Are you considering a career as a heating and air-conditioning technician? This industry has a diverse range of career opportunities, each with a variety of tasks to tackle and career paths to explore. So how do you know which one is the right fit for you?
Because there is such a variety of jobs available for individuals in the HVAC industry, we will discuss some of those positions in this article so that you can get a better sense of the kind of work that would be the most suitable for you. Keep reading to learn more about some of the career opportunities available to HVAC technicians.
An HVAC technician is a professional who specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of heating and air conditioning, wind turbines, and refrigeration systems. These systems are essential for ensuring that buildings are comfortable and safe for occupants through effective industrial and commercial refrigeration upkeep, so they must be properly installed and maintained.
HVAC technicians typically receive training from trade schools or community colleges, and many states require a license to work. Some professionals in the HVAC industry may also pursue voluntary certification through organizations such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).
The best way to become an HVAC technician is to attend a technical school or community college that offers a program with formal training in this field. Many states also require HVAC technicians to be licensed, so be sure to check your state's requirements before beginning your training. Having a clear idea of the requirements needed to become an HVAC technician can help you determine which program will be the best fit to help meet the requirements.
Once you have completed your education and training, you can also pursue voluntary certification through organizations.
There are so many reasons that individuals choose to work in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. Below are a few of the reasons that people choose a career in the HVAC industry:
As we mentioned before, there are various job opportunities available to people who choose a career in HVAC. The ability to specialize in a specific area is something that can be especially appealing to individuals getting ready to start their career in HVAC. Alongside that, the variety of job opportunities can keep the industry exciting for individuals who plan to make HVAC a lifelong career choice.
Another reason that so many people choose to pursue a career as an HVAC technician is because of the salary. As with any career, the pay will vary from state to state, company to company, and position to position. To get the most up-to-date information regarding pay for an HVAC technician, check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor.
HVAC technicians help people by ensuring that their HVAC unit is functioning properly. In this role, you will be able to assist individuals in maintaining a pleasant and secure environment in their homes and places of employment as you install and repair HVAC systems.
This may be a very satisfying factor of the job, particularly when you know that you have made someone else's life simpler. The ability to help individuals on a daily basis can make for a career that is extremely rewarding.
As an HVAC technician, no two days are ever the same, giving you a diverse and entertaining career path.
One of the perks of having this particular role is the opportunity to perform your duties in various environments and places. For example, one day, you may be working in an office building, and the next, you'll be at a hospital. This simple change can help keep everyday tasks from becoming boring.
A variety of positions fall under the HVAC technician career path, and each of these jobs comes with its own unique requirements. The following is a list of some of the most common employment opportunities available in the HVAC industry:
Your role as an HVAC installer will require you to set up brand-new cooling systems in residential and commercial properties. This can encompass everything from the ducts to the standalone air conditioning units. Therefore, you will need to have a strong understanding of construction rules and regulations and previous experience working with various tools and machinery.
A service technicians' primary responsibilities include diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining already installed air conditioning systems. In this case, working on a diagnosis, troubleshooting errors, and making necessary repairs could be necessary. You will need to be able to work alone and possess strong abilities to find solutions to problems.
This is a primary role where the base knowledge and skill set used each day will remain the same, but the actual tasks accomplished within that day can look incredibly different from days prior.
Maintenance specialists are responsible for regular maintenance to HVAC systems in order to reduce the risk of issues developing. This may include cleaning the unit, replacing the filters, checking for leaks, and more. Maintenance technicians must be well organized, attentive to detail, and have strong abilities to provide excellent customer service.
Sales technicians are employed in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business; however, their primary responsibility is selling HVAC goods and services rather than installing or maintaining them. This profession can be a good fit for you if you enjoy the HVAC industry, but aren’t looking to install and maintain HVAC units.
Even though this role does not work directly with HVAC units on a regular basis, having a background in HVAC units can make a drastic difference when it comes to creating a compelling sales pitch.
Project managers in the HVAC industry will supervise the installation or maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This may include collaborating with other experts, such as electricians and plumbers, as well as engaging with clients. Therefore, you will need to manage numerous jobs at once and be adept at finding solutions to problems to succeed.
You may anticipate a satisfying and lucrative career as an HVAC technician, regardless of the specific position you choose to pursue. However, if you are interested in pursuing career paths in this industry, you should research the many sorts of HVAC technician jobs available to pick the one that best suits your interests and skills.
When a company is looking to bring on a new HVAC technician, there are various qualifications and traits that they will be looking for. Here are a few of the essential factors that most companies will be looking for:
Experience will always be one of the most crucial things that companies look for when it comes to hiring an HVAC technician, so it’s important to invest in a program that provides you with the opportunity of hands-on-learning. In addition, it’s always good to have specialty specific experience if you plan on going after a specialty job.
HVAC companies looking to expand their team will also be looking for candidates that showcase a thorough knowledge of HVAC units and the industry as a whole. HVAC technicians should have a sound understanding of the various parts of an HVAC unit, how those parts work, and some of the most common repairs.
This knowledge is something that will be used on a daily basis. While hands-on experience is extremely important in the HVAC industry, the details taught during a thorough HVAC technician program is going to provide priceless knowledge that will be used on a day-to-day basis.
Another essential characteristic of good heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professionals is dependability. It is important for you to confirm that the expert you employ will be able to do the task in a timely way and will arrive at the scheduled time.
Professionalism is something that every HVAC technician needs to embody. HVAC jobs are going to take place in someones homes or businesses, so coming off professional and respectful is crucial. Alongside that, HVAC technicians are providing a service at every job they go to. Being able to answer questions and gather information in a professional manner can help provide a positive experience for the customer.
The capacity to think analytically is another significant attribute of a good technician. This means that HVAC technicians should be able to identify any potential issues with the HVAC system and suggest the best way to repair it. An analytical mind can thrive in the HVAC industry.
Jobs will vary from day to day as an HVAC technician. Given that this is the case, it’s crucial that technicians are organized and have their tools and paperwork in order. Doing so can help ensure technicians show up on time for their jobs, but also that they have all parts and tools needed in advance.
Finally, it is essential that HVAC technicians have strong communication skills. They should be able to keep you updated on the status of the repairs and should be available to answer any questions that customers have when completing a job.
Above are just a few of the potential HVAC technician jobs to consider once one has finished their trade program. If you're interested in pursuing a career in this field, be sure to check out Pinnacle Career Institute and the thorough HVAC technician program we offer.
The variety of trade training programs that we offer can prepare you for a variety of HVAC technician jobs. Additionally, our trade school programs are designed to fit your busy life with convenient class schedules and online courses. Our team is also dedicated to helping you find the career path that's right for you.
Contact us today to learn more about our HVAC technician training programs and to find out how we can help you pursue a career in this growing industry.