seeking hvac career advice

GW

> Thanks for the reply.I guess I assumed that if a <BR>
> company advertizes itself as HVAC,each of its <BR>
> techs would need to know <BR>
> heating,AC,refridgeration.Do most companies have <BR>
> heating guys,and others that do <BR>
> refidgeration,others AC? If so,what does someone <BR>
> who specializes in heating do in the summer?I'm <BR>
> sure there's work replacing boilers and <BR>
> furnaces,and clean and tune ups towards the <BR>
> fall,but is it enough to keep a bunch of guys <BR>
> working everyday?Also what could I do to set <BR>
> myself apart from the pack as far as <BR>
> qualifications and specialized training? <BR>
<BR>


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jim k

career advice

i'm interested in a career in hvac,and would like some advice as to where I can find the best training.I've taken a basic gas heating course for work,which was helpful,but I feel that it was not all that extensive(10 weeks,2 nights a week,3 hours a night).I would like to find a more indepth program that also includes other aspects such as oil fired appliances,AC,etc.I've been lurking here for a while and have come across things that were never mentioned in the class that I took(primary/secondary loops,radiant heating,modulating boilers)
So basically,I'd like some good trade schools I can check out to get a real complete education and hopefully start on my way to a new career.Also any advice and thoughts from you guys on the industry in general,especially on someone starting out at my age would be appreciated.I'm 36,living outside of Boston and working in a job I'm increasingly unhappy with,and have found heating and mechanical systems in general to be interesting.Thanks. - jim

GW

Jim

I love this trade, been doing it since 1984 when I got out of HS.

Best of luck finding a school that can teach you all that stuff. This industry is so vast. I've done some advanced stuff through some not-so-cheap training organizations. I think I'm a little ahead of the average Joe with stuff like blower door, IR camera, flow hoods, air diagnostics in general, combustion know-how. The European heating techniques you may be able to slowly catch onto if you ask enough questions. Go to Buderus or Viessmann and see if you could sit in on one of their one/two day classes. Check out mycoolsmart.com, they have a pretty advanced tool (well, they promote it I should say) for AC diagnostics (I believe I was technically the 1st QIV certified company, at least one of the first three).

Gary


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jim k

Thanks for the reply.I guess I assumed that if a company advertizes itself as HVAC,each of its techs would need to know heating,AC,refridgeration.Do most companies have heating guys,and others that do refidgeration,others AC? If so,what does someone who specializes in heating do in the summer?I'm sure there's work replacing boilers and furnaces,and clean and tune ups towards the fall,but is it enough to keep a bunch of guys working everyday?Also what could I do to set myself apart from the pack as far as qualifications and specialized training?

Timco

Tell the company you are applying to that you are who they want. You are ALWAYS on time, dress neat, do not smell like smoke, courtious and do neat work, and when things are slow, you will wash the company truck and shop without being asked. Also make sure they know you WANT to advance, not just stay an installer ( tin knocker or pipe threader) your entire career. You have to start somewhere (bottom) but you can still do an execellent job and be the best. Read in the evenings. Pay attention. Take out the office trash, clean the trucks out and re-stock them. Work hard and do whatever your supervisor says. You will go places!

Tim

EBEBRATT-Ed

It's like being a Doctor. Gee we don't get paid that much. Some people specialize, some are GP. General practicioners.

After you get started you can pick the area you like best.

How about the PETERSON SCHOOLS there in westwood I think. Ask at the supply houses they have information on this.


ED

GW

cross- trained

Many guys are cross trained, but in my opinion it's an exception. The challenge is you can only learn so much without getting out there and getting your hands on the stuff. Plus your future boss won't be excited to have you jumping on a plane several times a year... it may threaten his existence. Also, cross trained guys may never be as good as someone who does one task all day. For instance, I know the basics with oil burners and can troubleshoot a burner within minutes like most guys, but fixing an old dinosaur? No, I can't do it, and I'm quite content with that!

There's another thread going on here on the Wall that's called Service or Sell, you'll notice there are sharply different sentiments about when to fix the old clunker and when to recommend replacement. My hunch is you need to be able to do both if you want to be able to make decent money as you mature. I'd say 99% or more of the technicians out there have never taken a sales course, and most of those techs (I believe) think that "sales" is a dirty word. It's up to you; if you just want to fix things you'll get paid accordingly. As a private business owner, there just isn't enough money in repairs. If we just did "fixing" my company would not be where we're at now. My business over the last 5 years because I started going to "business" courses, and picked up some sales training. I've paid huge money for this knowledge, and my W2 reflects it I'm happy to say. Had I not opened my eyes, I would not be sitting here sparsely dressed typing away to a complete stranger on a Saturday morning; I'd be out working! >>edit>> I'm a goof ball, I thought it was saturady when I typed this; I lost track of what morning it wasTo Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

brucewo1b

Gary Wilson

""There's another thread going on here on the Wall that's called Service or Sell, you'll notice there are sharply different sentiments about when to fix the old clunker and when to recommend replacement.""

I don't really think that is a fair statement as it said in the original post that ""I am getting a lot of service techs through my classes who tell me they are under pressure to condemn equipment and sell them a new furnace or boiler. This is based on a number of factors one of which is that all the old stuff is very inefficent and should all be replaced. Quote "any thing older than 10 years should be replaced".""

Now is a ten year old boiler or furnace a Clunker just because its Ten years old??

Yes I have seen ten year old clunkers but I have also seen 40 year old kittens, now I would try to upsell to both but neither to age but for effeincy and saftey.

Dick_3

Training

Jim,

If your looking for the best training, you may want to inquire with the local union representing pipefitters/steamfitters/and hvac service mechanics in your area. They'll offer the the best training opportunity which equals a Ivy League education in the piping and mechanical trades.

They,ll also offer high wages and the best benefits, w/ excellent company paid health care, pension, and retirement package; and many contractors to work for. You'll even be able to start your own shop, if you want.

As mentioned above, it's true, you'll get out of the trade what you put into it. If you play it right, the trade can offer a secure, prosperous future for you and your family.



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GW

Bruce

you're right, I did jump to the other side of the spectrum. Like i mentioned at the bottom of that post, I'd be surpised if it's realy as stark as what was mentioned.

I was simply trying to idenify that there are many many many people that will fix just about anything with a fuel line attached to it, whichg really disturbs me.

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Timco

If a customer 1)cannot afford to change the 25+ yr old boiler or furnace, and 2) the appliance can be made safe to factory specs, then is it not the obligation of the service tech to fix it if that is what they are hired to do? Why push the upgrade?

Tim

jim k

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input.The union sounds like a good deal,but from what I've heard,they're pretty hard to get into,kind of depends on who you know.Anyone in the New England area have any opinions on a good school?Someone mentioned RETS in Charlestown,and NEFI(?),anyone been there?I've taken a gas course at Peterson in Woburn.The instructor was great,seemed like a knowledgeable guy, but the course itself seemed to just give the basics of a lot of stuff and not really get too deep into anything.It was like 60 hrs over 10 wks.

John R. Hall

Try Ferris State

Jim:

I had a mock interview with a guy who is in his 40s and starting a new career in HVAC. His company shut down and moved overseas. He has a family to support and saw HVAC as a secure career, which it is for the well-trained and good techs/engineers. Anyway, he is a full-time student at Ferris State University, the premier HVACR school in the country. It is located in Michigan but you can take courses online and earn an AA or BA degree. Check it out at this link -- and good luck!

http://www.ferris.edu/college-degree-hvac.htm

mp1969

May Sound extreme

As one who has worked for several concerns I can honestly say that diversity will be the best path to your goal.

While the technical side of this industry is available through books, tech schools and seminars the practical side is only available in the field.

Everyone likes the security of their job place, yet changing to a firm that does what you want to become proficient in may be your best bet.

In the 38 years I have worked full time in this industry I have countless journeymen, contractors,instructors,industry leaders,(such as the wet heads on this wall)apprentices (young minds with fresh ideas) and yes demanding customers to thank.

You need to take educated chances to round out your career. If you want it bad enough you will find it!

This is a great, exciting career with limitless potential and self worth.

Best of Luck!

Make Peace your Passion!

Rich Kontny