With the state of the world recently, it’s safe to say that a lot of people have had to consider what makes an “essential worker” – essential. But most would likely agree that the skilled HVAC technicians keeping people comfortable in some of the craziest times, definitely meet the description. It’s also safe to say that a lot of people are looking for a stable career path with not just longevity, but one where they can earn a good living. But if you’re one of those people, how do you know if a career in HVAC is right for you? To help you answer that question, we’re exploring what a day in the life of an HVAC technician is really like.
Typical Duties
There are several ordinary tasks you can expect to be doing when you’re an HVAC technician. Tasks such as:
- Customer service
- Troubleshooting equipment issues
- Routine maintenance
- Repairs
- New installations
- Duct cleaning
Whether you work for someone else or you’re self-employed, your day will likely start by reviewing and prioritizing the jobs you have for that day. Some jobs could be quick and easy routine maintenance, while others could involve time-consuming installations or emergency repairs. Once you’ve arranged your schedule for the day, you’ll make sure you have the necessary tools, safety equipment and parts for what lies ahead.
Anything but Typical
If you enjoy interacting with people from all walks of life, you’ll probably enjoy being an HVAC technician because from one day to the next, you’ll never know who you’re going to meet or what you’ll be doing. There’s also likely to be plenty of times you’ll get to earn extra money working overtime because HVAC systems don’t wait for regular business hours to break down. And it’s not as though every job is going to be in the same environment. You could be working outside one day and inside the next. One day in a home, the next in a commercial building or even a hospital. It’s definitely a routine – that is far from routine.
Challenging – but Rewarding
Sometimes you’ll be working in some tight spaces and also in inclement weather. When you’re an HVAC technician, it’s important to be ready for anything and to follow the right safety protocols. But it can also be very rewarding to be restoring the comfort level in any given space. Your skills will be what keeps the quality of the air people breathe safe and comfortable. If that’s not essential, what is? There’s also the fact that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BOL) HVAC technicians earn a median pay of almost $49,000 a year! The BOL also predicts the industry will add over 15,000 jobs by 2029.
In short, a far from boring job, solid earning potential and job security. Oh yeah, and you can get trained to be an HVAC technician in a much shorter time frame than a traditional four-year university education.
If all of the above sounds like just what you were looking for, get started today by checking out the HVAC Program at J-Tech Institute. With supportive instructors who have real-world experience and a curriculum that prepares you for HVAC certification, J-Tech is helping students launch successful careers in the HVAC industry. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.