Working in the HVAC Service Industry

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks the heating and air-conditioning industry as a growth industry with solid, above average job prospects for the future.

What a Heating and Air Conditioning Repair Technician Does

A heating and air conditioning repair technician installs new and repairs and maintains existing furnaces, refrigeration and central air conditioning units. Because homeowners often don't have any notice that their furnace will stop working, HVAC techs need to be on call for late night and weekend calls. HVAC companies may specialize in residential or commercial equipment or work on both.

Skills Necessary to Be an HVAC Repair Person

A successful HVAC repair person must be able to work independently and be able to diagnose a heating or cooling problem in the field without a lot of back-up. An HVAC tech should be in reasonably good physical condition, as this job often requires lifting and transporting heavy equipment. A good HVAC technician should also be able to work well with people. Homeowners and small business owners are often stressed when it's cold outside and their furnace isn't working. They may not always be in a very polite mood.

Training to Be an HVAC Specialist

Working as an HVAC specialist requires training in installing and repairing heating and air-conditioning equipment. Many vocational schools and community colleges around the US offer such training programs. Courses take between six months and two years to complete and students are given a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Many branches of the US armed services also offer HVAC training.

A number of employers prefer to hire HVAC technicians that have worked as an apprentice to a well-established HVAC repair specialist. Apprenticeships usually last for two to six months and the apprentice is generally paid a lesser wage during this training period. Some states require HVAC technicians to be licensed.

If you are an HVAC specialist looking for a better opportunity, consider an Aire Service HVAC franchise. The leader in the HVAC industry, Aire Serve has been in business since 1993 and has 175 locations worldwide.