Are you thinking of pursuing a career as an HVAC technician? You’re just about to make a sound career decision. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of HVAC technicians will grow 13 percent through the next decade. Clearly, now is the best time to start working toward joining this career. But what does it take?
Continue reading for a guide on how to become an HVAC technician.
Understand the Role of an HVAC Technician
You shouldn’t pursue a career solely because your employment prospects are good. You also need to consider the duties and responsibilities, as well as the typical work environment.
Here’s a quick lowdown of the roles of an HVAC technician:
- Installing HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings.
- Inspecting faulty HVAC equipment, diagnosing problems, and making repairs.
- Performing routine maintenance practices on HVAC systems and equipment.
- Recommending ways to improve the performance of HVAC systems.
- Keeping accurate records of installation, maintenance and repairs done.
The job of an HVAC technician is a typical 9 to 5. However, depending on the place of employment, some techs work in shifts. This means you could work overnight, especially in facilities like hospitals and hotels where technicians need to be on standby round the clock.
Now that you have a better understanding of what the job of an HVAC looks like, let’s focus on how to join the profession.
Pursue a Post-Secondary Course
Installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and equipment isn’t a layman’s task. You must undergo adequate training to work in this field.
You have two options.
Join a vocational or trade school and pursue an HVAC certificate program. This takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months to complete.
Or, you can join a community college and pursue an associate’s degree in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This takes 2 years to complete and will give you the best preparation for the job. Check out this AC school to get an idea of what HVAC technician training involves.
Nurture the Right Skills and Abilities
You need a combination of professional knowledge and the right skills and abilities to become a competent HVAC technician.
For instance, an HVAC tech should be a physically strong person. The job involves lifting heavy equipment, so if you don’t have the physical stamina, employers might turn you down.
You need excellent customer service skills. Many times you’ll find yourself interacting with clients, especially homeowners who need their AC equipment fixed. Talking of fixing, you also need strong problem-solving skills and keen attention to small details.
As you pursue your preferred program, keep in mind that you also need to focus on developing these skills and abilities.
Get Licensed (if needed) and Find a Job
Licensing requirements for HVAC technicians vary from state to state. Some require HVACs to obtain an occupational license, others don’t.
If your state requires you to go licensed, then you’ll have to secure the license before you start looking for jobs. If no licensing is required, you’re ready to start hunting for a job.
Established HVAC contractors are the primary employers, but you can also find jobs in large institutions such as schools, as well as government agencies.
You know How to become an HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians are in high demand, and the salary is competitive. You’ve made a smart decision, now your task is to follow this guide on how to become an HVAC technician and get ready for employment.
Keep reading our blog for more career tips and insights.
