Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration is the science of vehicular and indoor environmental comfort. The purpose of heating and air conditioning systems is to deliver suitable indoor air quality and thermal comfort to occupants. With the rising cost of energy, HVAC services are now being outsourced to less costly locations to reduce costs for service providers. HVAC services can be outsourced from various countries around the globe. In India, there is a burgeoning outsourcing market for heating and air conditioning technicians.
Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is a combination of mechanical processes such as heating, ventilation, and cooling. The process involves pumps, heat exchangers, condensers, refrigeration and air conditioning systems. A technician who has received training on mechanical processes is called an HVAC contractor or HVAC technician. The work performed by HVAC technicians involves pumping, filtering, heating and cooling.
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) governs the heating and air conditioning industry. It has detailed rules for all contractors and employees engaged in heating and air conditioning systems. Contractors need to be licensed by the IMC and pass an examination. In addition to being certified, an HVAC technician should be in possession of a valid IMC certification.
The IMA regulates the heating and cooling systems of commercial buildings and residential buildings such as offices, residences, shops, warehouses, hospitals, and nursing homes. IMA also regulates commercial boilers, furnaces, ducts, pipes, heating and cooling equipment, air conditioning and humidifiers. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers guidelines for the installation of a heating and air conditioning system in commercial buildings. An individual can contact the NAHB for assistance.
Another aspect of heating and air conditioning involves environmental design. There are specific guidelines and requirements associated with heating and air conditioning. An HVAC technician can assist with the implementation of the various environmental design standards. These include the Energy Star program, the ventilation design standard, the HVAC moisture point and the ozone air quality standard. In addition to these standards, an HVAC professional can provide valuable information on energy-efficiency, energy- Conservation methods, and the maintenance of the heating and cooling system.
Many HVAC professionals provide boiler service or furnace repair services. In order to determine if a technician is qualified to repair or replace a heating or cooling boiler, an individual may contact a heating and air conditioning association. Many associations offer referral programs. These associations will refer the client to a technician that meets their organization’s specifications. In addition to referring the client to an HVAC professional, the association may offer technical support and education. Upon approval, the technician will be reimbursed for the cost of the repair or replacement.