Careers in HVAC & Heat Pumps
Are you mechanically inclined and do you enjoy working with home systems? The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sector focuses on providing comfortable temperature and high quality indoor air in homes, while also looking for opportunities to save energy.HVAC technicians will have work as long as people live in buildings that need to be warmed or cooled (which is always!) These positions offer the opportunity to make a big impact on the growing energy efficiency and building electrification movement through a focus on heat pumps and other emerging technologies.
HVAC Technician
Career Pathway
Pay Range
$18 - $40 hour / $37,440 - $83,200 annual
Role Description
HVAC Technicians install, maintain and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. HVAC work involves installation, wiring, service, and repair of mechanical equipment, as well as fabrication and installation of ductwork. Along with on-the-job training, a credentialed HVAC program will help you to become a certified HVAC professional. The certifications offered by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) will help you move up the ladder more quickly as you become knowledgeable about the industry.
Benefits
- Learn on the job
- Attractive compensation
- High demand for HVAC work
- Opportunity to problem solve
- Quick advancement potential
- Valuable services for the community
Challenges
- Sometimes requires long hours
- Requires attention to detail & time management skills
- Demanding physical labor in tight places (crawlspaces, attics)
- Requires significant travel around town & must plan to deal with traffic
- Work is often performed while homeowner is present, requiring good communication and conscientiousness about working in their space
HVAC Career Map
The HVAC industry is exploding with jobs and opportunities and the HVAC Career Map explores many of them - click the link to find out more!Career Pathway Trainings
You will also have on-the-job (OJT) training with future employers. It is standard practice to require manufacturer trainings that directly relate to the products a company installs:- Product line training
- Installation training
- Service and diagnostic training
- Code and installation requirements
Heat Pump Technician
Career Pathway
Pay Range
$30 - $50 hour / $62,420 - $104,000 annual
Role Description
Heat Pumps are an innovative technology and a home upgrade solution supporting energy savings and healthy homes. Heat Pump Professionals generally begin with experience in the HVAC field and pursue additional training to become experts that can install, commission, maintain, troubleshoot, & repair both central and mini-split heat pumps in residential and small commercial environments. Heat Pump Professionals must understand installation requirements, product specifications, review site conditions, and understand contracts and work orders. Alongside strong technical experience in mechanical equipment, someone in this position must have clear communication with the ability to work respectfully in a customer’s home or business. There will be immense future job opportunities in this field due to future building energy codes and new policies funded through local and federal programs that are prioritizing heat pump installation.
Benefits
- Learn on the job
- Excellent compensation
- This position is in high demand
- Opportunity to problem solve
- Valuable services for the community
Challenges
- Requires attention to detail & time management skills
- Challenging physical work that sometimes requires long hours
- Working conditions involve tight places in crawlspaces and in attics
- Requires significant travel around town & must plan to deal with traffic
- Work is often performed while homeowner is present, requiring good communication and conscientiousness about working in their space.
Career Pathway Trainings
You will also have on-the-job (OJT) training with future employers. It is standard practice to require manufacturer trainings that directly relate to the products a company installs:- Product line training
- Installation training
- Service and diagnostic training
- Code and installation requirements
Click here for more information an advanced HVAC and energy code trainings.