Learn How to Become an HVAC Technician and Grow a Business
August 26, 2024 | Read: 7 minutes
Learning how to become an HVAC technician is a great career choice and provides steady work with many opportunities for growth.
You’ll be working with clients in the residential and commercial space, but it will all depend on who you work for.
Just like most professions, it’s no walk in the park; there’s a lot to learn and you’ll need to have the technical background, knowledge, and skills required if you hope to work for and compete with the best in the industry.
It’ll come with a lucrative reward if done right, but it’ll take a lot of time and effort to make it to the top if you’re just getting started. Fear not, the guide below has all the information you need to become a successful HVAC technician…
HVAC Technician Job Description
Before we get started, let’s go over the HVAC technician job description and make sure it’s a role you can see yourself in for the foreseeable future.
If you didn’t already know, the term HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They are most often tasked with designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing systems that regulate temperature, humidity, and air quality in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.
Beyond these core duties, HVAC technicians may also specialize in areas like refrigeration, commercial HVAC systems, or green technology. The job will require physical labor, problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of the systems and products you’re working with.
Now that you understand what the daily responsibilities of an HVAC technician are, it’s time to discover the best path you can take to become one…
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Three Steps
There’s always going to be more than one route to take when it comes to achieving your goals. But for HVAC technicians, you can go the traditional route in three steps.
Step 1: High School Diploma & Trade School
If you’re still in high school (or working towards your GED) and want to become an electrician – stay there until you graduate!
It’s great that you’re already thinking about what you’d like to do with your future, but like most things, becoming an HVAC technician usually requires at least a high school diploma.
Once you complete that, Attending a trade school or HVAC certification program will be the best way to obtain all the skills and knowledge you’ll need to become an HVAC technician.
You may be wondering, how long does it take to become an HVAC Technician? It can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete a program and receive your certificate.
Every state has different schools or programs and you can easily do research online to find information on the trade schools and HVAC programs near you.
For more information about what it’s like to work in the HVAC industry, check out our podcast episode featuring two field service experts discussing helping train the new generation of technicians.
Step 2: Applying for an Apprenticeship
Now that you’ve graduated from high school and an HVAC program, you’re ready to apply for an apprenticeship and start taking on field work under a fully certified HVAC technician.
If you attended a trade school or HVAC program, there’s a good chance they can help you with an apprenticeship or job placement after graduation. Another option is to apply with local HVAC companies or try and find one through the United Association (UA).
They’re both very competitive and the more knowledgeable you are the better chance you have of finding an apprenticeship.
Step 3: Working in the Field
Once you’ve successfully completed your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to embark on your career as an HVAC technician. This step involves gaining practical experience and honing your skills in real-world settings.
Here are two key aspects of working in the field:
- Field Work: As an HVAC technician, you’ll spend most of your time working on various HVAC systems in homes, businesses, or commercial buildings. This will involve tasks such as diagnosing problems, repairing components, installing new equipment, and performing planned preventative maintenance.
- Customer Service: Interacting with customers is an essential aspect of being an HVAC technician. You’ll need to communicate effectively with home and business owners to understand their needs, explain technical concepts, and provide cost-effective solutions.
Getting Certified and Becoming an HVAC Specialist
If you’re hoping to continue your education even further and find a specialization in the industry, there are additional exams you can take for more professional certifications.
One of the most common programs for this is the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) test. They offer certifications for HVAC specialties like the CHP-5 and the Low-GWP Refrigerant Exam.
There’s also ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. They offer professional development courses and conferences you can attend to further develop your skillset.
How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make?
It’s no surprise that everyone works because they want to make money. So you’re going to be wondering – is investing the time and learning how to become an HVAC technician worth it?
According to Indeed.com, it tends to depend on what state you live in. But looking at the national average, you could expect to make anywhere from $35,000 on the low end to $95,000 on the high end. That puts the average for an HVAC technician salary right around $57,000 a year.
If you plan on starting your own business you could make anywhere start to exceed those numbers as you expand your operations and grow into new areas of expertise, like managing maintenance contracts.
Learn more about the industry standard profit margin for HVAC and how to make the most when running your own business.
What HVAC Business Owners Need To Know
If you’re hoping to own your own business one day, you can rely on HVAC software to manage and scale your operations. There are an endless amount of useful features for companies looking to expand their workforce and service areas, for example:
- Self-service software will allow you to improve customer experience quickly by giving them access to a customer portal where they can book jobs 24/7, pay invoices, and leave reviews!
- Real-time vehicle tracking and optimal routing will help you keep track of your maintenance teams, minimize downtime, and save money on fuel.
- Having a field service mobile app that syncs with the software you’re using will make information available to everyone who needs it while improving communication across your organization.
- As your business expands, being able to set up and use custom forms for new types of work will keep technicians on task.
- An Inventory management system and asset tracking tools allow you to reduce stockpiling, organize returns, and boost profitability
- Having a reporting dashboard and tracking the important metrics, like jobs on hold or time to complete, will enable you to make data-driven decisions that grow the business.
Software, like Commuosft, is filled with the useful features listed and more for HVAC businesses. It’s also important to stay on top of the most recent HVAC industry trends. they’ll help you strengthen your business offerings and compete in an already competitive market.
There’s a lot to think about and accomplish if you want to learn how to become an HVAC technician who will one day own their own company. Learn more about how Commuosft can help you conquer your goals by clicking the banner below.
