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

green in Baldwin, New York said: im 32 years old and i want to get in hvac..im about to start at lincoln tech for a 11 month program. im after the big bucks because i intend on doing whatever it takes. any tips on how i can going about this the rite way...please no negativity, because i have my mind made up...i just want to no from experienced techs, that if the had a chance to do it again, what and how would you go about doing it, gong for the cash, not wasting any time?.....

If you still can get your money back. My husband & I own a HVAC biz in FL and I will tell you right now that the tech schools have potential students believing that they will be "van ready" after graduation and that is just a lie. My father-in-law (FIL) is a retired HVAC teacher who taught at a community college for a fraction of what you are paying. The best training you can get is in the field being trained up as an apprentice, if you go to tech school you will start as an apprentice, it takes about 5 years to be 100% ready to go out on your own. After about a yr you can do tune-ups, which is low paying.
There is so much to know in this industry that you can never learn it all in 11 mo. My FIL once told my husband who is a licensed contractor that airflow wasn't part of HVAC/R it was an entirely different industry, the "V" in HVAC stands for ventilation another word for airflow. What I would do in your place is go to area A/C biz's first thing when they open and offer to work min wage even part time if that is all they have, find the local supply houses & cosy up to the counter guys as they usually know who is hiring, but please don't waste your money because even w/ 11 mo trade school you will still have to apprective for 4 yrs making anywhere btwn min wage & $13 / hour.

There are a lot of pro's and con's to the industry.
Pro
You really make someone's day when they are either sweating or freezing to death when their system is down.
Con
The customer wants to kill you when they need a special order part in extreme weather.
Pro
The money can be extremely good if you work hard, don't mind overtime and working weekends
Con
During the season you won't have much time for family or friends
Pro
Lots of overtime is possible
Con
Lots of slow weeks are inevitable

Bottom line I love the HVAC industry and wouldn't change industries for anything. I got a great piece of advice a few years ago from a customer, he was a retired heating contractor from up north and he recommended taking all the overtime money every month and putting it in a 6 month Certificate of Deposit which gets a little better interest than a savings account and that way during the slow months you have a CD every month that you can cash out without penalties. I thought that was brilliant.

Remember w/ everything its who you know, how far out there you are willing to put yourself, how much time you are willing to commit to staying on top of industry changes and making sure you are always the best that you can be and better than most of the compition!!

A/C Girl said: If you still can get your money back. My husband & I own a HVAC biz in FL and I will tell you right now that the tech schools have potential students believing that they will be "van ready" after graduation and that is just a lie. My father-in-law (FIL) is a retired HVAC teacher who taught at a community college for a fraction of what you are paying. The best training you can get is in the field being trained up as an apprentice, if you go to tech school you will start as an apprentice, it takes about 5 years to be 100% ready to go out on your own. After about a yr you can do tune-ups, which is low paying.
There is so much to know in this industry that you can never learn it all in 11 mo. My FIL once told my husband who is a licensed contractor that airflow wasn't part of HVAC/R it was an entirely different industry, the "V" in HVAC stands for ventilation another word for airflow. What I would do in your place is go to area A/C biz's first thing when they open and offer to work min wage even part time if that is all they have, find the local supply houses & cosy up to the counter guys as they usually know who is hiring, but please don't waste your money because even w/ 11 mo trade school you will still have to apprective for 4 yrs making anywhere btwn min wage & $13 / hour.

everbody is in it. but claims its not worth it...is that just a way to get rid of the competition?i asked if not hvac what other trade is worth it....?

green in Baltimore, Maryland said: everbody is in it. but claims its not worth it...is that just a way to get rid of the competition?i asked if not hvac what other trade is worth it....?

Why not get a actual college education and a BA or BS degree in CS or Engineering. You are in NY where there is a ton of financial assistance available and the unemployment for those with real degrees in the sciences is almost 0%.

none of this trade school, snake oil bullcrap. A state school costs a little more than Lincoln Tech

I was in it for 6 years. They lie and use you for what the can get. They will never care about you and it will never be worth it. I am much happier not that I am out. The money is great during part of the year and very bad during the other. At times you might think you are making good money but when you take in what you made all year is not more the a normal job. Ask the unemployment office what trade is in there most. and ask the owner of the HVAC companies do they care. NOT WORTH IT. DON'T LET THEM FOOL YOU.

I have owned 2 hvac/electrical companies, and managed a couple also. When hiring people, the hvac schooling only meant one thing to me, thier heart might be into sticking around. They were probably not just getting a temporary job. If you read all the comments listed on this sight, you will learn a lot. The location you live in has a lot to do with employment ops. HVAC is a life, and the first couple years are hard on pay, but if you are into it, and can hack it knowing that, you'll be ok. HVAC is like any other trade, as in if your really good, you climb the ladder more quickly. As to your question is there another trade, I have trained dozens of guys, and some like electrical better, it's about the same $, easier in every way, and less dirty. I like both trades, the hvac lets me have a challenge, and I like science.I started out making 7.50, within 6 yrs was at 17.60, then started a comany making around 75k a year for 6 years, sold it for 20k to manage another comany with 12 trucks, making 28 per hr, now I own anothr company,keep my prices fair, and do the best job poss. for every customer, do not advertise, work 4-6 days a week, and make more than I ever have in my life. Hope that helps man, good luck.

thanks that did help...i relieving not to hear negative feedback about hvac...i just wanted know how to steer this ship

I've had a couple of guys help me steer my ship, you need that. If you or anyone else have any other questions about my exp. w/ hvac, electrical or plumbing, feel free to hit me back, I like to pass on what was done for me in my life so far. My email is apositiveenergy@aol.com. Keep em comfortable, and keep the bills paid.

Well, I know this post is pretty old, but just in case any one else happens to stumble upon this like I did, I'm going to share my opinion. Ive been in Hvac for a little over 7 years. VoTech during high school for 2 yrs and the other 5 yrs out in the field. I recommend to take advantage of free schooling and ones that specialize in troubleshooting not the ones that do installation practices as you can learn that out in the field. I've done Service, Commercial, Light Industrial, and Residential New Construction. Yes you are always in the elements and it can get unbearable, but theres cons to every job. I do hate remodels or retros, not sure what your know it as and my advise on that is: try not to get stuck doing only those or that will become your specialty. As far as the pay, everyone has to pay their dues when they start, cant expect to start up top, but the best paying in my opinion is commercial/industrial and service. Rates do vary from place to place and even from company to company in the same town, but its a living you can make. And yes, its true that there is either feast or famine, but if you can manage your money correctly you can make pretty good money in less time than in other trades. Maybe it evens out at the end of the year, as the pay of another job, but you get more time off this way. Point is, I'm 23 yrs old, been doing it for 7yrs total and I love it. If you work hard and smart, and try to better yourself by learning several different aspects of the trade and not limit yourself on the things you can do, you will do pretty good for yourself. I never cut corners, I'm meticulous with my work(since it will become my reputation), and I try to find the most efficient way of doing things. I work for myself now and most of my work so far has been word of mouth. When dealing with customers always be respectful and courteous even when they're not, and try to never bad mouth others and let your work speak for its self: people WILL notice the difference.

I have commented many times in this forum, and I agree with most of the things you commented, and realy live some other comments you posted. I was your age when I started my first company doing hvac, and I say good work, and values young man. If you keep those...... you will have what it takes, if you get up, are on every job, and on time as much as poss. you have a company that will break the 95% rule, within 5 years 95% are done, and get another job. I have beat the odds before, good luck, you seem to be on the correct page, if thr quality of your work is great. I like to see a young man get it, I wish you all the best.

PRO's: The job will keep both your mind and body in top physical condition as service technicians on a daily basis must use their problem solving skills, the field is ever-chaging so reading skills are continually honed by professional who subscribe to and read the trade mags, the body is sculped by the heavy lifting, walking, etc. The pay should be going up substatially over the next 10 years as both The News and the US Dept of Labor are forcasting a tech shortage due to high schoolers being sholved into college instead of skilled trades for the past 2 generations, and although there is no recession-proof job a good HVAC/R tech or mechanic is always needed by some company somewhere. The pay can be great for the tech who can figure out what no one else can or the installer who can work not just fast, but accurately.
CON's it is physically demanding work and can be hard on the body. The pay for the firt 5 years (even with tech school) is pretty low, but even though the pay is pretty bad you won't have a pile of student loans. Many companies have very few if any benefits, but that depends on the company. There are a lot of unscrupulous contractors out there who take advantage of customers and their employees so techs must always be vigliant about who they work for.
Personally I run my husbands company and I LOVE HVAC and so does he, I can't imagine making a living another way, there is a lot of personal satisfaction in this industry! Oh and most HVAC/R people are really nice!!

Lots of good information about the trade, I like what you have to say. It's cool to see other people I don't know live with the same carear and thoughts. The only thing I might slightly disagree with (even with a company called Positive Energy) is I think for the most part hvac people are nice, although there are many with huge ego's, and that is something to watch out for. I was tought by a few wise men to check ego's at the door, and I agree.

apositiveenergy@aol.com in Collegeville, Pennsylvania said: Lots of good information about the trade, I like what you have to say. It's cool to see other people I don't know live with the same carear and thoughts. The only thing I might slightly disagree with (even with a company called Positive Energy) is I think for the most part hvac people are nice, although there are many with huge ego's, and that is something to watch out for. I was tought by a few wise men to check ego's at the door, and I agree.

OOHH, and I want to put it out there, if you want to know about how people that DO HVAC feel about the HVAC trade, read ALL of the comments listed, not just a few, these people live the life, the info in my opinion is 90+% corrrect. With all do respect I read questions that were answered many times, it doesn't bother me, I just feel you will get what you are looking for by reading the whole thing, not cliff notes that we all have purchased at one time or another in our lives, career choice is big.

apositiveenergy@aol.com in Collegeville, Pennsylvania said: Lots of good information about the trade, I like what you have to say. It's cool to see other people I don't know live with the same carear and thoughts. The only thing I might slightly disagree with (even with a company called Positive Energy) is I think for the most part hvac people are nice, although there are many with huge ego's, and that is something to watch out for. I was tought by a few wise men to check ego's at the door, and I agree.

I think you have the right attitude, and I think it is all too common for the "American Way" to be bitching about your job. I personally want to be working for myself in a year or 2 but really don't know exactly how to go about it yet. Do you have any suggestions for me?

To go out on your own in the hvac industry, how long it will take to have a good rep. is how many kinds of heating you advertise. Two years is not enough experience in the trade to be a well rounded, all service company.As a small comany I do every type of hvac, and still suppliment it with electrical and plumbing to give you an example. Otherwise it would not happen.

That's pretty much how I feel. I should mention that I have an excellent installer and a good service guy that are on board with me. I know 2 years isn't alot, I am planning on a couple years from now. And I do know that 4 years isn't much either. What I need to learn mostly is warranties and other administrative skills. It's also hard cause I work for a good guy/friend, and I need to focus on areas that are not so local so as not to step on toes and have too much direct competition.

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.

in fort worth, tx the union local 146 is journeyman wage at 5 years experience and 26.33hr free medical insurance. aprentice start out at 14 and raises every 6months.

Hello. HVAC is a VERY lucrative career. You can work for a company or for your self. I have worked for hundreds of companies over the years. I'm a contractor. I set my own hours and my own rate. I am always busy (my choice). I started at the bottom making very little, but after a year I went to another job, then another. Now I have my own company and I make over 758 K every year before tax. I would go to www.practicehvac.com or to www.hvacstudyguide.com if i were you because it will help you pass the test. It has nothing but GREAT reviews, so visit thoes sites and get the progam and study! Good luck!

I have posted a few comments on this site, and commend you on your income, Canada seems to be a great place for hvac for you. How many trucks do you have out there, and what percentage of your calls are a/c up there? Also, one more question, how is the economy doing where you live and work? Thanks,
Bryan

Any of you guys complaining about the long hours and on-call should try working in train service for a railroad. Then you'll find out what it REALLY is to have no life. You'll be on-call 24/7/365 basically for the rest of your life. Working conditions? Not much better than HVAC. No crawl spaces, but you're out in the rain/snow/ice/sleet for 12 hours at a time. You can be away from home for a few days at a time, every week. Can't make any plans because you can (and usually will) get called to wrk at any time. And before anyone says railroaders make good money- well, they do, but the trick is it only looks good on paper. Sure, you might make $50-60K a year, but factor-in your away-from-home and traveling time, and you're not making much more than minimum wage.

Just saying- next time you think HVAC is so bad, remember there are worse ways to make a living.

I love doing hvac
For every negative there is a positive, just like a lot of things in life.
This is simply a forum to tell the truth about the hvac
career. there are a lot of jobs out there then are a lot worse, and a lot of jobs that are I'm sure better. most of the comments here come from men that have lived the h vac life for many years, I always suggest to people with questions to read them all.

i wanna hear about the pro's... how would you go about gettn ahead fresh out of school..? in what field of hvac would be the best to get in? keep in mind, i have the capitol and the team to start my own biz.... any possite reply would be great... but i can handle the bad..... (NEW JERSEY)

Erik in Lebanon, Oregon said: I think the only way you're gonna make big bucks in this business is to work for yourself or go commercial/engineer or something.

WELL IM HEADING TOWARDS WORKING FOR MYSELF... ANY STEPS TO TAKE?

In response to starting your hvac buisness with capitol, and crew:

As far as the buisness side, get the " Entrepreneur's Handbook" available from the US government. It helped with my first buisness. 2nd- fictitious name, 3rd EIN (tax #) 4th bank account (they need steps 2 & 3) 5th know at least 3 years of paying very close attention at another company teaching you, at least. TALKING RESIDENTIAL, THERE ARE 4 FUELS AND 10 WAYS TO DO EACH, X 10 MANUFACTURERS EACH WITH THIER OWN DIFFERENCES.***************THIS TRADE DOES, DOES DEAL WITH FAMILIES LIVES, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE TRAINING.

Pros to the HVAC carear:
1) Peaple will always need it. (when it is cold, no heat = call us)
2) The people that can afford central a/c feel the same as #1.
3)HVAC combines science and math, I like that.
4)The jobs look realy cool when they are done.
5)Contractors do not try to do your job(unless it is a little part)
6)You make people comfortable for a living! A psychiatrist is slow.
7)It takes the same smarts as higher schooling to do this,$ for..
8)I have 4 contractors that sub NOTHING but HVAC, they do the rest.
9)You are never doing the same thing every day.
10)You are needed, no matter what the economy, as soon as possible.

apositiveenergy@aol.com in Collegeville, Pennsylvania said: Pros to the HVAC carear:
1) Peaple will always need it. (when it is cold, no heat = call us)
2) The people that can afford central a/c feel the same as #1.
3)HVAC combines science and math, I like that.
4)The jobs look realy cool when they are done.
5)Contractors do not try to do your job(unless it is a little part)
6)You make people comfortable for a living! A psychiatrist is slow.
7)It takes the same smarts as higher schooling to do this,$ for..
8)I have 4 contractors that sub NOTHING but HVAC, they do the rest.
9)You are never doing the same thing every day.
10)You are needed, no matter what the economy, as soon as possible.

How do you get a job without experience if you are older (say over 30, 35 is the new 50 in the working world) and what type of training would you suggest?? A school like Porter & Chester wants $30,000 for an 18 month program

chris in Mississauga, Ontario said: Hello. HVAC is a VERY lucrative career. You can work for a company or for your self. I have worked for hundreds of companies over the years. I'm a contractor. I set my own hours and my own rate. I am always busy (my choice). I started at the bottom making very little, but after a year I went to another job, then another. Now I have my own company and I make over 758 K every year before tax. I would go to www.practicehvac.com or to www.hvacstudyguide.com if i were you because it will help you pass the test. It has nothing but GREAT reviews, so visit thoes sites and get the progam and study! Good luck!

I have never seen any great reviews for this sites, This guy is just trying to promote his websites, I am sure he is not even fully licensed. He has videos on you tube just look up chrismartin1978, he does not look like he makes 758k a year living in a crappy apartment. Don't trust this guy.

I dont know what your all talking about, my school in Austin, Tx has job placement with over 8 different HVAC company's and they picked us up right after graduation and I am 31 and in great shape, you other people talking about being to old because your over 25 need to get your fat ass outside and exercise for once in your lifes. HVAC is a great career path and a good secure job in the market today, just make sure your school has job placement and your golden!

Robert in Round Rock, Texas said: I dont know what your all talking about, my school in Austin, Tx has job placement with over 8 different HVAC company's and they picked us up right after graduation and I am 31 and in great shape, you other people talking about being to old because your over 25 need to get your fat ass outside and exercise for once in your lifes. HVAC is a great career path and a good secure job in the market today, just make sure your school has job placement and your golden!

I think that it is great that your school provided placement with HVAC companys. But I will say this in great shape or not this field can be and is very demanding on the body. I have had knee surgery and back surguery allready, from job related accidents that could not of been easily avoided. Carpal tunnel in both wrists from sheet metal work and fabrication, and well the unavoidable arthritious (sp) in the shoulders from continous use. All work related. Granted in most trades this will and can happen. So as for getting off of "your fat ass" as you say only will just delay the degragation of your body. I have been in this field for over 24 years and it is not the bed of roses that some schools say that it can be. And lastly just because you went to school does not mean that you'll get great pay, when I started out I was only getting $2.25 an hr. ( student wage) since I was not out of high school yet.

Robert in Round Rock, Texas said: I dont know what your all talking about, my school in Austin, Tx has job placement with over 8 different HVAC company's and they picked us up right after graduation and I am 31 and in great shape, you other people talking about being to old because your over 25 need to get your fat ass outside and exercise for once in your lifes. HVAC is a great career path and a good secure job in the market today, just make sure your school has job placement and your golden!

I am 36 and 5'6" around 140LBS -- didn't know that was considered 'fat'.. And maybe it is different around Austin TX but it sure isn't that easy to find a job here in the northeast if you are just getting into the field at say 30 or older.. What school is this exactly?? All I see are these fly by night trade type schools that want $30,000...

I am 36 and 5'6" around 140LBS -- didn't know that was considered 'fat'.. And maybe it is different around Austin TX but it sure isn't that easy to find a job here in the northeast if you are just getting into the field at say 30 or older.. What school is this exactly?? All I see are these fly by night trade type schools that want $30,000...

I disagree.

After reading this guys post I decided to check out www.practicehvac.com and his other site ... what ever it was... He had a nice site and after a bit more research I found a coupon code.

I decided to try it out. It was only 9 bucks after the coupon. I actually found a lot of stuff that would help anyone trying to get their G3 or G2.

I tried out the card memory game and some puzzle piece game. The interactive test was actually pretty nice too.

Anyways, in the end I think that this site is legit and the product is more than enough to help anyone wanting to get their license.

I just noticed that this chris guy is from my home town LOL.

What a small world we live in!