You’ll receive overtime pay (unless you’re a salaried worker) for that extra work, but the money does not always balance the scales of the time you lose with your family. Unless you have some type of hands-on experience in the HVAC industry, it is challenging to secure your first job in most communities. If not, then a different employment choice is the better solution to pursue. Reviews from Lennox International employees about working as a HVAC Technician at Lennox International. According to data from Owl Guru, 2 out of 3 techs say that they are satisfied with their job. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of MoToMo. Careers in this field can be lucrative because of the specialty knowledge that is necessary for a successful experience. Although when you are well-trained to do the work, you are more likely to receive a contract, there are licensing requirements that you must pay out-of-pock… The reality of employment for this industry is that your boss wants to see what you can do instead of showing off the paperwork that you can hang on your wall. 6. Since PEOs manage several small businesses, they have a bigger employee pool and benefit options. Some markets are not seeing high levels of employment growth. When you work as an HVAC technician, then you must expect to be busy. Learn more at BellBrothers.com. You’d respond to customers through appointments and work in their homes, going to different towns and neighborhoods and working on a variety of day-to-day projects. When you decide that the HVAC industry is where you want to be, then there are numerous job opportunities for you to enjoy with your skills and education. 9. Some people who operate in small communities might decide to work in two or all three sectors as a hybrid operation as well. As a commercial HVAC mechanic, you might work on a new skyscraper or help maintain a huge sports arena. HVAC technician’s job is significant for every American. Smart homes are more and more common, and one of the integral components is a digital smart thermostat. If you love to solve problems over the course of a day, then an HVAC career could be an option to consider. To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty. While the Certificate in HVAC/R program at Charter will prepare you for an entry-level HVAC position, it takes a lot of on-the-job training and experience to become an expert. This isn’t a career in fear of outsourcing to India. You may even find yourself pulling long shifts and doing weekend work. If that sounds like all bad news, consider that all those extra hours could also add up to some sweet overtime pay. All of the different systems that move air between outdoor and indoor environments are part of this industry, along with the equipment that heats or cools the air for distribution throughout the structure. You might choose a position in residential or commercial HVAC. Some workers like to see a system built from scratch with their input. There are additional certificates to earn that will further your development curve as well. Copyright © 2021 Charter College All Rights Reserved, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, About Careers with Charter College and Prospect Education. You can start your own small business as a provider in your chosen field as well. Wisler Plumbing and Air talks about Pros and Cons working in the plumbing industry. PROS; Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work: Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment: This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors. Depending on where you are employed, you could have days that are not the typical 9 to 5 office hours. Homes of every size get to benefit from this technology, so review the pros and cons of geothermal heating and cooling as they relate to your property will help you to determine if this investment makes sense. You can’t get started unless you have the necessary experience. Sure, you may have to deal with clogged toilets, but there’s way more to this profession than toilets and sinks. Speaking of early mornings and late nights—if you’re an HVAC hero, you may work off-hours. The career of a HVAC technician in Washington State is a very stable and lucrative one. Hard to get started without experience. Also, as new, energy efficient technologies are created, heating and air conditioning systems continue to evolve. Pro: A Growing Field. The HVAC career outlook is pretty strong. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at HVAC Design Pros. Below you can see the advantages. You will be on your feet most of the time and you may find yourself in tight spots like attics and crawl spaces. You can earn a fair wage immediately in an HVAC career. If you have a passion for this part of a building’s structure and love to work indoors and outside, then you might find the available jobs to be highly rewarding. It is vital that you stay patient with this process to find the success you want. Can be mentally challenging troubleshooting different equipment and each day usually offers something new to play with. 79 reviews from HVAC Tech employees about HVAC Tech culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. Each test is about $25 for online testing, while the certification classes are about $300 for six contact hours. The Charter College HVAC/R program will help prepare you to seek an entry-level position as a heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic or installer in as little as 10 months. That means your skills in this career must continue to improve through ongoing educational opportunities that come at an added cost. If you live in Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, or the Dakotas, then there will not be as many openings for you to enjoy. 5. If any of the conditions identified above exists, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. When you work in the same building, like a stadium, then you will receive specific assignments for inspection, maintenance, installation, or repair. It can be exciting to encounter new problems every day, but you’ll want to be patient to learn everything you need to find success in your career. 2. 10. Women beg you to allow them the privilege of bearing your children. If you take a certificate program at your local community college, then you’ll obtain enough knowledge to take you into an entry-level laborers’ position in the HVAC industry. You must be on-call for at least some of your HVAC career. You can get started at an early age with this career option. That’s why you must select your education program wisely. There is a requirement to carry a journeyman or trainee electrical license. It’s hard to get bored when you can encounter new challenges that will keep you on your toes every day. If you enjoy troubleshooting, you might have what it takes to be an HVAC hero. Jobs for HVAC techs are predicted to be added at a rate of 15 percent through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Getting bored rarely happens in this industry because there are always new challenges available that work to keep you on your toes. With the growing demand, salaries grow as well. All information submitted to Charter College is subject to our. Plumbing can be a great career whether you are looking for a change or at a young age just starting out. As the technology evolves, you must also improve your skills. One of the reasons small businesses decide to go with a PEO is lower benefit rates. 12 Reasons Why Being A Certified HVAC Technician Is A Good Career Choice. Also, this career involves lots of working hours when the weather is bad. List of the Pros of Geothermal Heating and Cooling. Although this documentation might require renewal every 12-24 months, you’ll see a lessening of the restrictions after at least 2,000 hours of service in the HVAC industry. The job prospects in the HVAC industry are excellent for new technicians. You’ll also receive the appreciation from people who benefit from the improved indoor environment that you create. If you like hard work that requires you to solve puzzles too, a career in the HVAC/R industry — Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration — might be right for you. You must put in the work every day. A few years ago, Jacqueline and Jonathan Sanchez’s furnace kept shutting off. It’s not just early mornings or late nights that you’ll need to worry about if you begin an HVAC career. You are rarely sitting behind a desk with what you do, even if you are in a management position. Starting your HVAC career could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. An HVAC career allows you to work in a variety of settings. Local unions might prefer that you use apprenticeship opportunities to get involved, which means your income maximization process might not get started right away. Once you get beyond the first five years of your career, most workers make about $60k with their experience. HVAC Job Outlook. The harder you work, the more you could earn. If you enjoy working with other people, being a mentor, or having social contacts while you work, then an HVAC career could be challenging. Some states in the U.S. don’t require licensure for employment. Employee Benefits — Pros and Cons. As long as you have a high school diploma and your basic HVAC certification, you can get to work. When you choose to start working as an HVAC tech, then there is a tremendous sense of accomplishment that you can experience after every job. You will make a living wage. 1. Depending on where you are employed, you could have days that are not the typical 9 to 5 office hours. HVAC technicians execute a variety of tasks to meet these environmentally friendly ends, including: As an HVAC technician, every day is an opportunity to solve problems … 3. 2. Do you want a career where you can work with your hands and your head? If you want to work with motor vehicle air conditioners, then you will also need to complete EPA Section 609 certification to be in compliance. Outsourcing doesn’t happen in this industry when you have an HVAC degree or certificate because of the specific skills that are necessary to be successful. The work is usually physically demanding. Besides being a rewarding and challenging, a career in air conditioning … Instead of watching the time tick by on a clock while you sit behind a screen, you are doing something meaningful that makes a person’s life better. 6. Most people begin their work as a technician (“tech”), working on refrigeration units, heating systems, or air conditioning technologies that improve the indoor environment in multiple ways. There is also the option to start your own business in this industry. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at HVAC Design Pros, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. As an HVAC technician, you’ll regularly face new situations and have the opportunity to think through problems to solve them. The job can be physically demanding. See Best Options below for a breakdown of top jobs within this sector. Employers care more about your skills than your certification. Factors Predicted to Drive Job Growth. 20 Pros and Cons of Being a Plumber. The Downsides to a Career in HVAC. You are generally working by yourself in this career. High level of education and licensure might be required*. Each worker must be current on the updated government regulations on installation, maintenance, and disposal to maintain their licensing. 8. 1. It could also turn into a nightmare if you are not prepared for what will happen as you progress toward more expertise. You are going to be on your feet throughout the day. 2. Lots of HVAC installation companies carry Carrier so it won't be too tough to find reliable maintenance and service folks. Carrier tends to last forever when properly maintained. It's a masculine, well respected job. There are some techs in Washington State that earn more than $76 per hour. 4. Read some pros and cons for HVAC repair technicians to determine if it's the right job for you. So they called the company that provided their home warranty contract and … Type II certification approves your work with medium to very high pressure appliances. There is plenty to consider when debating the pros and cons of a plumbing career. There are three options from which to choose, appropriately labeled Type I, Type II, and Type III under Section 608. Although North Dakota has one of the lowest job concentrations for HVAC techs in the United States, it also offers one of the highest median wages. Written by Marta Kovachek. You might want to speak with local contractors during your busy season to see if you can latch onto something at the very start. This is the HVAC Design Pros company profile. Because there is such a rapid influx of new technologies, companies and homeowners are constantly upgrading their equipment to help them take advantage of the improvements. Without hands-on experience, it can be difficult to get hired initially. If you are thinking about pursuing an opportunity in this field, then these are the HVAC career pros and cons to consider. That means current techs are going to be busier than ever, so there are plenty of new opportunities to look at taking if you are just getting into this field. You can work as an engineer, installer, manager, or a refrigeration tech to fill the demands for new installations or repairs. PROS of Becoming an HVAC Repair Technician Minimal education required (apprenticeship, certificate or associate degree program)* Employment expected to increase much … That’s why it is much easier to be motivated with this job. Not just anyone has what it takes to work on them. HVAC careers encourage problem-solving behaviors. Job can be affected by changing technology and efficiency standards*. Speaking of early mornings and late nights—if you’re an HVAC hero, you may work off-hours. You don’t need to worry about an AI taking over this job because it requires someone with two hands to complete the work. At UEI you can complete your HVAC technician training in as few as 11 months, with a practical and convenient program that will prepare you to handle the ups and downs, and pros and cons of this exciting career. Most HVAC techs pay for their EPA certifications out of pocket. You’ll get to teach other people after you gain enough experience, but that tends to be in an apprenticeship role. This means you’ll have more choices than if you were searching for health insurance on your own. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be more than 20% job growth in the HVAC industry over the next 10 years. 4. PRO: HVAC Makes a Difference in the Environment and in the Lives of Customers. That means you will regularly encounter new situations, have an opportunity to think through the concern, and then have a chance to implement a resolution. Some days will require you to pull a long shift or do some weekend work. That’s why the pros and cons of an HVAC career are essential to review. Here’s a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular HVAC options. 3. 1. But before you get started on the path to a new career, here are the pros and cons of an HVAC career you should consider. In other words, you need to have some experience if you want to get a good job. When a heating and cooling system needs to be installed or repair for a residential structure or an organization, then there must be a trained professional available to complete the work. The HVAC industry is creating many new energy-efficient technologies to ensure that the heating and cooling systems for structures of all sizes continues to evolve. Especially during … Type III certification involves low-pressure appliances. Practically every residence or commercial business has an HVAC unit, such as a furnace, heat pump, air conditioning unit and sump pump. You don’t need to worry about automation or outsourcing. Long lasting and reliable. Single projects might take months and maintenance is ongoing. The top three states for growth are Texas, California, and Florida. Pros: After you become familiar and things finally "click" you will find yourself being able to fix pretty much anything and everything around the house and in the garage. People who like to work independently will find this work to be meaningful and personally pleasing. A good career choice is the HVAC industry. HVAC systems are also responsible for improvements to the quality of the indoor air that everyone breathes. A career in HVAC allows young adults to earn a good living without all the loan debt. Which would you prefer? As with any career, there may be ups and downs to working in HVAC. You’ll earn about $50,000 per year with this choice, along with additional benefits that include vacation and healthcare insurance, if you are working for a traditional employer in the United States. A job in the HVAC area lets you become a qualified trades-person in the market with constantly growing demand. If you live in Washington State, then there is no requirement to require or offer an HVAC license to get started with this career opportunity. Some employers might require this certification before extending a job offer. 5. 1. You will be troubleshooting issues for your customers every day. HVAC careers might be popular in states like California or Florida, but there are some places in the United States where breaking into this industry can be almost impossible. Although you might be working as a trainee for 3+ years, you’ll still earn a living wage and be able to carve out a career for yourself that can pay well without the need for a degree or certificate. When you decide to pursue work in the HVAC industry, then you can position yourself as a residential, commercial, or industrial provider. Type I certification allows you to work on small appliances with less than 5 pounds of refrigerant. Residential and commercial construction If you like the idea of working in the HVAC industry, then most jurisdictions will let you get started on your 18th birthday in the United States. Split systems can be configured in several ways to address the demands of your climate: As the technology evolves, you must also improve your skills. Although when you are well-trained to do the work, you are more likely to receive a contract, there are licensing requirements that you must pay out-of-pocket to continue giving yourself opportunities to be successful. Operating costs are low for geothermal heating and cooling. It’s important to stay in shape and take precautions like wearing protective clothing and kneepads to prevent injuries. You’ll want to work in Alaska, Hawaii, or the District of Columbia to earn the most. That means your body must have the strength and stamina to withstand the stresses that you’ll put on it with your work. Cons: Bye-bye social life. If you choose an HVAC career, expect to be busy! If you begin an HVAC career, then your job will be to install and maintain these systems. Prospective techs with a GED qualify for apprenticeship or training programs as well. The HVAC industry is creating many new energy-efficient technologies to ensure that the heating and cooling systems for structures of all sizes continues to evolve. You’ll want to pay close attention as you learn all the different types of systems and the issues they might have. This process occurs in two different ways: natural and mechanical ventilation. Whether you get the heat fired up on a cold winter morning, or fix the AC on a sweltering summer night, you’ll know that what you do is needed and appreciated. Pros of service: Less heavy lifting and people fawning over your genius as you fix their problems. PROS OF BECOMING AN HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIAN Solve Problems. You can find some fast-track schools online that might charge upwards of $14,000 for a certificate so that you can start your HVAC career. There are new problems that you will encounter every day that will push the envelope of learning for you with this career choice. Low projected job outlook (Job growth projected at only 5% from 2014-2024 for mechanical engineers) Work hours can be long*. Depending on where you decide to work or the type of business you start, most days are not going to be the typical 9-5 that office workers enjoy. Outstanding Job Outlook. Generally, there are a lot more pros than cons to the HVAC career. Pros and Cons of Different HVAC Systems There are several different types of heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial use. If you like to be active with your work, then an HVAC career is something to consider. The salary that you earn as an HVAC technician depends on the demand for your skill in that region. You can operate as an independent contractor, employee, or a small business owner. However, this will be well worth it because there is a constant demand for educated and skilled HVAC technicians. 7. The standard split system, with one component outside and one inside, remains the most popular residential HVAC system today. The Digital Age: Pros and Cons to Digital Thermostats Product upgrade benefits can be the deciding factor when considering an HVAC upgrade. Carrier Pros and Cons Pros: Outstanding equipment, particularly the Infinity models. There might be a lot of hard work and some safety factors for you to consider with this career option, but it can also be a very rewarding and stable job that will put a roof over your head and food on your table for years to come. When heating and cooling systems need to be installed or repaired, a trained professional needs to be on site. It is not unusual for a prospective hire to go through a trial run to demonstrate their skills as evidence of competency. If you can make it into the 10% of earners as an HVAC technician, then you can make upwards of $70,000 per year. This is more than twice as fast as the national average for all occupations. Most people are punching in, grabbing their tools, and then driving to their first appointment for the day. Their integrated HVAC systems are like the gold standard. Whether you are getting the A/C working on a hot day or repairing a furnace so that a family can heat their home, you’ll always know that the work you do in your HVAC career is appreciated because it is needed. You may have to invest a bit of time and effort to obtain the proper certifications. To your workday, that ’ s year-round need in all communities for HVAC repair to... Your climate: employee Benefits — pros and Cons without hands-on experience in the Lives of Customers secure your job. Something at the strengths and weaknesses of the time and you may even find in. Not sitting behind a desk with what you do to play with your skill in region. On-Call for at least some of your career, most workers make about $ 60k with experience... Employee Benefits — pros and Cons of an HVAC career professionals out of conditions! For educated and skilled HVAC technicians execute a variety of settings of to. 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