Decide whether becoming an HVAC technician is a job you’ll enjoy or not.
These days, virtually every building has some form of air conditioning and heating unit installed, and it is the responsibility of an accredited HVAC technician to ensure that these systems are kept running efficiently. The acronym HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and working as an HVAC technician or mechanic means that you’ll need to know how to install, repair and maintain new and existing setups of this nature.
Most people know how frustrating it is to experience the misfortune of their HVAC system malfunctioning or ceasing to work completely. As such, it’s usually always a tremendous relief to see a qualified HVAC technician arriving on the scene to rectify the issue – regardless of what time of the day or night it may be.
One of the most important aspects that you’ll need to keep in mind when considering the option of becoming an accredited HVAC technician is that you may not always work regular or office hours. In many cases, emergencies happen at the most inopportune times, so you can expect to be called out to sites at virtually any time – including over weekends and during holiday periods.
Expected Salary Range for an HVAC Technician Job
At the moment, the expected salary range for HVAC technician jobs can vary quite a bit – from as low as $28,000 per year for entry-level positions up to as much as $80,000 for senior positions where technicians have more experience and/or qualifications.
Although qualifications and experience will often have a direct effect on the salary being offered to an HVAC technician, it’s important to remember that there is another factor that directly affects salary offerings – location.
While it is often thought that HVAC technicians will always need to relocate to the larger cities and states to earn a higher salary, this is not always the case. There are many situations where HVAC technicians have been successful at commanding higher salary rates in some of the smaller cities and states as well.
Supply and demand will also directly affect the salary that is being offered to an HVAC technician – for instance, if a particular city is struggling to fill vacant posts, they may offer higher than average salaries to attract and retain qualified candidates.
What will your Job Responsibilities be as an HVAC Technician?
Some of the main tasks you’ll need to know how to perform when working as an HVAC technician include, but may not be limited to:
- Repair existing and install new piping for gas, water and other services
- Assembling the valves and fittings needed for an HVAC system
- Test and inspect plumbing systems for potential issues such as leaks or breakdowns
- Read and understand building blueprints when the time comes to lay piping for an HVAC system
- Install appliances, fixtures and the necessary supports for HVAC equipment
- Prepare bids
- Troubleshoot faults on existing HVAC systems
- Provide recommendations to clients regarding suitable HVAC systems for their residential or commercial properties
For more information about the HVAC technician jobs, click here.
What Skills will be Needed to Work as an HVAC Technician?
- Excellent problem solving, communication and listening skills
- An ability to safely handle and work with heavy materials and several different types of tools
- Above average levels of stamina and flexibility
- A willingness to perform extensive amounts of hands-on work and physical labor
- Decent math skills
- An extremely high level of safety consciousness
Required Education and Training to Become a Certified HVAC Technician
If you’re keen to become a certified HVAC technician, you’ll need to take the following steps to get started on this career path:
1. Getting Started
Before starting to work as an accredited HVAC technician, you’ll need to have at least a high school diploma or GED, as well as a valid driver’s license. Once you have these in hand, you’ll be able to seek out an apprenticeship position and/or relevant training courses.
2. Start Learning while On the Job
The best way to do this is to seek out an apprenticeship with an accredited HVAC company. These can last anywhere between six months and two years, depending on the company and the state you’re working in – each state has different requirements in this regard.
3. Obtain the Required Qualifications
You’ll need to study further to obtain the various qualifications that will be needed to work as an HVAC technician. Requirements for this will vary depending on the state you’re working in – some may also require you to obtain the relevant state licensing as well. In most cases, you’ll also have to test for the required EPA certification before being allowed to do some forms of HVAC-related work.
Over time, you may have to update some certifications or enroll in additional studies if you would like to work your way up to becoming a senior HVAC technician – so be prepared to engage in continuous learning if you intend to become successful in this field.
Is a College Degree Required to Work as a Successful HVAC Technician?
Although you will be required to have relevant certifications to work in this field, you’ll be pleased to know that you won’t be expected to have a college degree. This means that you will usually be able to start earning an income far sooner than if you had to enroll in four years’ worth of college.
What Can I do After Obtaining Certification?
Once you’ve obtained the required certifications to work as an HVAC technician and you’ve served the relevant apprenticeship, you can choose to continue working in a paid position at an HVAC company, or you can choose to start your own HVAC business.
If you intend to start your own HVAC business, it’s strongly recommended that you enroll in some form of business management or entrepreneurship course beforehand. This will ensure that you’ll be provided with the knowledge you need to run a successful business, such as managing accounts, hiring and retaining the right employees, marketing, advertising, and several other aspects that are related to operating a thriving business.