This day and age we need to have heat to keep warm so we don’t freeze in our homes and during the summer many of us require air conditioning so we don’t bake during hot summer days. Many of us have tried sleeping in a very hot room at night and it’s nearly impossible to do so. Therefore, HVAC jobs are necessary so we can feel comfortable and relaxed.
Education for HVAC jobs is typically acquired through vocational and trade schools. Guidelines are set through the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation, HVAC Excellence, and the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Generally training is completed within 2 years and then one enrolls in an entry-level or apprenticeship program which can last between 3-5 years. There are many programs dedicated to help those who look to enroll in HVAC programs such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors National Association.
Educational requirements vary from State to State but each potential HVAC professional must pass their States license exam. Certification is also available to show ones skills and competency administered by various organizations such as the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association, North American Technician Excellence Inc., and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Safety Coalition.
One of the most valuable certifications available is the North American Technician Excellence or NATE because it is supported by all industries in the HVAC field.
It is wise to become proficient in both air conditioning and heating systems to maintain a solid year round work schedule. If one just works in repairing or providing maintenance to just heating systems, what will they do during the summer months and vice versa?
Working with ones hands is a good way to make a good living for a person and HVAC can help one do so. HVAC jobs can be performed anywhere so working outside in cold and hot weather is inevitable. Many HVAC professionals work a standard 40 hour week with the occasional overtime.
HVAC jobs are set to increase overall within the next decade because of commercial and residential building growth. Also, in addition to population growth many systems become outdated and need to be upgraded. We are now living in a society looking for more environmentally safer technologies and systems, so these systems are increasingly becoming more sophisticated and complex to meet safer more efficient standards. On the other hand, with the economy slowing down and less homes being purchased the need for residential HVAC jobs may see a decline. No need to warm and cool a home if no one is living there.
Wages will depend on experience, skill level, and location. On average a HVAC professional can make from $16.00-$20.00 per hour. Some HVAC contractors belong to unions as well.
A HVAC job will provide one with stability, accomplishment, and satisfaction. Heating and cooling systems are extremely important not just to keep people comfortable but also to keep food fresh and edible.
