If you’re looking for an exciting, rewarding, and hands-on career with plenty of room for professional growth, you may want to consider getting into HVAC. As an HVAC technician, you can help homeowners and business owners with their heating and cooling needs, keeping their living spaces and workspaces as comfortable as possible.
What does it take to break into careers in HVAC? Some of this will vary depending on the state in which you work and other factors, but there are some general steps toward becoming an HVAC technician to consider first.
10 Key Steps to Launch Your HVAC Career
Wondering where to begin when it comes to entering the HVAC field? First, it’s essential to understand that there are numerous different HVAC roles to consider, ranging from HVAC technician to equipment installation, sales, and beyond. Working as a technician/installer is one of the most common paths — and now is an ideal time to get into this line of work. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for HVAC/R mechanics and installers is projected to grow 9% between 2023 and 2033. That’s faster than the national average for all occupations.
Understanding the Role of an HVAC Technician
The first step to becoming an HVAC technician is assessing whether this is the right line of work for your interests and professional goals. This means understanding exactly what the role of an HVAC technician entails and what a “typical” day on the job might look like.
Specifically, HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, servicing, and repairing HVAC systems within residential, commercial, and even industrial buildings. This may include inspecting and testing equipment or individual parts as well as replacing parts when they’ve worn out.
In addition, HVAC technicians are responsible for keeping detailed records of work they’ve performed and discussing service and repair recommendations with customers. Working as an HVAC technician means that no two days are exactly alike, but these professionals also tend to spend a lot of time on their feet and must be prepared to work in cramped spaces (and sometimes in extreme temperatures).
Gaining the Necessary Education and Certifications
If a career as an HVAC technician sounds suitable for you, then the next step is to pursue the necessary education and certification/licensure needed to work with confidence in this field.
From a formal education standpoint, HVAC technicians typically need some form of postsecondary degree or diploma. In some cases, those without a formal degree or diploma may be considered for employment if they have completed an extensive apprenticeship program, but this can vary from one employer to the next.
Along with the right education, some employers may prefer hiring HVAC technicians who hold specific certifications through North American Technician Excellence (NATE) or other third-party organizations. Depending on the state in which you will work, you may also need to apply for an HVAC license in your respective state.
Specializing in a Specific HVAC Area
Within the realm of HVAC, there are many areas of expertise where you can really hone your experience and pursue your own interests. For example, some HVAC technicians work specifically on residential equipment, whereas others may specialize in commercial or industrial HVAC. Other HVAC technicians may pursue additional training in refrigeration systems and refrigerant handling.
While not required, pursuing ongoing training and development in a specific HVAC area can be a great way to diversify your skills while potentially advancing your career in the process.
Seeking Apprenticeships for Hands-on Experience
Even if you end up completing a formal HVAC diploma program, you might still consider seeking an apprenticeship as a means of gaining valuable hands-on experience from a knowledgeable and seasoned HVAC professional.
HVAC apprenticeships are occasionally offered through local HVAC companies. They typically last several years, giving aspiring HVAC professionals the opportunity to work directly alongside experienced HVAC teams.
Joining Professional HVAC Associations
HVAC technicians may also consider joining reputable industry associations as a means of improving their own reputations and credibility. Likewise, being part of an industry association can help you stay on top of the latest changes, trends, and innovations as they emerge within the HVAC field.
So, what are some of the best professional HVAC associations to consider joining? Several popular options to consider include:
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA)
- Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE)
- Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
Networking Within the HVAC Industry
Building a robust professional network is also important when you’re first starting off in the HVAC field. During your time in an HVAC/R diploma program, you can begin growing your network through your fellow colleagues, instructors, and even professionals you meet at conferences and other industry events.
Another effective way to build your professional network in HVAC is to set up a LinkedIn profile. With LinkedIn, you can easily connect with HVAC professionals not just in your area but also across the globe. From there, you may be able to discover exciting career opportunities and simply be a part of the industry conversation.
Staying Updated With HVAC Trends and Technologies
Because the HVAC field is constantly evolving and progressing, HVAC technicians need to be prepared to adapt to new technologies and trends as quickly as they emerge. This also means that HVAC professionals are expected to remain up to date on the latest industry news and predicted trends that may be on the horizon.
One of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve on industry trends is to subscribe to a reputable publication, such as:
- The ACHR News
- Supply House Times
- HVAC News
- HVACR Business Magazine
By taking the time to read these publications, you can stay up to speed on the latest industry news, new product alerts, innovative technologies, and beyond.
Exploring Opportunities in Residential vs. Commercial HVAC
Oftentimes, where an HVAC technician starts off in their career is not where they end up working forever. For instance, many technicians begin in residential HVAC. However, they may eventually move on to working in commercial or industrial HVAC for a change of scenery or for the challenge of learning how to work on different systems and equipment.
Regardless of where your interests may lie, it’s wise to branch out and try new things from time to time. The HVAC field is broad, so there is truly a role or specialization to suit just about anybody’s strengths and interests. The key is to find your calling and pursue it.
Preparing for State Licensing and Certifications
Some states require HVAC professionals to be formally licensed or certified. If you’ll be working in a state where this is required, be sure to research the specific regulations for your respective state. In the state of Indiana, for example, technicians must pass an exam through a licensing board before they can submit an application for a formal contractor license. In some states, licenses or certifications may also need to be renewed every several years, so this is something to keep in mind as well.
Building a Portfolio of Projects and References
All HVAC professionals (and aspiring professionals) are encouraged to build a personal portfolio of their work. This can begin during your diploma program and be built upon throughout your career. By creating a professional portfolio with your best work, projects, and references, you may be able to set yourself apart from others while building a reputation for yourself as an experienced and skilled HVAC technician. You might consider publishing your portfolio on your own professional website, too.
Having a portfolio can also be crucial if and when it comes time to search for new job opportunities in your field. Employers like to see what prospective HVAC technicians are capable of, and a portfolio of your work can showcase these skills in the best possible light.
Get Your HVAC/R Diploma at FTC
HVAC careers can be a suitable option for those who enjoy hands-on work or want variety in their day-to-day tasks. As outlined above, though, there are some key steps to follow before breaking into this dynamic field. Even once you’ve started working in HVAC, you’ll need to commit to a lifetime of continuous learning and professional development to stay on top of inevitable changes in this industry.
Seeking the right HVAC program to help you get the ball rolling on your new career path? Florida Technical College offers a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) diploma program that’s designed to be completed in as little as 12 months. Learn more about what this program has to offer by reaching out today, or get started with your online application.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
Sources
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/north-american-technician-excellence
https://hvaccareermap.org/jobs/apprentice
