Advice on HVAC career change

I know its a killer subject thats been repeated and beat to death time and time again but here goes.
My story. I worked for 15+ years at a factory. They closed down, i get laid off. I go back to school for HVAC. I went to Sinclair College in Dayton Ohio through their certificate program if that means anything. So upon finishing the program i went out all confident that i would be able to find a job and move on with my life. I soon found out it was not that easy. Every HVAC company i went to in the area, they basically just handed me a application, i filled it out and never heard from them again. They would give me a attitude that unless someone has at least 5 years experience they didnt want to talk to them. So i went back to work for around 2 years in another factory and sure enough i have found myself laid off again. I really am tired of this factory work with the layoffs, i want to give this HVAC thing another shot.
How can i sell myself to a HVAC company with having no actual on the job experience? I am 40 now, is it a waste of time for someone at my age to try to get into this field with no experience under their belt? What i have going for me is my certificate in HVAC from the school, my universal refrigerant license and a good work ethic.
I understand that starting pay might not be that good, but what is a average in Ohio for someone just starting out, how much should i ask-what can i expect? When applying for a HVAC job, what job should i put on the application considering i have no experience?
Really i just need some honest advice and a little encouragement.
Thanks,
Dave

When you know let me know :). I have been looking in the classifieds and theres not much there for a newbie. So i am just going to do the school and hope in less than 2 years i find something closly related for a stepping stone.
If i put an app in call in 3-5 days and ask to speak to the guy or gal. idk much else because i havn't found the right course of action.

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thanks you