Do Tech Schools Teach You How To Get Into The HVAC Industry?

What is an HVAC technician?

The HVAC technicians actually so many things in relation to HVAC systems and equipment. In the HVAC industry, an HVAC technician must know the basic steps and scope of his work especially that most of them are hands-on coverage. Below are just some of the several duties or tasks they perform:

  • Blueprints – ensuring they are able to read these
  • They repair HVAC systems – usually, varied tools are used to be able to do so (flow sensers, meters, current meters, metals and metal cutters and so much more)
  • Wires – they are able to connect wires, regardless of the state
  • Pipes – they are able to test these pipes and or weld them

Because of how in demand they are, the job outlook of being an HVAC technician is very positive. The HVAC industry has increased their demand percentage too especially to those who are top of the class and with several years of experience. Being an HVAC technician is not easy, but it is worth it.

How to be an HVAC Tech

  • Highschool diploma
  • HVAC Certificate
  • Apprenticeship completion
  • Certifications

Highschool diploma

Being in high school means being so many things. You do not have worry about this as you need to focus on these subjects to be able to get certification smoothly after high school.

Focus on these subjects:

  • Computer science
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Wood, Metal – Shop classes

HVAC Certificate

After high school, you can now proceed with getting the HVAC certificate. You just need to take some classes and courses and pass them to be able to pursue the HVAC certificate. It will take about nine months to complete the program of certification. In the 9-month duration, you will be learning the below:

  • Principles of electricity, mechanics and electronics
  • Testing equipment and tools – usage and importance
  • Diagnostic training

Apprenticeship completion

This is where you work as an on the job trainee after getting the HVAC certificate. An apprenticeship course will be given and you will be asked to finish a number of hours to be able to pass the course.

Additional certifications

Once you pass the apprenticeship, you can now go ahead and obtain additional certifications for better accreditation. You can obtain the NATE certification, HVACR certification, Type I, Type II and Type III for refrigerant classifications.

Being an HVAC technician opens your world to a million opportunities. Think about it now and soar high in the future!

Searching For A Career? Look Into HVAC Jobs

There are many factors to consider when looking for a job. These days, people often prioritize stability over other benefits since as losing a job is becoming a bigger issue globally, with the pandemic causing many businesses to shut down. So the majority of the workforce is in constant search of a job that is always available and will be able to compensate reasonably. One of the great careers to choose from is an HVAC job, which is always in demand. This field deals with air conditioning, refrigeration and also heating. It is a promising career that does not require a fancy education. It is a field job, and technical skills are the main requirement. A lot of people are shifting to these kinds of careers, and are staying there.

What to Expect in the Near Future for HVAC jobs

Majority of buildings and households use air conditioners and refrigerators. The more of these machineries in a community, the more jobs are needed in this field. Nowadays, their systems are becoming more complex and advanced, thus, its users cannot handle its preventive maintenance on their own. The HVAC field poses a 15% growth within the next couple of years, which is significantly faster than the growth of other fields.

In entering this industry, be mindful of the innovations done in technology which changes constantly. Since the machineries to be worked with improves and changes, skills should also follow in its installation and maintenance. “Smart” systems necessitate a different kind of training. Being familiarized with technology can help in entering this field. Knowing also about green technology is an edge.

The future pictures an increasing demand for the HVAC field as our society functions with air systems and refrigeration. If one is interested then to pursue this career, training should be sought. On the job training is possible, but the experience gained is not enough. Applicants need to have a certification. Companies are generally always hiring new talents.

To stand out more, additional skills can be offered on the table like ability to easily use tools like multi meters and basic electrical, as well as mechanical skills. These jobs also work in uncomfortable areas, being a blue collar work, thus a flexible and worker who is able to tolerate in these kinds of situations is appreciated. An applicant should also be always eager to learn to be able to keep up with technology and to be open to more training in the future.

Do You Need College To Become An HVAC Technician?

Most homes and commercial buildings have air conditioning, heating, ventilation and even complicated refrigeration units. As long as they work properly, these systems have served their purpose. But when these units malfunction, a skilled expert must be called to be fixed them.

An HVAC technician is a person who has gone adequate training to be able to repair and install HVAC systems. Replacing units is also a service that they offer. These workers may work independently, as part of a contractor’s team or on construction sites. Some specialize in installations more than repairs, or vice versa. There are also technicians who focus on heating and ventilation, while others specialize in refrigeration or air conditioning only.

General Requirements to be an HVAC technician

Since HVAC technicians generally focus on HVAC systems, being equipped with mechanical skills is a must. Familiarization with the complexities of these systems to be able to repair them and to know the installation and replacement process of these machineries, need to be a requisite in this career. Technicians must be keen on details and be physically fit for this is a blue collar job where moving, lifting and repairing equipments are part of the day to day tasks. Reliability is also a needed skill for repairs may be done at off hours, even on weekends. Interpersonal and communication skills are also being used when explaining the issues to the customers who are not familiar with the specifics of an HVAC system.

There is no college degree requirement to be able to enter this field, as it mainly focuses on technical skills. Programs can range from six months up to two years in a technical school or a community college. HVAC technicians need to undergo adequate training and must acquire the proper certification to be able to start working.

Step by Step Guide to Have a Career in HVAC

First step is to have a high school degree. Next is to join a program that is duly accredited. Courses can be finished in six months for a certificate and two years for an associate degree. Candidates in these programs learn the systems and theory of HVAC and will undergo hands on training alongside HVAC technicians at work. While in school, students may opt to complete an apprenticeship where a minimum of 2000 hours of HVAC training must be met annually. Third and final step is start working in the field.

High-Paying Job: Building Manager Who Knows HVAC Systems

The HVAC industry is growing rapidly. Technicians are in great demand today because of advancements and constant changes in technology of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. When it comes to installation, repair, and replacement of such units, experts must be called.

And to oversee these employees and contractors, a building manager must be up to the task. Managers will guide the dispatched technicians through direct involvement of their technical expertise to ensure that company goals are met while satisfying the needs of the customers.

To be an expert in HVAC/building management is the same as any other management. Employees should work their way up. To guide technicians, a manager must have ample experience in working hands on with HVAC units. As they progress ranks, communication skills should be developed as speaking with technicians, customers and even suppliers will be a part of their day to day work description.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Service Manager

The following are to be expected from the work done by a service manager in the field of HVAC/building management:

  • Supervise and guide HVAC technicians in performing the functions of equipment installation, repair, operation, start up and other requests of the customers concerning HVAC units. Managers tend to provide not only technical training, but also educational resources so that employees will always be up to date with technology.
  • It is also up to the manager to schedule appointments and to assign technicians and dispatch personnel to a certain appointment.
  • Budget preparation of the company as well as the short term and long term goals for the company and its employees
  • Interview applicants interested to be part of the company
  • Meet with other higher ops to discuss various strategies the company can take to expand more and to grow

How to be an HVAC Service Manager

To start off in this career, a candidate must earn an HVAC technology certificate or degree from a technical course or community college. It may take six months or two years to complete. It is also advisable to go to a school recognized by an accrediting agency. Next is getting experience as an HVAC technician. Go to a reputable company, work hard and eventually be promoted to a manager after years of relevant experience. The number of years required to be a manager varies from company to company. Skills and experience gained are important.

Great Entry Level Job: HVAC Apprentice

With a lot of job opportunities out there, technical careers seem promising nowadays. These are jobs that do not require a college education, because they’re more focused on hands-on skill than theory. One option to consider is becoming an HVAC technician. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and sometimes is called HVAC-R because it also includes refrigeration. It deals with the installation, replacement, start up and repairs of those systems.

Benefits are to be expected as it poses a decent rate for those interested. To start off in this career, a candidate must first gain a certificate or a degree from a technical school or from a community college which will take up about six months or two years. An entry level position straight out of the course is to be an HVAC apprentice.

Job Function of an Apprentice

An apprentice is the entry level position for technicians. So the job description is quite similar. This position provides an opportunity for advancement and promotion based on the candidate’s performance.

An HVAC apprentice does not require any experience at all but for the workload it includes the following:

  • Install heating and air conditioning systems, but still under the guidance and supervision of a superior
  • Assist a technician in a variety of projects
  • Communicate with clients and build up rapport
  • Aid in staging jobs properly
  • Function as main support of an HVAC technician or installer lead
  • Maintain an organized and clean work area
  • Take inventory of the tools and equipment used before and after each project.

Qualifications to be an Apprentice

The typical requirement to be an apprentice in terms of education is a high school diploma. Certification in HVAC systems is an edge and has become a requisite as well, and be familiar with the basic safety knowledge and safety rules of the surroundings and the tools used.

For the skills, a candidate must be willing to learn, not only on the job but also to invest in more classes and trainings to be able to maintain up to date with the latest technological advancements with the equipment. A candidate must also be able to clearly follow instructions as given, be it verbal or written directions. 

Physical fitness is also a requirement because lifting and moving is part of the daily work in the HVAC field.

What You Need To Know To Be A Good HVAC Sales Rep

HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is a necessity these days. The field now also Includes refrigeration, as it is required in many commercial buildings. Since almost every household and commercial building has an HVAC system, this is a promising enterprise to enter into.

This industry brings employment to technicians as repairs, installation, troubleshoot and replacement is needed. But it also gives out a significant number of sales, thus being a sales representative is also a good idea. An interested candidate must be well aware of the job description of an HVAC sales rep. These are the people responsible in generating customer leads, forming rapport with the customers and recommending and selling heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration products.

To assist the technicians by contacting the clients, providing quotations for the services to be done, writing contracts and proposals, and designing the systems of the equipments for the customers. It is a full time job and just like any other career in sales, require frequent meet up with clients.

Requirements to be an HVAC Sales Representative

As for the educational background, a formal education need not apply. In sales, it is likely that someone with several relevant years of experience poses a higher chance of being hired. Since HVAC units are unfamiliar with most, one can consider pursuing a training program under accredited training schools or a community college. It would be better to somehow have apprenticeship experience to be more familiar with the products being sold.

The general skill requirement to be an HVAC sales rep is having excellent written and verbal communication. A candidate must learn to actively listen to the needs of the customers, as it is in a discussion only, a sale can already be done.

Interpersonal and organizational skills are a plus. One must also be willing to learn as technology of HVAC units progresses, so as the sales representative’s knowledge of the matter. It will then be easier to design and read blueprints, write contracts and proposals, offer quotations and even be part of problem-solving for the customers.

Generally, it is the selling attributes that will give a candidate the upper hand. HVAC units are not hard to sell as everyone will need a unit. Customers will also appreciate an honest sales rep rather than someone who will only give out empty promises of the HVAC products. Lastly, hard work, determination and integrity will pay off.