Delaware has an average annual temperature of 56° F and is considered to have a continental climate. Temperatures range from the high 20s to high 80s throughout the year but the state experiences several months with colder temperatures compared to other states. Thus, professionals with a Delaware HVAC license are in constant demand whether they’re combating the humidity of the summer or the brisk conditions of the prevailing winter months.
Delaware HVAC License Options
Delaware requires HVAC professionals to have necessary licensure prior to working in the field. Licenses are available at the journeyman, master, or contractor level through the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.
HVAC technicians in Delaware may obtain licensure at the apprentice, journeyman, or master level through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.
Delaware HVAC Apprentice
HVAC apprentices are required to register with the State of Delaware Department of Labor and as well as enroll in approved training program.
Delaware HVAC Journeyman
Journeymen must obtain a Journeyman’s Certificate of Completion from an apprenticeship program which includes 4 years of training, 144 hours of education for each year of training, and 2 years of work under the supervision of a master level technician. Alternatively, journeymen may obtain 7 years of work experience under the supervision of a master level technician along with successful completion of the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam.
Delaware HVAC Master Technician
Master level technicians are required to be certified at the journeyman level and pass the Master HVACR exam. Master level technicians may either obtain Master HVACR and Master HVACR Restricted licensure. The Master HVACR license covers all specialties whereas the Master HVACR Restricted license limits technicians to one of the following fields: heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, gas piping or commercial hood systems.
HVAC contractors in Delaware may obtain either a Resident Contractor or Non-Resident Contractor license through the Delaware Division of Revenue. Generally, contractors are required to obtain a surety bond, liability insurance, and in some cases additional documentation or licensure such as a permit endorsed license.
Delaware HVAC Education
There are several schools in Delaware which offer HVAC education including Delaware Technical and Community College, Kaplan Career Institute and TCI College of Technology. Delaware Technical Community College is distinguished among other schools in the state due to its PAHRA accreditation. In addition to traditional schooling, programs such as the Delaware Skills Center of New Castle provide apprenticeships for those interested in receiving on the job experience as well as shadowing.
Delaware HVAC Exam Overview
Delaware offers exams for both HVAC technicians and contractors. HVAC technicians are required to take the HVACR Exam and must score a 70% to pass. Contractors are required to take the HVAC Contractor License Exam and must score a 75% to pass.
Delaware EPA Section 608 Certification
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC technicians that work with refrigerants to be certified. In order to obtain EPA certification, HVAC technicians must take an exam which has 80 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours. A score of 70% is required to pass the exam and the exam fee is $120.
The three different EPA certification types that HVAC technicians can acquire are Type I, II and III. Type I limits HVAC technicians to working on appliances which contain no more than five pounds of refrigerant. Type II permits HVAC technicians to perform work on high pressure appliances. Type III limits HVAC technicians to working on low-pressure appliances. This certification is transferable among all states and does not expire.
Delaware HVAC Salary
HVAC professionals in Delaware earn an average salary of $51,000 per year with the top 10% earning over $68,000 annually. Salaries in the state generally range from $36,640 to $69,440. HVAC professionals in Delaware are required to obtain certification or licensure depending on their level of expertise or specialty.