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Started By
Message
Best way to begin HVAC career?
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:08 pm
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:08 pm
I’m currently an operator in a chemical plant and I have been in this field for over 20 years. I’m looking to start fresh as an HVAC tech and was looking for advice on which path to take to get started. I have a fundamental understanding of refrigeration, but no formal training.
23
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:10 pm to Headbootas
I think you have to be an apprentice for a few years before you can get your license.
quote:
In Louisiana, you can pick between attending a trade school, or getting an apprenticeship. Trade schools take two to four years to get a degree, and they cost about $12,000. Apprentices must possess a high school degree, be at least 18 years old, get at least two years of experience, and log 144 hours of classroom study.
This post was edited on 5/10/22 at 12:12 pm
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:11 pm to Headbootas
quote:
Best way to begin HVAC career?
Be poor and have your unit break down in the middle of August.
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:11 pm to Headbootas
Just buy some PVC fittings, some capacitors, a tank of freon and start quoting baw
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:11 pm to Headbootas
I would guess there are vocational schools that offer this, or call some local HVAC businesses, they might be looking for help and you can let them know you are interested in it as a profession and perhaps they will help you get training as well.
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:12 pm to LegendInMyMind
I’m sure there are a multitude of HVAC companies that would hire you on the spot as a helper or assistant, especially this time of year
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:14 pm to Headbootas
Why not put in an additional 10 where you are at and retire?
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:14 pm to kywildcatfanone
For a serious answer, this:
Either one would work. You may have good luck getting hired as a helper this time of year, and they may even send you to school if your employment pans out.
quote:
I would guess there are vocational schools that offer this, or call some local HVAC businesses, they might be looking for help and you can let them know you are interested in it as a profession and perhaps they will help you get training as well.
Either one would work. You may have good luck getting hired as a helper this time of year, and they may even send you to school if your employment pans out.
This post was edited on 5/10/22 at 12:15 pm
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:14 pm to Headbootas
Go to a vocational school. Work for an HVAC company for 5 years and then start your own business once you know the ins and outs of running an HVAC company. There are a lot of things like pricing, new installs, change outs, service, etc that you'll need to understand if you're looking to work on your own at some point.
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:16 pm to Headbootas
A/C companies are desperate for workers right now with their busy season starting. There are courses for HVAC but honestly, you are going to get more training "on the job" so I wouldn't waste the money. It shouldn't be hard to find one hiring and then do your time as a helper until they feel comfortable putting you on your own truck.
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:18 pm to Headbootas
I worked in general contracting so this isn’t first hand knowledge, but depending on which state you are located in, I assume the first step is to check to see if there is a licensing agency. If they have an apprentice level, apply for that and then you would need to get hired on under someone with a master license to learn the craft and earn hours. The hours must be documented and submitted to the licensing agency. You will have to test for the next level each time you pass the hours threshold.
You will have to work your way up to the next levels (depending on your state) until you achieve the master level. This is usually the level required by states to start your own business in order to get the required insurances and business licenses.
If you know someone in the union local, that is also a possibility. The path will be slightly different than open shop.
Commercial vs residential will be a slightly different experience as well. The concepts are different the same, but the equipment you will handle in commercial will generally be larger and more complex depending on the design of the system.
Hope that helps.
You will have to work your way up to the next levels (depending on your state) until you achieve the master level. This is usually the level required by states to start your own business in order to get the required insurances and business licenses.
If you know someone in the union local, that is also a possibility. The path will be slightly different than open shop.
Commercial vs residential will be a slightly different experience as well. The concepts are different the same, but the equipment you will handle in commercial will generally be larger and more complex depending on the design of the system.
Hope that helps.
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:27 pm to Headbootas
I'm not trying to discourage you, but as someone who has in the past done residential and commercial work in HVAC, and now works in a chemical plant, there is a valid question to be asked about which undesirable working conditions are worse.
Chemical plant:
-corrosive, caustic, other nasty stuff
-chlorine, tickle, other dangerous stuff
-the products made can be nasty
-the bitch-arse safety man
-the tool room Napoleon
-the goddamn electricians that never pick up after themselves
-the welders that think they run the place
HVAC:
-scratchy insulation, animals and insects in attic or under house, other nasty stuff
-low pitch roofs on older homes, gas lines and electrical that may not be up to code, heat exhaustion, other dangerous stuff
-the customer might think they know more about what brand sells higher quality coils than you, the professional
-the painters, floor crew, roofers, and other subhuman types might not treat the master race HVAC techs with the proper respect
-the goddamn electricians that never pick up after themselves
-the GC that needs you there RIGHT NOW on a house he started framing up a month ago, then has the nerve to bitch when you did a $20,000 job in 2 days
Good luck either way. I love both jobs. There's something refreshing about knowing you don't have to bother with corporate lingo or PC bullshite, and you'll always be able to find work. 2 week notice, my arse. All you need is a 2 day notice, as in I'm dragging this motherfricker up TODAY.
Chemical plant:
-corrosive, caustic, other nasty stuff
-chlorine, tickle, other dangerous stuff
-the products made can be nasty
-the bitch-arse safety man
-the tool room Napoleon
-the goddamn electricians that never pick up after themselves
-the welders that think they run the place
HVAC:
-scratchy insulation, animals and insects in attic or under house, other nasty stuff
-low pitch roofs on older homes, gas lines and electrical that may not be up to code, heat exhaustion, other dangerous stuff
-the customer might think they know more about what brand sells higher quality coils than you, the professional
-the painters, floor crew, roofers, and other subhuman types might not treat the master race HVAC techs with the proper respect
-the goddamn electricians that never pick up after themselves
-the GC that needs you there RIGHT NOW on a house he started framing up a month ago, then has the nerve to bitch when you did a $20,000 job in 2 days
Good luck either way. I love both jobs. There's something refreshing about knowing you don't have to bother with corporate lingo or PC bullshite, and you'll always be able to find work. 2 week notice, my arse. All you need is a 2 day notice, as in I'm dragging this motherfricker up TODAY.
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:28 pm to Headbootas
quote:
I have a fundamental understanding of refrigeration, but no formal training.
In the refrigeration business we take that which isn't cold and make it cold. I can't tell you how many guys I've seen fail because they can't or won't grasp that concept. Maybe you're different, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:29 pm to wadewilson
But seriously, I would recommend trying to do schooling and working as an apprentice simultaneously, or try and find a company that would value having someone that wants to get classroom training along with field experience.
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:31 pm to Headbootas
quote:
Headbootas
Where do you live?
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:36 pm to Headbootas
Apply at Gallo Mechanical
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:36 pm to Headbootas
quote:
I’m currently an operator in a chemical plant
Keep sitting in the ac and signing permits instead of crawling in attics during the summer to do HVAC work. And I say this as a mechanic at a chemical plant. We probably work at the same one
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:43 pm to Headbootas
My advice, apply for an HVAC tech helper positing at one of the bigger contractors in the area. Typically they will pay for your training but your pay will typically start out lower but go up with experience.
Techs are in hot demand right now
Techs are in hot demand right now
Posted on 5/10/22 at 12:47 pm to Garmbr1
quote:
Garmbr1
Member since Apr 2015
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