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Careers in HVAC are booming, and the HVAC-career field isn’t going anywhere in the near future. In fact, jobs in the heating and air conditioner installation and repair industry are one of the strongest job segments right now. An\u00a0HVAC-career<\/strong> is\u00a0one that can\u2019t be easily automated or replaced by technology and robots, and career HVAC workers can expect pretty solid job security. If you\u2019re considering career options in the HVAC industry, check out the many available\u00a0opportunities\u00a0at 128 Plumbing. HVAC is a broad field, and there’s plenty of career options for North Shore men and women who enjoy fixing things.<\/p>\n While HVAC as a whole deals with the installation and repair of heating units and air conditioners, the HVAC industry itself divides into a few career specializations. Depending on your particular preference, the careers in\u00a0HVAC\u00a0you seek may determine not only what type of courses you\u2019ll take in HVAC trade school, but also the kinds of professional HVAC certifications and licensing you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n HVAC\u00a0careers fall into two different categories, commercial HVAC and residential HVAC. You may choose to specialize in commercial and industrial refrigeration, and these courses may be part of your HVAC\u00a0trade school experience. However, for many local HVAC companies like 128 Plumbing in Middlesex County, the techs mainly center around residential HVAC installation and repair.<\/p>\n Entry-level HVAC career jobs are for those who have completed an HVAC course or trade schoo<\/a>l and have less than two years of experience in the field. You’ll be assigned to a veteran HVAC tech for more complicated repairs, although your company may allow you to make basic HVAC installations or fixes solo as you gain more experience. Entry-level HVAC careers include:<\/p>\n The very first step\u00a0for\u00a0HVAC-careers will be an entry-level helper. You\u2019ll accompany a senior technician on residential or commercial HVAC jobs. Most companies, like 128 Plumbing, have their own fleet of HVAC repair vans, so holding a commercial driver’s license and having a clean driving record may be a condition of hire, and thus affect your career path. You\u2019ll assist with lifting and carrying, and placing parts in the HVAC unit, and clean-up after the HVAC installation is complete.<\/p>\n The term \u201crough-in\u201d refers to the initial phases of HVAC equipment installation. These careers include placing electrical, control, and refrigerant lines, installing the thermostat in the HVAC unit, and placing the duct runs and duct boots. This HVAC position requires a little more in-depth knowledge than that of the HVAC helper position. You\u2019ll need to know how to read HVAC blueprints, lay out ductwork, use hand tools and HVAC-specific tools, and braze.<\/p>\n Professional HVAC technicians have at least three years of experience in their\u00a0HVAC\u00a0career and can take on more independent HVAC installations and repairs. At this point, your company will likely send you out alone on routine service calls; however, a more senior HVAC tech will likely oversee and direct more complicated projects, especially with a large-scale commercial HVAC installation. Common professional-level HVAC\u00a0careers include:<\/p>\n Individuals in this career work alongside the HVAC rough-in installer. Once the HVAC rough-in installer finishes their part of the install, the start-up tech arrives on-site to check the HVAC equipment and ensure that it is working according to the manufacturer\u2019s standards. This position involves a thorough knowledge of the \u201cquirks\u201d of different HVAC brands.<\/p>\n Part of the HVAC oversight that a start-up tech will conduct is ensuring that the unit turns properly and the HVAC equipment runs safely and efficiently.\u00a0These careers include using a manufacturer\u2019s operating manual to check each function of the HVAC system, so being able to quickly read and follow the directions in the user manual will make your job more efficient. Each function of the HVAC unit will need to be tested for safety and efficiency and information about the unit carefully documented for the HVAC warranty.<\/p>\n As you grow in your HVAC career, you’ll begin to see the different ways that these units can break down. An HVAC service technician will be responsible for both fixing broken equipment and performing preventative maintenance, checking and fixing small problems before they grow into larger issues or a full HVAC shut down.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be required to diagnose problems, so being able to troubleshoot air distribution, refrigerant, and electrical problems within the HVAC\u00a0unit are important for success in\u00a0these careers. To make HVAC repairs, you\u2019ll have to be proficient with many types of tools, such as carbon monoxide testers, wrenches, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, and HVAC Voltmeters.<\/p>\n Moving into the more senior levels of the HVAC career path, you may choose to take on a more supervisory role, mentoring newer HVAC techs. Or, your experience may lead you to more complicated repairs or installations. These mid-level HVAC options are typically for those with at least eight years in HVAC\u00a0careers. It\u2019s also a time when many people think about changing their careers\u00a0and starting their own HVAC companies.<\/p>\n Individuals who choose this career may work within a larger company, overseeing the HVAC and maintenance operations of a manufacturing plant or other commercial entity in the Greater Boston area. They may also be the senior manager of an HVAC company, supervising the less experienced techs and working on more complex HVAC solutions.<\/p>\n As this is both a management position and one that requires HVAC expertise, HVAC service managers will need excellent communication skills and training in how to manage, train, and motivate employees.<\/p>\n For those who have plenty of HVAC experience in the field, as well as a bachelor\u2019s degree in mechanical engineering, an HVAC system designer may be a career option. You may also be required to hold professional engineering licenses to design various HVAC components and systems.<\/p>\n HVAC systems engineers typically have responsibility for a development team and create HVAC systems, so strong skills in physics, math, computer, and communication are a must for these careers. Your HVAC engineering skillset should also include familiarity with piping and ductwork sizing, contract negotiation with both clients and vendors, site surveying, and HVAC application service protocol establishment.<\/p>\n The most senior-level HVAC\u00a0careers typically involve owning an HVAC installation and repair or engineering business. Your level of knowledge in\u00a0the HVAC industry may also lead you to a contracting position. To have a successful HVAC company, like 128 Plumbing, you\u00a0need more than solid knowledge in the heating and cooling industry. You also should have strong marketing skills and a sense of financial management to ensure your HVAC business is profitable.<\/p>\n Many independent contractors seek a specialization in one aspect of the HVAC industry, either residential, commercial, or engineering and HVAC system design. These careers may require further HVAC industry certification, depending on your location and the requirements of operating an HVAC business in your state.<\/p>\n Providing\u00a0successful HVAC\u00a0careers means treating your employees with respect and your customers with courtesy. At 128 Plumbing<\/a>, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, maintaining professionalism and knowledge of the HVAC industry. We value our clients and technicians and believe in delivering HVAC solutions right the first time.<\/p>\nDifferent Categories of HVAC Careers<\/h2>\n
Entry-Level HVAC Career Jobs<\/h2>\n
Entry-Level HVAC Helper<\/h3>\n
HVAC Rough-In Installer<\/h3>\n
Professional-Level HVAC\u00a0Career Jobs<\/h2>\n
HVAC Start-Up Technician<\/h3>\n
HVAC Service Technician<\/h3>\n
Mid-Tier HVAC Career Jobs<\/h2>\n
HVAC Service Manager<\/h3>\n
HVAC Systems Engineer or Designer<\/h3>\n
Senior-Level HVAC Career Jobs<\/h2>\n
Launching Your Career in HVAC<\/h2>\n