Kentucky has an average annual temperature of 53.65°F and is known for having a mild climate. Temperatures throughout the year generally range from 42° F to 65°F but may fall below 20° F or exceed 90°F depending on the year and its seasonal conditions.
Kentucky HVAC License Options
HVAC journeymen and contractors must obtain licensure in Kentucky. HVAC journeymen must complete 2 years of work experience working under a master HVAC contractor and pass their respective specialty exam. Licenses at the journeyman level are offered in the categories of limited journeyman HVAC dust mechanic, limited journeyman HVAC installer, and journeyman HVAC mechanic. Those who work as journeyman HVAC mechanics may perform all types of HVAC related work. HVAC contractors in Kentucky do not have a separate master HVAC mechanic license and instead it is combined with the HVAC contractor’s license. HVAC journeymen must obtain at least 2 years of work experience at the journeyman HVAC mechanic level as well as pass the master contractor ICC exam prior to obtain licensure. Additionally, they must obtain liability insurance coverage in the amount of $500,000 as well as a $300,000 property damage provision. Kentucky and Ohio share a reciprocal licensing agreement for HVAC contractors.
Kentucky HVAC Education
There are over 10 programs in Kentucky with offer HVAC educations. Some of the more well-known programs include Ashland Community and Technical College, Gateway Community and Technical College, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, and West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
Kentucky HVAC Exam Overview
The HVAC exam for journeymen is 4 hours long and contains 100 multiple choice questions. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass. HVAC contractors must also pass the business and law exam in addition to the HVAC exam. This exam is 2 hours long and has 50 multiple choice questions. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.
Kentucky 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.
Kentucky HVAC Salary
Professionals with an HVAC license in Kentucky generally earn an average of $41,500 per year with the top 10% earning over $61,000 annually. HVAC professionals earn the highest rates in the cities of Bowling Green, Evansville, Lexington and Fayette with average salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $77,000 annually.