The first thing that stands out about a career in HVAC is the high nationwide demand for well-trained workers. Repair technicians and installation technicians are indispensable in the construction industry for keeping us comfortable at home and work. The latest efficient technology, equipment, and systems keep us cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
HVAC technicians must know how to inspect, diagnose, repair, maintain, and install heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Entry-level techs typically begin their careers in the residential sector and later move into business and industry. The following ideas explain five things you need to know about starting a career in HVAC.
A Career in HVAC Holds Many Opportunities
The current demand for those seeking a career in HVAC work is strong and growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these facts are impressive:
2021 Median Pay $48,630 per year
Entry-Level Education Required Postsecondary Training
On-The-Job Training Ongoing
Number of Current Jobs in 2020 380,400
Job Outlook 2020-2030 5% Growth Rate
Projected New Jobs for 2020-2030 19,000
Unlike some jobs like oil drilling or shipbuilding, HVAC jobs are in demand in every state and virtually all cities in the U.S. The demand for technicians is higher in areas where residential and commercial construction is booming. These conditions may also allow some opportunities to choose where you want to work and live.
A Career in HVAC Requires Formal Training
New technology, advanced equipment, and HVAC systems require the latest training for:
- Heating
- Cooling
- Ventilation
- Refrigeration
- Electrical
When exploring or starting a career in HVAC, you need to obtain an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in a reputable program. The HVAC repair and installation world has changed much in the last few years and you must be well-prepared to succeed.
Graduates must understand the fundamentals of heat transfer, refrigerants, electricity, safe work practices, and the regulations governing HVAC systems. Students also gain a working knowledge of motor controls, basic and advanced programmable logic controllers, and the national electric code (NEC). With this knowledge, graduates can calculate AC electrical loads and troubleshoot HVAC systems.
| “The first thing that stands out about a career in HVAC is the high nationwide demand for well-trained workers. Repair technicians and installation technicians are indispensable in the construction industry for keeping us comfortable at home and work” |
You Need Good People Skills for a Career in HVAC
Entry-level technicians begin their careers working under an experienced HVAC technician. They must possess good people skills such as listening to directions and following them. They must communicate well with supervisors, customers, other colleagues, inspectors, and vendors. Many customers call when their equipment is malfunctioning and you must learn to understand their frustration.
When technicians move up the ladder to supervision, they must lead by example by practicing all safety precautions and act courteously toward customers. They must make accurate records of all customer transactions for current and future use.
You Will Work in Many Challenging Conditions in a Career in HVAC
Part of HVAC technicians’ work is carried out in the office and training facilities. Most of it is conducted on job sites that can be challenging. They sometimes work in unpleasant weather encountering wind, rain, snow, sleet, excessive heat, and cold. At other times they must crawl under houses, maneuver in cramped and dirty places, or occasionally bump into bugs or an animal. This is just part of the job and a career in HVAC.
The Details of HVAC Work Are Important
Like positions in other technical careers, some of the detailed work is intricate. HVC Techs must use caution when working with hazardous materials, such as:
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- Fire
- Brazing
A lack of attention to detail can result in serious injuries to you or other people. Some of the tasks are complex and require working with small components. Missing a step in a procedure or being careless can lead to an incomplete job. Pay attention to all the details of repairing or installing HVAC equipment and systems to protect yourself and please your customers.
We hope these ideas help prepare you for starting a career in HVAC work. It is a rewarding and challenging profession that provides products and services we all need. Enroll in a quality training program and be on your way to a better life.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at: ITI Technical College Disclosures
