standards
These reference books are also allowed into the exam.
What Makes Georgia a Great Place to Start an HVAC Career?
If you have chosen the HVAC career path but aren’t sure where to begin, Georgia may be a great option. There are a number of reasons that make it a great place to start. Here are some reasons why starting your HVAC career in Georgia is a good idea.
Salary
The first thing you look at when applying for a job anywhere is the salary you’re offered. The average amount that an HVAC technician makes annually is greater in Georgia than in most other states.
Requirements
Other states have many strict requirements for HVAC licensure. In Georgia, however, these requirements are not as strict. You may find it easier to obtain an HVAC license here than you would in other states, owing to the requirements that are easier to fulfill.
Jobs For Beginners
HVAC jobs are never known to be scarce in any state. However, jobs for beginners are not as common. Not a lot of contractors are ready to hire beginners, but the same isn’t true for Georgia. It is one of the states that provides most jobs for those taking a fresh start in the HVAC industry.
Job Outlook and Salary For HVAC in Georgia
Before considering a career path and a location to start, it is very important to look at the job outlook and salary you can gain. Here is what your career path and income may look like if you choose to start your HVAC career in Georgia.
What is the Demand For HVAC Technicians in Georgia?
The job openings for HVAC technicians in the USA are plenty. And among all the states, Georgia is known to have some of the highest numbers of job openings for this career path.
There are about 300-350 job openings in this state alone at any given time. And the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field would rise by 15% in the next five years. This ensures there will be more job openings in the near future.
How Much Does an HVAC Tech Make in Georgia?
The salary you earn as an HVAC technician depends upon your level of expertise and your experience in the field. As you gain more experience, companies are more likely to provide you with extra benefits along with increased salary.
Entry Level
If you are starting fresh in the HVAC career path, you can earn about $12.78 per hour as a starting level HVAC technician. This adds up to $26,590 annually. But with an experience of a year or two, you can make a little more, earning $15.71 per hour and $32,680 annually.
Mid-Level
With three to five years of experience, you can qualify as a mid-level HVAC technician. At this level, you can expect to earn as much as $19,47 per hour. At this rate, you will be making about $40,490 in a year.
Master-Level
With six to nine years of experience, you can work as a senior-level HVAC technician for whom the per hour rate starts at $24.19. This can add up to $50,320 per year. But if your experience goes over ten years, you can make more than $30 per hour.
Insurance and Tax Information For HVAC Techs in Georgia
One of the best parts about starting as an HVAC technician in Georgia is the lesser number of requirements that you need to fulfill. While contractors have more to do for their licensure, you just need to complete the required hours of experience as an HVAC technician. There are no other insurance and tax requirements in this field for you.
Georgia Cities With Highest Average HVAC Salaries
If you’re looking for cities that may be a good option in terms of salary for HVAC technicians, then you need to pick the ones that offer you the best offer. Here are some of the most well-paying cities for those in the HVAC career path.
Marietta, GA
It is known to be one of the most well paying cities in Georgia. Working here, you can expect to make about $36.41 per hour, with mid-level expertise.
Augusta, GA
Augusta is not only second in terms of the highest average salaries but also second in terms of the highest number of jobs. In this city, you can make about $35.48 per hour easily.
Atlanta, GA
If you want to start in the city that offers the most jobs, then Atlanta may be the right place for you. It is also the third most well-paying city for HVAC techs, paying about $21.85 per hour.
People Also Ask
If you still have queries about starting your HVAC career in Georgia, you need to get them answered before you make your decision. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that others have asked before you make your final decision.
How Much Does it Cost For HVAC School in Georgia?
The actual amount you might have to pay for an HVAC school in Georgia depends on the school you enroll in. You may have to spend anywhere between $4000 and $5000 for tuition and fees as an in-state student. For out-of-state students, this amount is $8,500 to $9,500.
What Zone is GA in For HVAC?
According to the USA's heating climate zones, Georgia falls under Zone 1, where summers are hot and humid. The BTU requirements of Zone 1 range from 30 to 35 BTUs per square foot.
Where Can I Find HVAC Contractor Laws in GA?
You can easily find all the HVAC contractor laws for Georgia over the internet. All these laws are available on the official web page for the state construction industry licensing board. You can not only find the laws there but also apply for a new license or renewal of an old one.
How to Find Entry Level HVAC Jobs in Atlanta, GA
Finding entry-level HVAC jobs are very easy in Atlanta since it has the highest number of jobs in the state. There are a number of job hunting sites that are updated with new jobs daily. If you do not want to look for jobs online, you can always contact contractors directly to ask if they’re hiring.
How to Get EPA HVAC Certification in Georgia
For an EPA HVAC certification in Georgia, you need to clear an EPA-approved test that is specific to the unique equipment you are interested in using. The test has to be administered and supervised by an EPA-approved organization. The credentials you earn by passing these tests do not expire.
What Are the Georgia HVAC Contractor’s License Requirements?
The requirements to become an HVAC contractor in Georgia are more than those for a technician. You need four to five years of experience, along with the completion of a certified course. You then need to pass the exam and deposit a surety bond or $10,000 in the county you plan on working in.
Nearby HVAC Schools
Here are some HVAC schools in nearby states:
