HVAC Career PRO's vs. CON's anyone?

I'm trying to find a career that's right for me. I plan on going to a tech. school asap. HVAC has come up alot when talking to folks about what is a growing and positive career. I've read alot of posts on this forum. Some good and some seem really bad.

O.K. this is a question for anyone who is in the HVAC field. Mainly anyone in Nor-Califorina!!!

What are your thoughts on getting into HVAC as a career?? What type of person is cut out for this work? Also, is all the "low pay" "long hours" talk true? Any replies are welcome. Thank you!

p.s. Please no crying about "Mexicans, took our jobs" LOL

Jeremy there are a few things you should seriously consider before going into the HVAC TRADE.

1. Your age. if you are between the ages of 28-35, I wouldn't recommend it. Especially if you're just getting into the trade. All you're going to do is wear out your body,.. fast.

2. If you have family,...the "peak seasons" won't allow to spend much time with them.

3. Starting pay out of school is not going to be what you'll hope for. Unless you work for yourself, your looking at anywhere from 13-15-17 per hour (IF) you show promise and catch on quick to the many challenges you'll face in the real world of a/c, heating or refrigeration work.

4. Be prepared to put in at least a minimum of 5-6 years of perhaps a little blood and a lot of sweat and (maybe even a little tears depending on your personality) to advance your self into a pay range of $22.00 an hour plus. Also,... If and WHEN YOU DO GET A JOB, it would serve you well and improve your chances greatly to surpass a pay scale of $22 plus an hour within 4 years time, if you spent some time on your own reading about the type of equipment your company sells in addition to keeping current with YOUR overall troubleshooting skills in the area of refrigerant circuit problems, controls, motors, additional other component problems, and proper installation practices to name just a few. Never, completely rely on a fellow employee to show how to do something correctly. Seek out the info on your own so you can be the go to guy.

Well thats just the tip of the ice berg. There is so much more to learn about in this trade. By the way, I have worked in the trade for over 17 years. So here's a little advice. if you do go for this line of work continue to study the trade and have a plan B.

Bottom line is YOU NEED TO DO WHAT YOU ENJOY DOING. DO WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO GET UP EVERY MORNING AND BE GLAD YOU ARE THERE.

prohvacwroks says it pretty much. Can be long hours in peak season and skimp by with short work weeks in off season. I just had 6 consecutive 20hr work weeks. I had a job though. Alot were laid off. Customers, technology changing as fast as new cell phones, weather can and will kick your butt, 24 hr on call, strict paper work and time schedules, it all has pro's and con's. No boss over the shoulder at the "office" but then again boss will know if you did or didn't do your work. Office work is climate controlled. You WILL be in the elements; freezing rain, snow, hot sun, wind, nice days too. Two weeks vacation after 5 yrs...no more ever. no sick days. Hands will get cut, burnt, scraped, smashed or pinched. Need to be alert and think at all times. Pay attention to what you are doing. Don't burn someones house down when brazing. Alot of responsibility and usually by yourself unless on an installer team. That will wear the body out fast. I have done new construction, retro install, and service. Pros and Cons to all. starting my 20th yr and am at $23 / hr. Live in Kansas City. Pretty cheap here compared to east or west coast. Still can't do all or most of what I want. I am getting tired of having to keep up on ALL the changes and NEW things that you have to learn every 6 months. Getting overwhelming. Just my story. Good luck to you.

I`m just getting into this biz, coming out of school in June any sugestions?

After spending 15 years working in the same factory i found myself laid off after the company closed. I qualified for a program through unemployment to send me back to school for training in another field. They would pay for all of the cost of the schooling plus allowed me to draw pretty much my regular pay of what i was making while going to school. I had no clue what to take, i took HVAC. I probably should have researched it better.
HVAC seems like a great career if you are a younger person just starting out. But if you are a bit older, like i am (pushing 40) it is next to impossible to get your foot in the door. I did great in the schooling but its as if it means nothing to any employer. It seems like every HVAC company i checked out demanded a minimum of 5 years experience before they would even look at you. Those that are willing to take in someone with no experience only want to pay 6-7 dollars a hour in my area. I never was able to get a job in the field. I ended up taking a somewhat related job, inspecting automotive air conditioning systems and parts as they are being manufactured in a factory, which isnt all so bad.
If you are a younger guy in your early 20s, go for it. If you are a bit older i would really think this through and check into it further.

Well put Prohvac!
As an employer straight A's in class mean something but not a lot to me. Have seen to many on the so called 'Deans List' and couldnt perform in the field. Takes about 5 yrs in the field to see the hundreds of scenerios you'll run into and be a pro at handling them.

Jeremy in Modesto, California said: I'm trying to find a career that's right for me. I plan on going to a tech. school asap. HVAC has come up alot when talking to folks about what is a growing and positive career. I've read alot of posts on this forum. Some good and some seem really bad.

O.K. this is a question for anyone who is in the HVAC field. Mainly anyone in Nor-Califorina!!!

What are your thoughts on getting into HVAC as a career?? What type of person is cut out for this work? Also, is all the "low pay" "long hours" talk true? Any replies are welcome. Thank you!

p.s. Please no crying about "Mexicans, took our jobs" LOL

I have no idea what is up with these other guys but I'm in the Denver area which is alot like the silicon valley area as far as the HVAC industry is concerned. First get yourself enrolled in a union apprenticeship, look for a local UA. You really can't beat there education which by the way is free!

There can be on ocasion overtime but it all depends on the shop you work for. Try to get more into the comercial/industrial side. It's the residental guys that crawl on their knees. Yes at first you will earn $14 an hour. But in 5 years you should be around $30. Plus you should get a company vehicle with FREE gas. Then there are 3 more levels you can acheive above that which will put around $35 an hour and by the time you get to that point the cost of living increases should put you over $40.

By the way did you know HVAC service is the 2nd fastest growing profession in the US with about one third of its current employees retiring in the next 5-10 years. That equals job security. Most of the work isn't that hard and the industry is going more and more to full computer automation. I think you would make a very wise decision making the switch. Just so you know, most of my apprentices the past couple years are exactly like you and all in there late 20's and early 30's, it's never to late!

I agree with much of what Colorado has stated. I personnaly like 'older' guys as an employer as there seems to be a higher element of drama the younger ones bring to the shop from home. The younger playstation generation expects instant top pay without paying the necessary dues it takes to learn the craft. Just my opinion.

Colorado mentioned commercial/Industrial. YES! As a Resi/ Lt Commercial shop I couldnt concur more. If you have the mind set to do Comm Refrigeration another great avenue of high demand. I personally know I dont have the patients it takes to do that area of the trade to make repair/adjustments and then pull up a bucket and wait for the results.

I personally am looking to fill a lead man spot. Service/Install
some sheet metal fab experience a real plus.

These guys are really hitting the nail on the head! Here is a good outlook for you. I am 20 y/o, and immediately went to Tech School for hvac/refrigeration after high school. It was a year course, I had fun, and I was the ONLY person out of 15 people to graduate to land a job in the field. I talk to pretty much all those other students, and they STILL have no job in the field! That was back in October of 2008. Since then, I have already been laid off for a month. The company I work for does strictly residential. Small company, good guys to work for, usually always 40 hour weeks. I was laid off due to the economy/slow times but I am back to work.

The cons: attics stink. You have to get use to them and always wear a mask. Coughing is no fun when the working conditions are already hard enough. Swallow your pride! You will have to not take things to heart. You WILL make mistakes but learning from them is rewarding. Be prepared to be a gopher for a long time. This means that on top of the duties your boss gives you, expect to carry your boss's or the tech you are working with tools and equipment. Once again, swallow your pride. Also, hopefully the company you work for, like mine, is going to quickly register you on your state apprenticeship program so that your hours worked count towards your license if your state requires one (Connecticut does). I know guys that get hired by hvac companies, but unfortunately, their hours aren't going towards a license.

How am I now? Still currently working for these guys, but plan on joining the Military part-time and attending college. I may still work for this company in the summer, but I'm not sure if this is the type of work I am willing to do for the rest of my life. I give so much respect to those that are! Someday I may want to try the commercial side of the trade.

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Home of the Hvacr Pro's.

[quote]
DaytonDave in Dayton, Ohio
qualified for a program through unemployment to send me back to school for training in another field. They would pay for all of the cost of the schooling plus allowed me to draw pretty much my regular pay of what i was making while going to school. I had no clue what to take, i took HVAC. I probably should have researched it better.

Dave, can you say what kind of program has this benefit, available?
you can post it here if you can possibly?

Hvac Pro in Las Vegas, Nevada said: [quote]
DaytonDave in Dayton, Ohio
qualified for a program through unemployment to send me back to school for training in another field. They would pay for all of the cost of the schooling plus allowed me to draw pretty much my regular pay of what i was making while going to school. I had no clue what to take, i took HVAC. I probably should have researched it better.

Dave, can you say what kind of program has this benefit, available?
you can post it here if you can possibly?

I take it you mean the program that paid to send me to school? Its available for people who have become permanently unemployed due to the company they work for closing, moving out of state/country, or just simply downsizing. There are several programs-the two best are TAA and WIA. They will pay for up to two years of schooling or retraining in a field of your choice while still allowing you to draw your unemployment the entire time you are going to school. Its a great deal and most people dont even know it exists, just make sure the course you are taking is going to work out for you in the long run.
You can probably find out more about it through your local unemployment office.

coloradohvac in Parker, Colorado said:
There can be on ocasion overtime but it all depends on the shop you work for. Try to get more into the comercial/industrial side. It's the residental guys that crawl on their knees. Yes at first you will earn $14 an hour. But in 5 years you should be around $30. Plus you should get a company vehicle with FREE gas. Then there are 3 more levels you can acheive above that which will put around $35 an hour and by the time you get to that point the cost of living increases should put you over $40.

Those pay rates seem totally off the scale for anything i have seen in my area/state. Maybe im misunderstanding you but you are saying a new guy in your area can make $14 a hour, and a guy with a few years experience under his belt can get $30 a hour? A new guy/apprentice in my city/state, it seems like they only want to pay you minimum wage (if that!) like 7 bucks a hour. Ive talked to guys who have been doing it for 4-5 years and are finally getting up to around 14-15 a hour-if they are with a good company. 30 bucks a hour? Not around here. It is very discouraging for the new guy starting out when he is offered a job at such low wages. Hey, i understand that you cant start out on the top of the pay scale and i dont expect to but then again who on earth can honestly make a living on $7 a hour with no insurance benefits? Walmart pays better than that.
Maybe im wrong but damn, i only wish they would pay what you are quoting in my state. Things are hard right now, $14 bucks a hour would be a dream come true for many guys i know.
Im sorry if i sound like im venting or being rude, and im not trying to dispute what you are saying. Its just the way the economy is these days and seeing so many people out of work that really gets to me at times.

Daytondave in Dayton, Ohio said: Those pay rates seem totally off the scale for anything i have seen in my area/state. Maybe im misunderstanding you but you are saying a new guy in your area can make $14 a hour, and a guy with a few years experience under his belt can get $30 a hour? A new guy/apprentice in my city/state, it seems like they only want to pay you minimum wage (if that!) like 7 bucks a hour. Ive talked to guys who have been doing it for 4-5 years and are finally getting up to around 14-15 a hour-if they are with a good company. 30 bucks a hour? Not around here. It is very discouraging for the new guy starting out when he is offered a job at such low wages. Hey, i understand that you cant start out on the top of the pay scale and i dont expect to but then again who on earth can honestly make a living on $7 a hour with no insurance benefits? Walmart pays better than that.
Maybe im wrong but damn, i only wish they would pay what you are quoting in my state. Things are hard right now, $14 bucks a hour would be a dream come true for many guys i know.
Im sorry if i sound like im venting or being rude, and im not trying to dispute what you are saying. Its just the way the economy is these days and seeing so many people out of work that really gets to me at times.

Dave I think your understanding what many guys dont. Pay scale varies from area to area. A company cant pay anymore than that particular market will bare.

Dayton Dave,
Thanks for your reply it was appreciated!
It is good to have someone that is not pulling any punches and honest.
there are so many fakes and wannabes running around attacking others without knowing wtf they are talking about, dont pay any attention to them
they are usually some dirt bag contractor trying to cheat their techs ... they try to play like the market wont bear this or that...

when they are playing dumb, of course we all know the market will bare only so much.
then again, nothing is free and the cost of living goes up with or without what the market can bare.

so , very well put.

thanks again. many guys want to know about these type of programs to help them with school to work for a company that can share the wealth of what the market does provide.

HvacrTalk.com is a site to discuss these topics or post your info to help others , thanks

Heres the deal guys without any punches. The education is awesome and free through those programs,knowlege is always good. BUT BE WARNED! You will not get hired at top journeyman pay just about anywhere because you still won't have completed a mandatory Department Of Labor Apprenticeship. In order to even obtain your state journeyman license the state needs to see documented proof of on the job experiance, usually 8000 hours(4 years). It is possible you can put yourself in a very difficult market possition if you get the education and expect more than a first year apprentice job. Which will still require you to go to school that should be paid by the employer anyways. Not to mention apprentices are cheap and balance out an employers workforce which results in job security plus there have been fewer aprentices which means a high demand for them. If you want something get your EPA universal cert.

To comment about Daytondave. Keep in mind where you live and the market. Ohio is an area where you can buy a home for $100,000 and is hit hard with unemployed home owners from the manufacturing sector. A place like Colorado where the median home price is more than $450,000 and has alot of jobs in the less than affected telecomunications,biotech,and technology sectors means a healthier and higher paying market. Because of this market Denver area has a large number of office high rises that have to have comercial service techs which generally get paid more. Everyone of those $450,000 homes have both heat,ac,and humidification requiring all residental service techs to know all aspecs of hvac resulting in higher pay for the knowlege.

I do have to say, I grew up in Wisconsin which should be a similar market to Ohio and I know journeyman service techs are starting out around $23-$25 an hour there. If your market is that bad it might be an option to relocate. The Workforce Centers also have programs to pay for all your relocation costs when you are a dislocated worker.

i have been in hvac since 1983 ..cert. universal in 1993.. in service field since...good luck...

chris lead a/c in florida in Interlachen, Florida said: i have been in hvac since 1983 ..cert. universal in 1993.. in service field since...good luck...

Chris you are lead ac installer or tech?

for residential or commercial or both?

is the money there any good? i hear horror stories of florida people cant make it.

Colorado and Florida , appear to be hiring there seems to be many hvac jobs available.

I'm in my early 20's and considering making a change from welding to hvac. will my welding background help in hvac? also i'm considering taking a 2 semester program to get certified, or should i get an associate to break into the field. appreciate it.

Pro's:every day is diffrent to a point, no office cubical, get to meet diffrent people, pay can be good once you have the exp., you learn something new all the time.
Con's: dirty, sweaty, freezing, wet, banging your head, you get the pitchure.
The HVAC/R industry is ever evolving and it is the only trade that you need to know every trade to a point.
Don't think that a degree from any school will pull you up in wage, only the sweat and tears of experiance can do that. I tell my students at the start of the school year how it is in this field and then they can make their oun choice to stay or not. I have an uncanny nack to know who really is interested in the trade and who is not. I mean why should they was their time and money on something if they will not be commited to the education and job.
Let put it this way, I've been in this trade for over 20 years and I have a bad back,knees,and neck. Oh by the way I'm only 38! Started when I was 17. Being healthy is key, though my boss says to me we only want your brain. So good luck in what ever you do deside.

Go Ammonia refrig buddy. That's where the money is.

I would like to know is it real for me at all to go for the HVAC Tehnician School? Company is willing to pay 60% of all cost and all program will cost around $25.000. (Vatterott College). And I am 44 know being in office clerk all my life thus would like to get new skill and carrier. Thanks,

Go commercial.I am 36 have 15 yrs experience make 26 dollars an hour. If u r gonna wear your body out get paid. Commercial refrigertion and a/c is the ticket. A union shop will get u there fastest. I did not go through the union and do not work for a union shop but i would have made the money faster if i would have. I live and work in the second poorest state in the nation and with o/t clear 75k a year so go for it just kiss ur wife and kids goodby in may you'll see them again somtime in september. Good luck

There is an abundance of Hvacr Techs out of work right now, due to a poor economy.
And it is supposed to be a service era.
I have 15 years experience, as an Hvacr technician. I am out of work.
I am not in vegas no longer and in a small town due to a divorce.

I am a single father mid forty, healthy and skilled and out of work.

If you are in an area able to make 75k a year, thats great to hear, but that is a rare and an exception to the rule .
Most techs make 35-45k as a standard.
55-80 if you are union or good and or work for a company that has the business and is willing to share the profits as they see the employee as important part of their business-asset.

are you a supermarket tech Chris? because most other refrigeration companies dont have the kind of work that pays that kind of money.
and the overtime is good too if a guy can get it or can make it without having to work ot.

Freak in Kansas City, Missouri said: I would like to know is it real for me at all to go for the HVAC Tehnician School? Company is willing to pay 60% of all cost and all program will cost around $25.000. (Vatterott College). And I am 44 know being in office clerk all my life thus would like to get new skill and carrier. Thanks,

It is never too late to do anything in life, you just start running out of time when you get older.

I am 45, and there are not that many techs out there doing this at my age.
most moved up into easier positions or traded skills.
its hard on your body.

arkchris in Little Rock, Arkansas said: Go commercial.I am 36 have 15 yrs experience make 26 dollars an hour. If u r gonna wear your body out get paid. Commercial refrigertion and a/c is the ticket. A union shop will get u there fastest. I did not go through the union and do not work for a union shop but i would have made the money faster if i would have. I live and work in the second poorest state in the nation and with o/t clear 75k a year so go for it just kiss ur wife and kids goodby in may you'll see them again somtime in september. Good luck

I agree with you chris, on everything you said.
I rather make 23-26 an hour than make 43 -46 an hour and take home more money, than have all the benefits and pay most into the union fees and the insurance fees, its unreal with some of those unions.

but yes, union will get a guy there faster. There are a couple of other ways, but for the most part Chris said it all.

DForce said: Go Ammonia refrig buddy. That's where the money is.

Where? I really never seen the wages high for ammonia refrigeration.
Never could figure that one out?

So I never pursued it.
Unless you know something i dont? i bet ur making perhaps 17-24 and hour at the most.

weldit777 in Evansville, Indiana said: I'm in my early 20's and considering making a change from welding to hvac. will my welding background help in hvac? also i'm considering taking a 2 semester program to get certified, or should i get an associate to break into the field. appreciate it.

you need experience first, an associates wont get you hired in this trade. not when u first start out.
everyone in this trade knows you need experience to show u can hang tough and know what you are talking about.
because there are alot of talkers in this trade.

That is the truth!

Daytondave in Dayton, Ohio said: Those pay rates seem totally off the scale for anything i have seen in my area/state. Maybe im misunderstanding you but you are saying a new guy in your area can make $14 a hour, and a guy with a few years experience under his belt can get $30 a hour? A new guy/apprentice in my city/state, it seems like they only want to pay you minimum wage (if that!) like 7 bucks a hour. Ive talked to guys who have been doing it for 4-5 years and are finally getting up to around 14-15 a hour-if they are with a good company. 30 bucks a hour? Not around here. It is very discouraging for the new guy starting out when he is offered a job at such low wages. Hey, i understand that you cant start out on the top of the pay scale and i dont expect to but then again who on earth can honestly make a living on $7 a hour with no insurance benefits? Walmart pays better than that.
Maybe im wrong but damn, i only wish they would pay what you are quoting in my state. Things are hard right now, $14 bucks a hour would be a dream come true for many guys i know.
Im sorry if i sound like im venting or being rude, and im not trying to dispute what you are saying. Its just the way the economy is these days and seeing so many people out of work that really gets to me at times.

All states are different, in Mass you would make btw. 30-50$ an hour with 5+ experience. You just have to do commercial. My husband went to school for 5 years and makes 44.50$ an hour along with a company truck, gas card, healthcare/benefits.

J in Stoughton, Massachusetts said: All states are different, in Mass you would make btw. 30-50$ an hour with 5+ experience. You just have to do commercial. My husband went to school for 5 years and makes 44.50$ an hour along with a company truck, gas card, healthcare/benefits.

Good For you!
There are so many guy out of work and looking for work, and i am seeing so many people graduating school , and I think wow, good luck.

I like this trade. I enjoy the challenge , the work, and the competition, and the constant reminder of know it alls trying to still after 15 years telling me i dont know what i am doing or that i wont make it....
that is common in the industry.
But I made more money take home pay with 24 and hour residential , than 43.60 an hour Union...
Because the union dues, and the taxes and they take out the rest for benefits.
So Im not impressed with big numbers, its like pushing the wage back to the union, or working for one wage and another for the union.
Commercial is slow as residential in many parts of the country...
teach people to vote republican twice in a row.

prohvacworks@yahoo.com in Allen, Texas said: Jeremy there are a few things you should seriously consider before going into the HVAC TRADE.

1. Your age. if you are between the ages of 28-35, I wouldn't recommend it. Especially if you're just getting into the trade. All you're going to do is wear out your body,.. fast.

2. If you have family,...the "peak seasons" won't allow to spend much time with them.

3. Starting pay out of school is not going to be what you'll hope for. Unless you work for yourself, your looking at anywhere from 13-15-17 per hour (IF) you show promise and catch on quick to the many challenges you'll face in the real world of a/c, heating or refrigeration work.

4. Be prepared to put in at least a minimum of 5-6 years of perhaps a little blood and a lot of sweat and (maybe even a little tears depending on your personality) to advance your self into a pay range of $22.00 an hour plus. Also,... If and WHEN YOU DO GET A JOB, it would serve you well and improve your chances greatly to surpass a pay scale of $22 plus an hour within 4 years time, if you spent some time on your own reading about the type of equipment your company sells in addition to keeping current with YOUR overall troubleshooting skills in the area of refrigerant circuit problems, controls, motors, additional other component problems, and proper installation practices to name just a few. Never, completely rely on a fellow employee to show how to do something correctly. Seek out the info on your own so you can be the go to guy.

Well thats just the tip of the ice berg. There is so much more to learn about in this trade. By the way, I have worked in the trade for over 17 years. So here's a little advice. if you do go for this line of work continue to study the trade and have a plan B.

Bottom line is YOU NEED TO DO WHAT YOU ENJOY DOING. DO WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO GET UP EVERY MORNING AND BE GLAD YOU ARE THERE.[/QUOTE

20 yrs exp.- true,glutten for puns can hang only

Bryan in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania said:

funny glutton for puns can hang , but love doesnt pay the bills or nob jobs with skills either.