BRIGHT FUTURE FOR HVAC TECHS
How much can you make? The average HVAC Technician makes $52,650 a year. Earn over $100,000 with experience.
How are newly certified HVAC techs trained on the job? Typically techs begin by working alongside experienced technicians. At first, they perform basic tasks such as insulating refrigerant lines or cleaning furnaces. In time, they move on to more difficult tasks, including cutting and soldering pipes or checking electrical circuits.
What skill sets do employers value in newly certified techs? Character and commitment to an HVAC career are very important.
Customer Service Smarts: Technicians often work in customers’ homes or business offices, so it is important to be polite, patient and punctual. Repair technicians sometimes deal with unhappy customers whose heating or air conditioning is not working.
Math & Mechanical Skills: Techs need to calculate the correct load requirements to ensure that equipment properly heats or cools the space required. Techs also install and work on complicated climate-control systems, so they must understand HVAC components and be able to properly assemble, disassemble, and, if needed, program them.
Physical Strength: Techs may spend many hours walking and standing. They may also have to lift and support heavy equipment and components, often without help.
Time Management: Employers frequently require a set number of daily maintenance calls. Techs need to use time management skills to keep a schedule and complete all necessary repairs or tasks.
Troubleshooting Skills: Techs must exhibit the ability to identify problems with malfunctioning heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems and then determine the best way to repair them.