In the north, freezing temperatures bring about high demand for efficient, affordable heating systems. If a heating system fails, pipes can freeze and burst. It is critical to have your heating system in good working order. In the south, high levels of humidity can lead to mold and mildew problems. A house or businesses air conditioning system must running properly. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems need routine maintenance by an HVAC technician.
This technician specializes in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. His or her skill can repair and maintain a system to ensure it is working efficiently, properly, and affordably. HVAC technicians are trained to handle oil, natural gas, propane and kerosene heating systems. They also have a thorough knowledge of how the motors and fans run.
During winter months, HVAC technicians quickly diagnose issues with furnace/heating systems. They provide routine cleanings to prevent blockages that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. They also replace air filters, check for wear on thermocouples, test for gas leaks, check carbon monoxide levels, adjust flame levels, and ensure that the furnace is running efficiently.
In the summer, routine maintenance on heating systems can be completed. In addition, air conditioning and cooling systems are checked. Cooling systems must be examined to ensure the fans are running property, that no CFCs are being released into the environment, and that compressors and evaporators are working efficiently.
In new constructions, HVAC technicians install both heating and cooling systems. Pipes and ductwork are installed at proper locations for maximum heating and cooling abilities. Systems are tested for gas leaks, carbon monoxide issues, and fluid leaks. Motors are checked to ensure they are running properly. Then a final test is run to make sure the systems are heating or cooling the building properly.
HVAC technicians carry a wide array of tools. Beyond the typical tools of hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches, HVAC technicians also keep pipe cutters, pipe benders, torches, voltage meters, carbon monoxide detectors, gas leak indicators, pressure gauges, thermometers, and more.
As HVAC technicians work in both outside and inside locations, warm, insulating clothing is necessary. New construction may be covered, but without a heating system in place, the unfinished building can be extremely cold. Working in tight quarters is always an issue, so an HVAC technician must be able to work in these extremes. Proper knowledge of first aid is necessary as breathing in dangerous fumes and the potential for electrical shock are serious considerations.
HVAC technicians possess strong math and reading skills. A good portion of their job relies on their ability to read blueprints and understand motor schematics. Most HVAC technicians are only offered jobs if they have completed an apprenticeship or a formal college-type education.
Trade schools or community colleges usually offer programs in which a person receives the training necessary to become an HVAC technician. Another option lies with the United States Armed Forces who provide men and women with the proper training in exchange for military service. Expect training to take between six months and two years, all depending on the level of education that a future HVAC technician wishes to reach.
Many union chapters also offer apprenticeship programs. Expect courses that range from blueprint reading and design of heating and cooling systems to tool usage and safety precautions. The combination of coursework is matched with hands-on education as an apprentice works under an experienced HVAC technician. This on-the-job experience is the best teaching tool of all.
Apprentices or Level I technicians usually start out helping experienced HVAC technicians with routine tasks such as fetching tools, assisting with furnace cleanings, helping install cooling lines, and more. As their training increases, they are handled harder jobs. These more difficult tasks can range from independent furnace cleanings to installing heating ducts.
The first step on the rung to becoming a Master HVAC technician is to take the test to become a certified Level I HVAC technician. Tests include a wide array of subject matter, including testing by the EPA to ensure that the technician is aware of possible environmental contaminants. The Level I HVAC technician is then allowed to service small appliances. He or she works under a supervisor and is not allowed to solve an issue without checking with the boss first. Typically, a Level I HVAC technician has spent a few years working under an HVAC technician.
The next step up, Level II, permits the technician to handle high-pressure refrigerants. A Level II HVAC technician has typically worked as a Level I technician for three to five years. More leniency is given at this stage, allowing the technician to come up with his or her own solutions to problems. While still working under a supervisor, the freedom to work independently can increase job satisfaction.
The Level III HVAC technician has the most freedom. A Level III technician has completed all the exams by the EPA and can handle low-level refrigerants, as well. A Level III technician is allowed to design and install heating and cooling systems. The Level III HVAC technician is the highest of the positions and offers the greatest pay scale.
Those looking to become an HVAC technician will find that the scale of pay varies depending on the area in which they live and the level they have reached. To make it easy, the chart below targets certain areas in the United States and looks at the varying levels of employment. These are base rates and do not include overtime wages or bonuses.
Workers awaiting testing to become a Level I HVAC Technician can expect to earn a little over half of what a Level I HVAC Technician earns. Once testing is complete, the pay raise usually takes effect immediately. That proves to be a nice pay raise to most!
Alaska:
Level I HVAC Technician: $43,500 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $50,300 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $58,100 per year.
Arizona:
Level I HVAC Technician: $37,400 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $43,200 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $49,900 per year.
Arkansas:
Level I HVAC Technician: $34,365 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $39,800 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $45,900 per year.
Colorado:
Level I HVAC Technician: $39,179 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $45,300 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $52,400 per year.
Montana:
Level I HVAC Technician: $35,978 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $40,000 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $46,300 per year.
New York:
Level I HVAC Technician: $44,257 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $51,200 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $59,100 per year.
Oregon:
Level I HVAC Technician: $38,921 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $45,000 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $52,000 per year.
South Carolina:
Level I HVAC Technician: $35,446 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $41,000 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $47,400 per year.
Wisconsin:
Level I HVAC Technician: $37,303 per year.
Level II HVAC Technician: $43,100 per year.
Level III HVAC Technician: $49,900 per year.
There are overtime and bonuses that can increase an HVAC Technicians pay scale. Generally, these additional bonuses average around $150 for the Level I HVAC Technician to $600 for a Level III HVAC Technician. Again, this will vary from area to area. Those areas that run furnaces or air conditioners the majority of the time will find their overtime pay is higher than the United States average.
If one is looking for a satisfying job that offers year round work, taking a career as an HVAC Technician is a great choice! Being an HVAC Technician offers one job satisfaction, a great pay scale, and steady employment. An HVAC Technician can work for a company or go out on his or her own and become self-employed. The freedom of setting one’s own hours is a definite perk!