Do you want to work in a field that can be very rewarding? Are you interested in working with your hands and helping people stay comfortable in their homes?
If so, becoming an HVAC technician may be the perfect career for you! In this post, we will discuss a few of the steps involved in becoming an HVAC technician and some of the benefits you may enjoy when taking this career path.
HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They may work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, and their duties vary depending on the facility they work in.
The typical day will vary from company to company, but most HVAC technicians start their day by checking in with their supervisor and receiving their work assignments for the day. They then review the work order to see what needs to be done so they can gather the necessary tools and materials. Once they have everything they need, they head to their first job of the day.
HVAC technicians typically spend their days performing a variety of tasks, including:
When they're not working on an HVAC system, they may be performing other duties such as cleaning ductwork or servicing air filters.
At the end of the workday, HVAC technicians check in with their supervisors and review their work for the day. They then clean up their work area and restock their supplies so they're ready for the next day.
HVAC technicians typically work full-time, although some may work overtime, or be on-call to respond to after-hours emergencies.
You may be wondering if becoming an HVAC technician is the right career move for you. There are a handful of benefits that you may enjoy associated with a career as an HVAC technician. Here are a few of them:
If you are someone that enjoys doing something different each day, then a carrer as an HVAC technician might be the perfect fit. While the general tasks are going to be similar across the board, the jobs that you’ll be tackling will absolutely vary from day to day. This change in daily work can make the day go by quickly and keep professionals from getting bored with their work.
Yet another benefit of pursuing a career within the HVAC industry is the wide range of career opportunities and salaries available. As with any career, salaries will vary from position to position as well from state to state. For the most current salaries associated with an HVAC technician role, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Alongside the salary comes the variety of job opportunities. Given that there are so many different specialties one can focus on in HVAC, it’s not uncommon to find opportunities to learn new skills and develop into new roles or positions within a company or within the industry as a whole.
Many people enjoy the opportunity to work with their hands, and HVAC technicians definitely fall into this category. As a technician, you'll be working with tools and equipment daily, which can be very satisfying for those who like to see the results of their labor firsthand.
HVAC technicians can work in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial. In addition, many technicians specialize in a particular field area, such as air conditioning systems or refrigeration. This allows them to tailor their career to their specific interests and skillsets. That being said, there is a lot of opportunity to determine which area you’d like to focus in on.
As an HVAC technician, you'll be working with people daily and often be called upon to help them solve complex problems. This can be a very rewarding experience for those who derive satisfaction from assisting others.
The HVAC field is constantly evolving, and new technologies are constantly being developed. As a technician, you may have the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field, which can make your job even more interesting and exciting - especially if you’re curious about the mechanics of HVAC systems.
As we mentioned before, HVAC professionals have a variety of specialities to choose from. Many HVAC technicians start working in entry-level positions but can eventually move up into management or sales roles. This progression is possible because the skills learned as a technician are highly transferable to other positions within the industry.
HVAC technicians play a vital role in keeping our homes and businesses comfortable, and they often go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that their clients are satisfied.
As you can see, there are many good reasons to become an HVAC technician. This may be the perfect choice for you if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career.
Before you enter the HVAC industry, it's important to ensure that you and your personalty traits would make a good fit for the HVAC technician job. Below are five personality traits that can help you thrive as an HVAC technician:
HVAC technicians need to be able to use various tools and equipment, and they need to be able to do so on a daily basis. Given that is the case, it's essential to be skilled with your hands. If you're the type of person who enjoys working with tools and machinery, this career may be a good fit for you.
HVAC systems are complex, and diagnosing and repairing HVAC systems can often be a slow and painstaking process. Therefore, it's essential to be patient and detail-oriented to ensure each job is done well.
HVAC technicians are often called upon to solve complex problems or troubleshoot errors with HVAC units, so having strong problem-solving skills can be incredibly helpful when responding to a job. If you're the type of person who enjoys finding creative solutions to complex challenges or working through scenarios to determine where there error lies, this may be a good profession for you.
HVAC systems are intricate and require a great deal of knowledge to repair and maintain. If you're naturally curious about how things work and have a knack for understanding complex machinery, this career is suitable for you.
As an HVAC technician, you'll be working with clients on a daily basis, so it's important to be friendly and personable. This career may be a good fit for you if you enjoy helping others and take pride in providing excellent customer service.
These are just a few personality traits that can help you succeed as an HVAC technician. If you have these qualities, a carrer in the HVAC industry may be the perfect choice for you.
Now that you have a better idea of what it takes to be an HVAC technician, you may be wondering how you can get started in this career. Here are the steps that you'll need to take to become an HVAC technician:
If you're interested in becoming an HVAC technician, the first step is to research the field. Learn about air conditioning and heating systems, and get a general idea of what it's like working in the HVAC industry. This can give you a better understanding of what the job entails and whether it's something you'd truly be interested in pursuing.
There are a few different ways to research the field of HVAC:
Once you've done your research, take some time to think about whether becoming a certified HVAC technician is right for you. Consider the pros and cons of the job, and decide if it's something you're truly interested in pursuing.
In order to become an HVAC technician, you'll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, if you don't have a high school diploma, there are a few different ways to get one:
Once you have your high school diploma or equivalent, you're one step closer to becoming an HVAC technician. The next step is to get into an accredited HVAC training program.
The best way to become an HVAC technician is to complete an accredited HVAC training program.
These training programs are typically offered at community colleges, trade schools, and online universities. They usually last between six and twelve months, and they'll cover the technical skills you need to start working in the HVAC industry.
When choosing an HVAC training program, there are a few things you should look for:
Make sure the program is accredited. Accreditation is important because it ensures that your training program meets specific standards. Look for programs accredited by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) or the EPA.
Look for programs that offer hands-on training. HVAC systems are complex, and getting a hands-on education is essential to understand how they work. Look for programs that offer internships or externships so you can get real-world experience working with existing systems.
Choose an HVAC certificate program that fits your schedule. If you're working full-time or taking care of a family, you might not have the time to attend a traditional classroom program. Instead, look for online or evening programs that canl fit your schedule.
Once you've found an accredited HVAC training program that meets your needs, the next step is to apply and enroll in the program.
This is not a requirement for all jobs within the HVAC industry. If, however, you would like to pursue a career where you are working with refrigerants, this step would be required.
After completing your HVAC training program, the next step is obtaining your EPA certification. This certification is required to work with refrigerants, and it's an excellent way to show potential employers that you're knowledgeable about HVAC systems.
There are two main types of EPA certification programs:
Type I certification: This certification allows you to work with low-pressure systems refrigerants. You can obtain this certification by passing an exam administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Type II certification: This allows you to work with high-pressure commercial refrigeration systems. You can obtain this certification by passing an exam administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Once you have your EPA certification, you're ready to start working with refrigerants.
Now that you have your HVAC training and certification, it's time to find a job as an HVAC technician.
There are a few different ways to find employment as an HVAC technician:
Whether you're just starting in the HVAC industry or working as a technician for years, there are always ways to advance your career.
Here are a few tips to help you move up in the HVAC industry:
You can find training programs online or at community colleges and technical schools. An associate or bachelor's degree program could be an excellent option for you. If there’s a specific job that you’re interested in progressing to, it’s always good to look at a job posting for that position to see what the requirements are and if any additional training or education is required.
Networking is a great way to meet potential employers and learn about new job opportunities. You can network with other professionals by attending industry events or joining professional organizations.
If you're serious about advancing your career to new heights, you might want to consider starting your own HVAC business. This is a great opportunity for individuals who make for great leaders, see opportunity to do things differently, and work well at their own pace.
The HVAC industry offers a lot of opportunities for career advancement. By getting training and certification, you can make yourself more attractive to potential employers and open up new doors in your career.
Now that you have a better on the steps needed to become an HVAC technician, it's time to start your career. There are plenty of opportunities for employment in the HVAC industry, so don't wait any longer to start your training.
Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) offers cutting-edge online training programs for HVAC technicians and other trade careers. Quickly jumpstart your career with one of our 30+ accredited programs.
With our flexible scheduling, opportunities for tuition assistance, and straightforward admissions process, PCI makes it so much easier to get the education and training you need to enter the workforce.
Contact us now to learn more about our HVAC training programs.