HVAC systems in our homes tend to regulate the overall environment. Most homeowners don't heed their HVAC systems on normal days. However, it quickly becomes the center of attention when the system breaks down.

That is where you need an HVAC mechanic to fix the system. Since HVAC systems are installed in most houses, there is a great HVAC career prospects in the future. The swelling temperatures would increase the adoption of air conditioning, leading to more HVAC job opportunities.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an HVAC mechanic's salary for the entire year is about $48,630. Furthermore, the BLS expects the HVAC industry to grow by around 5% in the next ten years. So, how can you pursue your career as an HVAC mechanic? Let's learn more about choosing this path.

What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of an HVAC Mechanic?

Before we go ahead with the process of becoming an HVAC mechanic, let's understand their roles and responsibilities. As an HVAC technician, you have a clear idea about the system's features. Furthermore, you'll also get an idea about using the tools, materials, and other machinery used on the HVAC systems.

This way, you can maintain the HVAC systems and also find out the potential issues to repair them. Ventilation systems are quite common in various residential and commercial buildings. People living in cold environments will most likely have heating and ventilation systems.

HVAC systems play a major role in balancing carbon dioxide levels, circulating the fresh air, and keeping the area warm or cool. Therefore, HVAC mechanics would also handle the following things:

• Repairing and maintaining the HVAC systems


• Putting in new air conditioning systems


• Moving ventilation systems


• Managing the operations of high-pressure systems


• Maintaining refrigeration systems


• Maintaining air conditioning systems


• Installing cooling units


• Installation of the ventilation ports


• Collaborating with architects and builders to interpret blueprint designs


• Buying air conditioning and refrigeration systems (if the homeowner authorizes them)

Additionally, developing the right HVAC mechanic skills is also important to advance in your career. Individuals should have a firm awareness of the HVAC systems along with abilities of time management.

Becoming an HVAC Mechanic: Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the right strategy is vital for becoming a skilled and qualified HVAC mechanic. By following the process below, individuals can get on the right track to pursue their careers in the HVAC industry.

Step 1 - Get a Certification or Diploma

The first thing that you need to do is get complete the HVAC certification process to have a strong grip on a few subjects, such as chemistry, physics, etc. Candidates can also choose an HVAC trade schools where they can get their bachelor’s degree that includes a course for the following:

• Refrigeration


• Load calculations


• Industry code standards


• HVAC system design


• Energy management


• Ductwork and piping systems


• Air quality and conditioning

Future HVAC mechanics will learn about HVAC systems theoretically and practically. Additionally, candidates looking to pursue a career as an HVAC mechanic can go for different HVAC apprenticeship programs.

Step 2 - Go for an Apprenticeship

Candidates who complete their apprenticeship can become qualified professionals who can work on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The apprenticeship can also help you become a top pick for employers and give you a competitive edge.

Usually, the apprenticeship will be for around 3 years. During this time, candidates go through theoretical studies and practical work. Those working as apprentice HVAC technicians will get on-job training. There are around three stages of an apprenticeship, with each getting completed in a single year.

Each apprenticeship stage will allow you to increase your knowledge and acquire competencies in various roles of an HVAC technician. After completing your apprenticeship, you'll receive a professional qualification that will certify you as a qualified HVAC mechanic.

Step 3 - Get More Experience

Getting into any industry would require you to have prior experience. Therefore, candidates need to get relevant experience so they can meet the HVAC job requirements easily. This phase will usually come after you complete your HVAC technician training.

In the initial stages of the career, most people would be working as HVAC mechanics or technicians. But with time, individuals can acquire more experience and then move towards upper management roles. For instance, you can apply for an HVAC supervisor role after working in the field for a few years.

Again the best way to develop work experience is through an apprenticeship. Individuals can also go for internships where they can work closely with other professionals in the field. This will help them get a better idea about the overall challenges that people face on day to day basis.

Step 4 - Start Searching for a Job a Full-time Job

After completing the apprenticeships or internships, the next thing individuals need to do is look for full-time job opportunities. Start applying for jobs as HVAC mechanics. In most cases, the companies providing apprenticeships or internships will hire the candidates on a full-time basis.

This way, candidates can easily get a job without having to look around too much. In case you're looking for better opportunities, then you should search for another option. Online job boards can be really helpful in finding jobs in the HVAC industry.

Updating the resume and writing a good cover letter is vital to gain the employer's attention. In addition to that, it is best to add relevant and useful skills

When applying for a career as an HVAC technician, consider updating your resume and cover letter to fit the application requirements for your potential job. Also, adding skills that are relevant to the job post will help candidates to become the top pick for the position.

Wrapping Up

Having the right idea about the career path will make it easy for you to pursue your journey as an HVAC mechanic. While pursuing the relevant education is important, candidates also need to have to get vocational training.

This way, candidates can have a deeper understanding of the different HVAC systems while being in HVAC trade schools. As a result, HVAC mechanics would be able to deliver optimal performance in their job roles.

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