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How to pick the right HVAC system for you? 

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How to pick the right HVAC system for you? 

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Summary: In Angie Acosta's, How to chose the right HVAC System it is explained how to do so. When looking for a new HVAC system Acosta states that there are many things to consider. You need to first consider the size of your home to ensure you are getting maximum out of your system. Acosta then suggests that you make sure it will be efficient and reliable. It's important to know how much you're going to be paying for something like this, it need to meet every standard possible. Things such as noise levels and how often Maintenace is going to be needed on it.

Reflection: Acosta does a good job in explaining and giving you want is needed. When it comes to purchasing a new HVAC system, it is best to take the same precautions as if you were buying a house, says Acosta. It is going to need to be operated properly and taken care of in the same way. Make sure sizing price and placement are correct.

Citation: Acosta, Angie. “How to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Home.” Pioneer Official Store, Pioneer Official Store, 22 June 2023, www.pioneerminisplit.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-right-hvac-system-for-your-home?msclkid=4454094f776b1faefdf16f418215ce1b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%2A%2ALP%2B-%2BNonTM%2B-%2BPioneer%2B-%2BDSA&utm_term=pioneerminisplit&utm_content=All%2BPages.Accessed April 15,2024

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Controlling the climate in your home makes it easier to stay healthy and comfortable. However, finding appliances capable of adequately heating and cooling the space can take some work.

Choosing the right HVAC system for your home is essential if you want it to meet your heating and cooling requirements. Knowing what to look for when purchasing your unit will ensure you have all the functionality you need year round.

Efficiency

An HVAC system often runs throughout the day to ensure the home maintains the correct temperature. The need to do additional work can greatly strain your energy use and make your home less efficient. A modern HVAC system will run more efficiently, reducing your carbon footprint.

A mini-split system may be the best solution if you only need to heat or cool a small space. Because it can run more efficiently than traditional HVAC systems, it can reduce your energy consumption while keeping the room at the optimal temperature.

Comfort

Another thing to remember when choosing an HVAC system is the level of comfort it provides. Having an appliance you can rely on during hot summer and cold winter days is nice. A reliable installation can run all day long, allowing you to keep the space at optimal levels.

If your HVAC system is having trouble keeping the space comfortable, it may be time to purchase a new one. Look for a unit capable of maintaining the correct temperature without too much work. Checking the range, capacity, and expected life before making a final decision will allow you to get a long-term solution that lasts years.

Noise Level

A noisy HVAC system can be incredibly distracting. You may want to purchase a new unit if you're experiencing rattles, hisses, or pops. Excess noise can occur because of air leaking from old or broken vents and loose components.

Reducing the noise of your HVAC system will allow you to fully enjoy the space without distraction. Checking to ensure the airflow between rooms remains unobstructed can prevent unwanted noises. It may also be due to undersized or poorly installed equipment. If you need to replace your existing unit, a mini-split ductless system will provide a quiet and efficient system that's also easy to install.

Capacity

You should also consider the capacity of your HVAC system before finalizing your decision. The amount of energy it takes to heat or cool a room can make a big difference in its overall convenience. Larger spaces may take longer to adjust to the optimal levels if you don't have a suitable unit.

The capacity you'll need will depend on the space you're trying to cover. Measuring the square footage will ensure your HVAC system can handle the load. In most cases, the unit's size will directly influence the capacity, but some small units can handle heavier loads.

Size

As stated, the size of the HVAC unit will directly influence its heating or cooling capacity. Smaller units will generally have to work harder to alter the temperature of a space. If your unit is undersized, it won't last as long. If it's too big, its start-stop cycles will be too short.

Whether undersized or oversized, a poorly chosen HVAC system won't work as well for your home. Consider how many BTUs it has if you want to find a good-sized unit. You can get a unit with a specific design for your building and location to ensure it fits correctly.

Affordability

No matter what problems you're having with your existing HVAC system, replacing it with a new unit or repairing it will cost some money. If repairs are getting too expensive to maintain, it may be time to find a different solution. You should immediately replace systems that don't run efficiently, break down too often, or make lots of noise to ensure your home stays at the correct temperature.

Replacing your HVAC system altogether can get expensive quickly. Even a low-end unit will set you back a few thousand dollars. A poor-quality unit that someone has installed incorrectly will cost you more money in the long run. Do your research beforehand to ensure you get a system that matches your lifestyle and budget so that you don't feel disappointed with the result.

Compatibility

Today's homeowners may want additional functionality from their HVAC systems. Automated scheduling, temperature adjustments, and remote-control capabilities are easy to set up with modern smart home devices. Connecting these tools to your home network will ensure they're accessible anytime.

A smart thermostat or scheduler will automatically allow the HVAC system to adjust the temperature according to your preferences. You can also use a smartphone app to make changes while away from the home. Connecting your HVAC to the internet will allow it to track the weather and change the temperature according to outdoor conditions.

Care Schedule

No HVAC system will last forever. However, taking care of your investment will ensure it doesn't break down prematurely and continues to operate at max capacity. Pay attention to the maintenance recommendations and the length of the warranty to ensure you don't get a hefty repair bill soon after installation.

Maintaining your HVAC system throughout the year requires time and attention. Changing the filter, cleaning the unit, and inspecting ductwork is essential for keeping yours in good shape. If you're unsure what to do, you should call a professional maintenance service to ensure everything works properly.

The Best HVAC Unit Is the One That Fits Your Needs

Homeowners have many options when it comes to choosing an HVAC unit. Whether you require something new or want to upgrade, learning about your investment and how to care for it will ensure it lasts as long as possible.

If you're unsure how to choose the right HVAC unit for your home, you can start by considering the amount of space that needs air conditioning and go from there. Considering all the essential aspects, such as price, compatibility, and capacity, will ensure you get the most for your money. A high-quality unit will be more efficient and require fewer repairs over its lifetime.

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How To Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Home

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Homeowners need a functioning HVAC system to provide heating and cooling when necessary. Use this guide to find a unit that fits your home's needs.

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Summary: Industrack What's the Difference Between residential and commercial, it states that residential HVACR technician is someone who installs and repairs various systems for air quality. This includes troubleshooting, performs major/minor repairs and obtains a certain responsibility for maintenance, says Industrack. Residential units are much smaller than commercial or industrial.

Reflection: Becoming a residential technician is a great start for anyone wants to do HVAC but is not sure what exact branch they want to go into. Industrack informs you that Working on smaller units can give a beginner a little more comfort and courage to branch out into some of the bigger more well known companies.

Citation: IndusTrack. “Commercial vs Residential HVAC: What’s the Difference?” Commercial vs Residential Hvac Systems, Industrack, 6 Feb. 2024, industrack.com/industrack-blog/commercial-vs-residential-hvac-whats-the-difference.Acessed April 19, 2024

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Commercial vs Residential HVAC: What’s the Difference?

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Commercial and residential HVAC both have their specific systems, areas of expertise, and workflows. However, the field is equally profitable for both.

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Summary: According to "The beginners guide to commercial HVAC" . Commercial HVAC is usually needed in bigger facilities and these units are usually placed on top of the building. SuperTechHVAC also informs you that Commercial units have the same purpose as Residential units, they seem to be a little more complicated but if you can take what you apply in residential, you can be as successful.

Reflection: Commercial is another good branch in the HVAC industry, according to Super Tech HVAC ."The bigger the machine bigger the money" so there is definitely some great opportunity there. If you like to work with another person or with a crew, this is a less isolated job.

Citation: Team, SuperTech. “The Beginner’s Guide to Commercial HVAC Systems.” SuperTech HVAC Services, 8 June 2023, www.supertechhvac.com/commercial-hvac-systems/.Acessed April 19, 2024

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The Beginner's Guide to Commercial HVAC Systems

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Learn about what commercial HVAC is, how it works, the different types of systems available, problems that arise, and much more.

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What is the difference between Residential and Commercial HVACR? 

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What is the difference between Residential and Commercial HVACR? 

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Summary: It is explained in What is the difference between Commercial and Residential, which one would be better for you. These are both great branches to join into if you're thinking about HVAC. Residential HVAC is a bit simpler and usually all contained in one small space furnace. Commercial HVAC units are larger, more complicated and usually more specialized.

Reflection: ACMEAC explains to me that, Residential seems to be the starting place for most people. It's a great time for you to get a real feel for the job and everything that it takes without maybe having so much commotion. Commercial HVAC comes with higher standards, responsibilities and overall work ethic.

Citation: Heating, Acme Air Conditioning &. “What Is the Difference between a Residential and Commercial HVAC?” ACME Air Conditioning & Heating, 12 Apr. 2023, acmeac.com/blog/difference-residential-commercial-hvac-system/.Accessed April 19,2024

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What Is The Difference Between A Residential and Commercial HVAC? | Acme Air Conditioning & Heating

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If you’re looking for a new AC, Acme Air Conditioning & Heating can help you determine whether you need a commercial or residential unit.

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Summary: In "The benefits of an HVAC Technician", the pros and cons are listed. HVAC is a very high demand career and as many people as possible are needed for it. The career also comes along with job security, some will even take care of college for you. You never know what you might find for yourself.

Reflection: Anyone who wants to do HVAC they should go ahead and join the team. Workforceessentials, state how beneficial it is to know pros and cons of a job So much will be learned in so little time and before you know it you’ll be running calls by yourself.

Citation:WF_Essentials. “The Benefits of an HVAC Technician Career.” Workforce Essentials, 22 May 2023, workforceessentials.com/the-benefits-of-an-hvac-technician-career/.Accessed April 19, 2024

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Summary: Faradaycareers.com talks about the salary of an HVAC Tech. A tech will earn upwards of 46,000 to 68,000 dollars a year. This is a lot to possess for such a young age, straight out of college. The bigger the machine you work on the more you get into your pocket. This means you can start somewhere comfortable first and branch out onto bigger equipment.

Reflection: I think HVAC is a great field to get into. FaradayCareers.com puts an idea in your head that maybe this could be you. It sets you up for your future fairly quickly and you will work your way up as a tech just as quickly.

Citation:“HVAC Technician Salary: Guide to Wages, Jobs, & More.” Faraday, Faraday, 26 Sept. 2022, faradaycareers.com/careers/hvac-technician-salary.Accessed April 16,2024

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There are many benefits to becoming an HVAC technician, including, but not limited to, work-life balance, learning useful and practical skills, job security, and the ability to earn a decent living over the course of your career.

So, what is the average HVAC technician salary?

Of course, there is a range of salaries that an HVAC technician can earn, and the actual number for any individual depends on a variety of factors including location and experience. Technicians with less than one year of experience tend to earn around $22.47 per hour, while technicians with over 10 years of experience earn an average of $32.83 per hour.

This guide will give an overview of HVAC technician salaries as well as a breakdown of salaries by city and state. We also discuss how experience affects an HVAC technicians' pay and compare HVAC salaries to those of different careers.

HVAC technician salary overview

On average, an HVAC technician typically earns between $46,000 and $68,000 per year depending on experience.

In 2020, the lowest 10% of HVAC technicians earned around $31,000 per year, while the top 10% earned around $80,000 per year.

The job outlook for HVAC technicians is positive and is projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030. This number could increase even further with the country's focus on creating greener and more efficient buildings.

Median Annual Salary: $48,730 ($23.43 per hour)

Top 10% Annual Salary: $77,920 ($37.46 per hour)

Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $30,610 ($14.72 per hour)

HVAC technician annual salary (2010-2019)

HVAC technician salary by state

You can get a better idea of what your HVAC salary may be by looking at state-specific data.

Certain states-such as Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Massachusetts, and Connecticut-have higher average HVAC salaries while others-such as Arkansas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Mississippi, and Kentucky-have lower average salaries.

Below you can see a breakdown of the average HVAC technician salary by state.

State

10th Percentile

25th Percentile

50th Percentile (Median)

75th Percentile

90th Percentile

See specific state and city HVAC salary guides:

How experience affects HVAC salaries

Experience is the largest driver in determining how much an HVAC technician can make. For example, HVAC apprentice salaries are typically about half of those of technicians. The average salary earned by an HVAC technician based on experience can be seen below: ‍

‍Entry/Mid-Level (0-5 years of experience): The average entry/mid-level salary for an HVAC technician is around $22 per hour. This equals $45,760 per year.‍

Senior (6-9 years of experience): The average salary for a senior HVAC technician is $27.65 per hour. This equals $57,512 per year.‍

Manager (10+ years of experience): The average salary for an HVAC technician manager is $32.83 per year. This equals $68,286 per year.

Do HVAC technicians make good money?

HVAC technicians make a comparable wage to plumbers, who make $26.52 per hour on average, and electricians, who make $27.01 on average. However, HVAC technicians with 10+ years of experience average a higher salary ($32.83 per hour) than plumber salaries ($31.16 per hour) and electrician salaries ($29.62 per hour) with the same amount of experience.

In addition, HVAC technicians make significantly more than construction workers, who make $17.83 per hour on average.

How to improve your chances of getting a better HVAC salary

HVAC technicians can earn a wide range of salaries and, as with anything else, you get out what you out in.

Below are some ways to improve your chances of earning a higher salary as an HVAC technician:

Get more certifications

There are many certifications available for HVAC technicians, and with each one earned, your salary potential increases. Below are some examples of HVAC technician certifications:

EPA 608 Certification‍

The EPA 608 Certification is required by the EPA for HVAC technicians in every state.

NATE Certifications

‍ NATE Certifications are not required, but demonstrate your knowledge of a given skill, both to clients and employers.

NATE Ready-to-Work Certificate

The NATE Ready-to-Work Certificate tests a technician's ability to work as an entry-level employee. ‍

HVAC Support Technician Certificate‍

The NATE HVAC Support Technician Certificate is for technicians during the first six months to one year in the industry. ‍

NATE Core & Specialty Tests Certification

The main NATE Certification has two pathways: the Traditional Core & Specialty pathway and the CHP-5 pathway. These are for technicians with more than two years of experience. Additionally, this certification is required before any attempt at North American Technician Excellence (NATE) specialization certifications.

Installation Specialty Certifications

Air Conditioning

Air Distribution

Air to Air Heat Pump

Gas Heating (Air)

Service Specialty Certifications

Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning - Spanish

Air Distribution

Commercial Refrigeration

Heat Pump (Air to Air)

Heat Pump (Air to Air) - Spanish

Gas Heating (Air)

Gas Heating (Air) - Spanish

Hydronics Gas

Hydronics Oil

Light Commercial Refrigeration

Oil Heating (Air)

‍Senior Level Efficiency Analyst Certification‍

The NATE Senior Level Efficiency Analyst Certification is for HVAC technicians who have more than five years of experience and at least two NATE specialty certifications. Some examples of NATE certifications will be listed below. ‍

HVAC Excellence‍

HVAC Excellence offers progressive levels of certification that distinguish a technician's knowledge and skill level as the advance in their career. ‍

Stay on top of the industry & new technologies

As with most industries, the HVAC industry is constantly evolving. New technologies and practices are being introduced into the industry each year and keeping up to date on the new developments will increase your earning potential.

Improve your sales skills

As you gain more experience as a technician, you will meet and interact with new customers. Learning how to instill confidence and comfort in your customers can go a long way when it comes to earning more money.

Work on your management skills

As your career progresses, you will likely be given opportunities to manage less-experienced employees. It is important to take advantage of these opportunities so that you can demonstrate to your employer that you have what it takes to become a manager, and in turn, make more money. Focusing on management skills will also go a long way if you ever decide to start your own HVAC company.

Start your own company (once you have the experience)

Once you have gained enough experience as an HVAC technician, it may be a good idea to start your own company. If you feel that you excel when it comes to managing multiple employees, this may be a great option to explore. With your own company, your earning potential is limitless.
>> Read More: HVAC Technician Job Outlook & How to Become an HVAC Technician

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HVAC Technician Salary: Guide to Wages, Jobs, & More | Faraday

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In the United States, the average wage for an HVAC technician is $24.32 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which comes out to around $50,590 per year.

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Summary: "The importance of Connections on Our Well Being", talks about the importance of job relationships. It is very important to make and find new connections throughout your career. This goes way beyond HVAC, when you have connections you have more opportunities. Creating good relationships in the work place can help you along the way and make some hard days much easier on both people.

Reflection: I too believe it is very beneficial to have good work relationships, no one wants to work with someone who has a negative attitude all of the time. Executive.Berkley.Edu encourages you to go out there and meet some new people on the job. If you run into a problem you never know that person might be able to help you. It also gives you a good environment to work in.

Citation:“The Importance of Connections on Our Well-Being.” Berkeley Exec Ed, executive.berkeley.edu/thought-leadership/blog/importance-connections-our-well-being#:~:text=Making%20healthy%20connections%20goes%20beyond,every%20other%20facet%20of%20life. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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For centuries, philosophers and scientists have attempted to answer the question of why we're here. Some have claimed that good health or growth is our purpose, while others see it as a divine blessing or a means of passing on our genes. Yet, no matter the answer, one thing is certain: we're meant to connect with each other.

It's part of our nature to build relationships. From a young age, children naturally form bonds with their parents and caregivers-and this pattern continues throughout our lives. We constantly seek companionship and support as we go through life's stages together.

But some of us get the short end of the stick regarding relationship satisfaction. In fact, millions of people in the U.S. experience chronic loneliness, which is strongly associated with lower self-reported physical health, mental health, and quality of life. It is also related to higher rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and suicide ideation. For many others, feelings of social isolation come up temporarily but often enough to cause an emotional reaction.

Making healthy connections goes beyond simply avoiding feelings of loneliness and isolation. Our relationships impact all dimensions of our well-being, including physical and mental health and our ability to flourish at work and in every other facet of life.

The Benefits of Interpersonal Connection

Because social connection is so hard-wired into human behavior, it makes sense that our relationships (or lack thereof) significantly influence our well-being. Connections can be just as important to physical and mental health as exercise and healthy eating. Research has shown that the psychological and physical health benefits of social contact are so great that they can even outweigh the harmful effects of other risk factors and boost life expectancy.

Our relationships can also act as a buffer in difficult times. When things get tough, it helps to have the support of people who care about us - or at least know us enough to listen and empathize. When we focus on cultivating deeper connections (including those with people whose opinions differ from our own), we are better able to recognize and accept our similarities and differences (there will always be both), which fosters empathy and self-awareness. These connections also expose us to new ideas and perspectives and help us be more authentic as we end our reliance on others to tell us who we are.

Our sphere of connectivity also extends to our work lives. At the organizational level-a connected workforce is a stronger one. Healthy work relationships facilitate greater learning and knowledge sharing, improve retention and engagement, and increase innovation and performance.

On an individual level, people who have a sense of belonging at work may be more likely to thrive in their jobs than those who are treated as cogs in a larger machine. This can have a lot to do with organizational culture. However, in many cases, it's our attitude toward workplace connections and our hesitancy or willingness to put effort toward cultivating them that can greatly influence our sense of belonging.

Modern Connectivity Obstacles and Pitfalls

Unfortunately, it's easy to undervalue the role that relationships play in our lives and on our wellbeing.

So much of modern-day "connectivity" is less concerned with making genuine connections and more about being seen as part of a tribe-more often than not, one whose members know very little about one another on a personal level.

In addition, the pursuit of money, influence, and recognition has become the modern-day version of a status symbol. And we don't realize that in striving for these things, it's all too easy to prioritize these symbols of success over our most crucial relationship ingredient: people.

When it comes to other people, it's easy in our modern world to prioritize image over substance-focusing on one's identity over getting to know the real person. This prevents us from potentially connecting with people with whom we can build genuine relationships. Our current loneliness epidemic highlights this and similar social issues as so many people find themselves with access to millions of people yet feel more distant from others than ever before.

The good news is-there is increasing awareness of the impact our relationships have on us, prompting many to re-examine their priorities, seek more genuine connections, and take more time to appreciate the relationships they've already formed.

Where to Find More Opportunities to Connect with Others

Our everyday environments provide numerous opportunities to connect with others. If you feel disconnected, consider where you might focus on creating more personal bonds.

Home/Family

Social circles/friends

Work relationships

Skill-building/self-development environments

Hobbies/interest-based environments

Church/spiritual communities

How to Get More From Your Connections

Below are some simple tips to help you cultivate stronger, more genuine, supportive connections and the interactions that build them.

Know your values and what you need from your relationships. This will help you determine which connections are worth your time and focus.

Be proactive. Forming authentic connections with others (no matter the relationship type) often takes time and consistency.

Reflect on your interactions. Which feel most authentic, generate positive emotions, and are most fulfilling? Engage in those types of interactions more often.

Be authentic and honest in every interaction. Understand that you don't always have to be 'on' or appear a certain way. Authenticity is the key to genuine connection.

Recognize that everyone has different connectivity needs. If a relationship never grows beyond 'acquaintance level' or just isn't working, it's okay. Don't force it.

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The Importance of Connections on Our Well-Being

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For centuries, philosophers and scientists have attempted to answer the question of why we're here. Some have claimed that good health or growth is our purpose, while others see it as a divine blessing or a means of passing on our genes.

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Summary: In How Women Are Transforming the HVAC HVAC Industry", we learn about how benefical it can be to have a women on the job with you. It is a great career for a women to join into. There are a few physical hardships but once you get into the swing, you’ll be able to figure out what works for you.

Reflection: In the near future i believe there will be many more women not just in HVAC but in all trades. The Dynamic of the trades is changing and it seems to be for the positive. IntercoastColleges proves how much the industry is changing.

Citation:Thomas. “How Women Are Transforming the HVAC Industry.” InterCoast Colleges, 8 June 2022, intercoast.edu/articles/women-in-the-hvac-industry/.Acessed April 20, 2024

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According to the BLS, as of November 2019, in 2018, only 1.4% of HVAC mechanics and installers in the U.S. were female.

Regardless of where you live in the country, having access to heating or air conditioning is essential for comfort. There is nothing worse than having a heater go out in the dead of winter, or having an air conditioner on the fritz during the blaze of summer.

HVAC technicians are needed nationwide, but they can be pretty rare depending on where you live.

Then imagine that rarity in a percentage of 1.4! That's not many at all!

As with any trade, the more unique your skill the more sought after your skill is, and the more potential you have for success.

Let's break down all the details and get you on your way towards your future in the HVAC industry!

So, What is HVAC?

Let's start with the basics.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This encompasses systems in homes, companies, corporations, and more.

These systems provide you with cooling, heating, and cleansing of the indoor air around you.

What Does an HVAC Technician Do?

Some of the duties an HVAC technician performs are:

Maintenance, repairs, and inspections of existing systems.

Sales and installations of new systems

Customer service and record-keeping

Maintaining equipment and tools

Staying up to date with current trends and training within the HVAC industry

Being an HVAC technician is anything but boring. Technicians often work at many different venues, from homes to businesses, indoors and outdoors. Whenever and wherever they are needed, HVAC Technicians are on the job.
What Are Some Current HVAC Industry Trends?
As with all construction and building companies right now, HVAC is experiencing an exciting time with new technology.

Some new trends are:

Smart HVAC: Systems that alert you when they need maintenance or repair. These units allow you to control their functions away from home and even have sensors to make them run better.

Solar HVAC: Systems that use solar panels to turn power from the sun into electricity. this can mean the system itself runs on solar power, or the unit could be hooked up to an external solar source.

Geothermal HVAC: Uses pipes buried underground to heat or cool based on the ground temperature.

Staying up to date with trends like these will help you be a successful technician and set you apart from your peers.

History of Women Working Trade Jobs

Women can do ANYTHING.

Throughout history, women were typically left behind from working outside of the home or related fields. Cooking, cleaning, and other domestic jobs were the only things available to a woman at the time. However, during World War II, women flooded the labor workforce out of necessity. With the men overseas fighting in the war, women stepped up to keep the country running during this time of crisis.

This was the era when women took the success of the nation into their own hands. They pushed themselves to learn new skills and ignored the stereotypes and traditions they were raised with.

One icon from this period is Rosie the Riveter. She became an icon for strong, hardworking women.

Female HVAC Trailblazers

Speaking of Rosie the Riveter, California has its modern-day incarnation in Samantha Lott. She expresses herself through pin-up hairstyles and Rosie's signature bandana to compliment the coveralls she wears to work.

Lott has had to overcome the struggles of being part of a male-dominated industry from the very beginning of her career. But, despite it all, she earned position-specific certificates, an associate's degree, and is raising her children alone; all while working in her field.

Additionally, her HVAC class of 300 students only had 3 women, including her.

Telese Williams picked up HVAC when her job as a brick mason experienced layoffs.

When Williams began her work in the HVAC field, she had a fear of heights. Despite that, she changed her mindset from fear to competition with her male colleagues and is now seeing success and recognition in her field.

Her confidence grew when her supervisors praised her skills and her fearless attitude towards harder jobs.

She hopes to someday be an instructor or mentor for those who are getting started in the business.

Karen Lamy DeSousa took over owning an HVAC company from her father. At first, she was a bit uncomfortable stepping into a male-dominated field, but now she is a source of knowledge and guidance for fellow females.

DeSousa focuses on the business aspects of the industry, but she writes a blog about the struggles she recognizes that women face in the field. She talks openly about the difficulties of being an owner in a role with such little female representation and aims to help unite like-minded individuals.

Gerri Domenikos is the CEO of an HVAC company in New York. She has a goal to change the way people perceive women in the field.

She connects with job candidates by attending every interview for female HVAC technicians. She makes it a point to let them all know that they are represented, accepted, and supported within her company.

These four women are just a few examples of those who have overcome the struggles within the HVAC field. These women have taken strides to break the mold and plow the way for new potential technicians like you!

Female HVAC Technician Challenges

To get right to its heart, the biggest challenge is the assumptions both clients and colleagues will make, just because a tech may be female.

People will think you're not as good as, or as strong as your male teammates... but don't let that stop you! You are just as capable of doing this work as the men are.

DeSousa has an entire blog post devoted to the "obstacles" women may face while doing their work.

She suggests some great bras, technical support systems, and where to find functional and... dare I say... fashionable workwear. Finding items that fit your style and keep you safe and protected may be a challenge, but it's not impossible.

One of the biggest challenges women face in the HVAC industry is representation. There isn't a lot out there, so it's challenging to find role models or support networks.

But it is out there if you know where to look!

Support for Female HVAC Technicians

There is an entire organization in place to support women in the HVAC field! Women in HVACR offer support and nourishment for women in this trade.

They offer:

Sponsorships

Scholarships

Memberships

Events

Mentorships

Education

Networking Opportunities

The current president of Women in HVACR, Danielle Putnam aims to break the stereotype that this group is just a social club. She wants to unite the women of this trade so that everyone, no matter where they are on their career path, can succeed and feel supported.

How to Become an HVAC Technician

The job outlook for HVAC technicians is looking good.

According to the BLS, as of November 2019, the number of openings in this field is expected to grow by 13% over the next 5 years alone!

So, what do you need to get started?

1. In most states, you need to have a High School diploma (or the equivalent). If you're still in school, focus on the sciences, mathematics, and shop classes; as these will help you be successful.

2. Get an HVAC certificate. The certificate takes less than a year to earn and can teach you diagnostic skills, how to use your equipment, and basic mechanical, electronic, and electrical skills.

3. Apprentice with the pros. You'll gain useful experience, tips and tricks, and useful contacts within the industry. Employers are far more likely to hire you with this experience than if you are fresh out of school with no time in the field.

4. Invest in some additional certificates. Give yourself a leg-up in the competition by becoming certified in whatever is currently trending in HVAC technology or similar branches. You may be surprised at how few people take the initiative to get ahead. By becoming a specialist can open up even more doors for you.

The HVAC Industry Needs You

Do you have what it takes to be a woman in the HVAC industry?

The world needs technicians like you: passionate, hardworking, and organized.

Sign up for an HVAC Technician Training program today. YOUR future is in YOUR (well trained, hard-working) hands!

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How Women Are Transforming the HVAC Industry | InterCoast Colleges

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Traditionally considered a male-dominated career sector, explore the women who are the changing the face of the HVAC industry.