As humans, we are almost entirely designed for comfort. We want to be kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and we want our refrigeration systems to be kept at the optimal temperature to make sure our food stays fresh for a long time. But none of these luxuries would have been possible without the HVAC industry and HVAC installers.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, collectively known as HVAC, is a specialty industry that uses technological processes to control temperature and ensure air quality in a variety of different spaces.

However, the use of HVAC systems goes far beyond keeping your home at optimal temperature, but also includes and extends to other functions that you may not have even considered. When you think about mining and underground mines specifically, these are places that people need to occupy, usually for many hours at a time. This means that HVAC technicians would need to design air conditioning and air purifying systems that work optimally underground.

When you consider the importance of HVAC systems, it is clear to see that HVAC installers play a pertinent role in a number of roles and industries.

To become an HVAC installer, you would first need to earn your high school diploma or your GED, you would need to obtain practical and theoretical HVAC technician training, and you would need to obtain a formal certificate before you begin practicing as an HVAC installer.

Becoming an HVAC installer isn't the same thing as buying an AC system from your local hardware store and installing it yourself. It comes with extreme and specific expertise, especially given the unique nature of this role. Let us delve into the unique careers of HVAC installers and technicians and look at the steps you would need to take to pursue this career.

What Are HVAC Installers/Technicians

While often called an HVAC installer, installation is actually only one small component of the overall role that HVAC technicians fulfill. HVAC technicians provide a holistic and turnkey service to private, corporate, and industrial clients who require their services.

Installing HVAC technology in your home or on a large scale within a corporate or industrial environment is far more complex than plugging the HVAC component in and turning it on. Instead, someone who is a professional in the field would be required to fulfill a number of in-depth protocols.

First, they would need to test not only the HVAC units and components but also the intended installation area. As mentioned before, if the HVAC system is being installed in the mine, the HVAC technician would be required to have field-specific skills and experience.

Next, they would need to carry out the installation of the appropriate units making sure that all aspects and components of the unit are fit for purpose. This would involve installing automation technology or remote-control technology in the HVAC system.

After installation, the HVAC technician's job is far from over. Since they are familiar with the environment and the unit that has been installed, they are required to carry out maintenance and service work which includes clearing filters and making sure that the unit stays in optimal working condition. Failure to do so could result in fires, leaks, and other potentially dangerous issues.

If there is a problem with the HVAC unit, the HVAC technician is responsible for not only troubleshooting and identifying the issue but also for conducting all repair work to get the unit back to optimal functionality.

Finally, HVAC technicians are not only skilled in the technological and practical aspects of HVAC installation, but they are also salespeople as well, and they work with customers and clients to find the optimal HVAC unit that would fulfill the customer's needs.

Steps To Become An HVAC Installer

Step One: Get A High School Diploma

The starting point for most carers would be first obtaining your high school diploma or a GED, and becoming an HVAC installer is no different. Given the nature of the HVAC technician's job, you would require a very specific skill set to not only understand the technological components, but also the competencies that are required to set thermostats and climate control components.

Also, since HVAC technicians perform very practical and hands-on tasks, their jobs are unlikely to be replaced by artificial intelligence. This means that, after graduating high school, this is a great career to consider.

Step Two: Obtain An Associate Degree

Being an HVAC installer or technician is not an easy career to follow and it isn't a path that you can pursue without a formal qualification. In fact, you could consider getting an associate degree in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration which will give you the foundation knowledge needed to be an HVAC technician.

Step Three: Enroll In An Apprenticeship Program

Once you have the theoretical knowledge, you then need to learn how to apply that theoretical knowledge in a practical context. Enrolling in an apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have learned and gain industry-specific skills that will guarantee your success.

In many cases, having an apprenticeship also gives you a foot in the door and you may find yourself with a secure form of employment once you have gained the skills that you need.

What Is The Salary And Job Outlook For HVAC Installers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HVAC mechanics and installers earn a median annual salary of $48,630 and an hourly wage of $23.38. Additionally, over the next decade, employment is expected to grow by 5% which is as fast as the average growth for all occupations.

FAQs

Is It Hard To Become An HVAC Installer Or Technician?

Nothing is hard or easy to learn if you are truly committed to learning. Being an HVAC technician or installer takes as much effort as it takes to learn any other trade. It isn't as simple as taking apart or putting together different pieces of machinery, instead, you are required to learn the complex and intricate workings of HVAC components. But if you are dedicated to learning, you will be a success.

Is There A Need For HVAC Installers?

When you conder that there will be 40,100 job openings on average each year in this field for the next decade, it is clear to see that there is a great demand for HVAC installers and technicians and that it is a viable career path to pursue.

Conclusion

If air quality has always fascinated you and if you have always wanted to work on wonderful and interesting private and commercial sites, perhaps pursuing a career as an HVAC installer is the best career path for you.