An air return duct is an integral part of nearly all heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Generally, HVAC systems use a forced air process that blows either heat or air conditioning through ductwork into a home or business. An air return duct usually is located either in a hallway or in the ceiling, and its purpose is to extract air from a room and recycle it through the system to further condition it by cooling or heating.

Most central air and heat systems have a condenser that is outdoors and a coil that is located indoors that allows one unit to both heat and cool a building. In the summer, the return duct removes warm air from inside and transports it to the outside through ductwork to be conditioned. 

To find the best HVAC companies in your area, it is a good idea to first collect the names and numbers of each business and contact them by phone. This information can be found online or through the local phone directory. You may also want to make out a list of questions beforehand, and have it handy when you make each call.

Always make sure that the technician that you hire will write and sign a detailed description of the services that he or she is going to provide for you. The details should include the start and end dates of the project being completed, how much you will be charged, insurance claims that are being filed, and more. In the United States, it is best to partner with an HVAC technician that is willing to provide you with a copy of the “load” calculations; this is especially important if you are having heating and cooling equipment installed within a newly-constructed structure.

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician installs and repairs commercial and residential heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment. You can prepare for this job by graduating from high school and then pursuing HVAC education in a certificate, diploma, or degree program. You will usually need training as well, which you can obtain through an internship, apprenticeship, or job. Certification and licensing requirements typically vary by jurisdiction; if either is required, or preferred, you will typically have to demonstrate proof of your training or educational background and pass an exam to earn it.

Education is a good place to start when you want to become an HVAC technician. For example, earning a high school diploma or General Educational Development® (GED®) credential is generally required to work in this field. Earning either of these credentials may make you a more desirable job candidate as well, and prove helpful if you choose to seek formal education. For instance, after graduation, you might choose to pursue a training program via a trade school or a community college.

In order to become a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) apprentice, one must either attend a reputable career school, work through an HVAC association, or go directly to a current technician and ask about internship or apprentice possibilities. Any of these methods is suitable to become an HVAC apprentice in some areas, but the exact guidelines for becoming a technician after the apprenticeship is over will vary based on the area. The best choice will also depend on exact organization and company guidelines as well as availability of the programs.

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) supervisors oversee the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems. They handle tasks ranging from employee management to quality control. If you want to become an HVAC supervisor, you'll have to earn your high school diploma, and many companies also require some college or trade school training. 

Extensive work experience in the heating and air conditioning industry can also help you become an HVAC supervisor, as this type of experience helps managers lead crews more effectively. Prospective HVAC supervisors must also possess an understanding of basic construction processes, including scheduling, blueprint reading, and coordination among trades. Finally, managers must be prepared to demonstrate strong leadership skills to prove they are capable of leading employees during HVAC projects.

During this time in the field, employees hoping to become an HVAC supervisor should learn as much as possible about the HVAC trade and the construction industry as a whole. This includes understanding how different trades coordinate with one another on a jobsite, and the order in which different tasks should be completed to maximize performance.