The HVAC job market is consistently strong because heating and cooling systems are found in just about every residential, commercial, and industrial structure known to man. As a result, quality HVAC technicians are always in high demand, and the most experienced have the potential of earning upwards of $90,000 per year.
But while you might think that the only skills needed to be an HVAC tech are the abilities and education needed to install, maintain, and repair refrigeration, cooling, heating, and ventilation systems, there are several other skills that one should have if they desire to pursue a career in this lucrative field.
Here are seven skills that every capable HVAC tech should have if they want to enjoy long-lasting success in this job market.
#1: Good Customer Service Skills
HVAC techs spend a lot of time communicating with customers. From discussing their heating or cooling problems to answering their questions to dealing with irate clients, how you handle yourself when you are working with your customers will have a big impact on how confident they will be in your abilities and ultimately, their satisfaction level.
As you might expect, if you don’t have good customer service skills, then you could find yourself competing for fewer and fewer jobs, or if you work for a company, then your boss may start getting complaints about your attitude. If you’re not a “people person,” then being an HVAC tech might not be for you.
#2: Problem-Solving Skills
HVAC techs don’t get called whenever HVAC systems are running properly. If a tech gets a call, it’s because there’s something wrong with someone’s heating or cooling system and it’s the tech’s job to find out what it is and fix it. But having the education that’s required to fix something is not the same thing as knowing how to problem solve and troubleshoot the problem.
The best HVAC techs have an innate ability to work through the potential issues to get to the crux of the problem. In HVAC, there can be many different potential causes for some symptoms, so having the skills to patiently troubleshoot the case is extremely important to getting the system back up and running quickly.
#3: Flexibility
Professional HVAC techs are almost always on call. So, flexibility is an absolute must if you want to maximize your earning potential in this field. When you work in HVAC, you should always expect the unexpected, like a customer calling you at 3 a.m. during a raging snowstorm because their heat stopped working.
A career in HVAC is not for the faint of heart. If you prefer working 9 to 5 with weekends off, then there are other careers that you might be better suited for.
#4: Good Time Management Skills
As an HVAC tech, you need to manage your time well, especially if you want to run your own business one day. Every tech needs to be able to maintain a schedule that will allow them to service multiple customers per day because providing timely service is essential for enjoying longevity in this career. If you don’t show up on time, then your customer will waste no time in calling someone else.
So, if you’re someone who just can’t get out of bed when the alarm rings or you always show up late for appointments and meetings, then you probably aren’t going to have the time management skills needed to be successful in the HVAC job market.
#5: Detail Oriented
Every HVAC system features a complex network of wires, pipes, fixtures, and other components, and each piece needs to be handled and connected precisely for the system to work. As a result, being detail-oriented is extremely important for a career in HVAC. Attention to detail is also an essential trait to have when it comes to maintaining accurate records of the work you performed.
#6: Good Organization Skills
Because HVAC involves a variety of different trades, including plumbing, electric, and occasionally carpentry, an HVAC tech’s work van can be filled to capacity with a lot of different tools and equipment. So, having good organizational skills is a must if you want to keep your van clean and ensure that everything is easy to locate.
On the other side of that coin, if you aren’t a well-organized individual, then you will have a higher risk of having jobs take longer to complete simply because you can’t find the right piece that you need. Or, your customer may simply change their mind the moment they see the untidy mess inside of your van.
#7: Good Physical Health
This isn’t so much a skill, but it is included here because working in HVAC can be physically demanding. Therefore, being in reasonably good physical health will allow you to perform your work easier and safer.
It’s not uncommon for HVAC techs to work in tight spaces while maneuvering heavy objects, equipment, and machinery. The job requires a lot of stamina and strength, as well as good flexibility, range of motion, and hand/eye coordination.
If You Have the Skills to Be in HVAC, Then BTrained Can Provide the Education
If you have what it takes to be a good HVAC technician but you’re lacking the education, then BTrained’s HVAC Training Courses can help you reach your goals. Our courses are specially designed to provide you with the education and hands-on experience you need to qualify to sit for the Alabama HVAC Contractors Exam and start earning an income in this fun and highly rewarding field.
An exciting new career is waiting for you. Since each of our training courses have a limited number of seats available, they tend to fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to claim your spot early. Enroll today and secure your spot. You can be starting a brand new career in HVAC in as little as two weeks!