Careers in the HVAC industry can provide you with long-term job security and the ability to work with your hands and help people every day. The field is open to anyone of any age or level of all ability — as long as you’re willing to get training and certification. It’s also good if you have good organizational and communication skills and an aptitude for mechanical work.
Beginning in the HVAC Industry
Those in the HVAC industry generally attend a technical college or community college. Classes and certification can often be completed in eight weeks or more if you attend part-time. Once the classes have been successfully completed, students will need to get NATE certification (North American Technical Excellence).
Many students go on to an apprenticeship program in which you’ll work one-on-one with a master in HVAC services. Some union trade programs also exist. This real-world experience is invaluable before setting off on your own to work in the field.
Areas of Industry
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, so these are the areas where you’ll need to have knowledge, skills, and experience. In some cases, HVAC businesses focus only on heating and air conditioning and don’t offer ventilation services. But it is rare for a technician to only work in air conditioning or only work in heating.
If you hope to work as a technician, then move on and advance in the HVAC industry, there is always the possibility of becoming a manager or team leader. With enough experience and a business-oriented mind, you can even start your own HVAC company.
Career Outlook
HVAC industry workers have an excellent career outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the HVAC field will grow significantly in the next ten years. Wherever there are heating and cooling needed in homes and businesses, highly skilled and experienced HVAC workers will be in high demand, and salaries and wages are generally quite high — around $22.64 per hour or about $47,080 annually.
Heating and AC Installation Company in Austin, TX
For more than 35 years, our air conditioning tune-ups have kept Austin residents cool all summer long. When you sign up for a service agreement us Totally Cool AC, you can rest assured that we’ll work hard to keep your system running as it should. Get in touch with us to schedule your next AC maintenance appointment!