Yes, when i got into this trade i wanted to be a service tech right of way not having any experience, i did go to college and two trade schools, but my then future boss said to me " I want you to be an installer first cause when you become a good installer then you will be a good tech." i didn't get it at that time but now being in this field some twenty years later i thought about what he had told me and yes he was right. I appreciate all the videos you put out and try to learn so much from your expieriences, thank you.
I'm 53 and won't be changing careers, but I really enjoy your videos. I've learned a ton and feel way more confident, if I need a tech come check my system. I won't get taken to the cleaners. Thanks, Curtis.
Back from 1985-1999 I was a Thermo-King transport refrigeration tech. The main thing is unless you're willing to put up with being woke up in the middle of the night on an emergency repair or being on call that your social life sucks when you are then its not the field for you. Same applies to heating techs in cold states during Winter. The money is great but there is sacrifice. Plus when new models come out you have to go to service school or get yearly certification depending on what field you're in. If you're willing to put in the time and sacrifice you can make loads of cash and have more work than you can handle once your name gets out there. I decided it wasnt for me after a bunch of years and went into outdoor power equipment repair. The money isnt as good but I enjoy it and less sacrifice. Lots to think about if you're going to get into that field and its not a walk in the park lots of times. You go in all the way or dont bother, but the challenges are rewarding both mentally and financially.
If any of you are located in Texas , I highly recommend Texas State Technical College / TSTC. They have a two year associates program in applied science HVACR , night , day or weekend classes. The rates are comparable or cheaper than most community colleges , and with it being an accredited trade school , credits can transfer to larger colleges if you’re seeking an engineering degree. The labs are very well equipped and there is a solid mix of hands on and book work. I went there years ago and I’m sure it’s only gotten better over time .
While I was working for an a/c co. in 1963 I took a correspondence course in HVACR. It was very thorough and we would send exams back and the proctors would correct them if there were mistakes made and there were some. I learned a lot. Then over the years I signed up with all factory training available from wholesalers, RSCS and ACCA. Many hundreds of hours; perhaps thousands would be more accurate!
I watch my best friend back in the late 70s and 80s he started Dalton heating and air . he was a young man back then now hes a old man like me and hes still going
Ever changing trade. Worth every minute of learning.Curtis this is a difficult trade that is not for everyone,but very rewarding for those that can deal with extreme environments!
I back in the 80s I worked full-time 40 hours and went to school 3 to 4 hours a night for four years while raising three children for the automotive industry. 9 years ago, when my youngest son got out of high school. We both attended night classes laney College Oakland, California Hvac course we took all three majors simultaneously. Building automation was a completely separate course from commercial refrigeration, and then residential heating and air-conditioning.. we took more electrical classes that were more advanced not part of the program and PLC an automation classes.. for five years at night while we both work 40 hours a week. . After that, I am rolled into city College electrical engineering classes at night . As a business owner I don’t want to hear anybody say it’s too hard or they don’t have time . I don’t put up with excuses.. anybody who works for me is very goal driven and definitely not lazy. Otherwise they’ll be seeing the door.. I only work with people who seek knowledge, and always want to better themselves, and always never know enough, and wanna know more.
Good for you Curtis, Hopefully some will take your advice. I'm retired, but have learned alot about AC. That is just for personal reasons. My system is new and would still have a professional fix it.
Nice advise Curtis, that is good advise for the young guys wanting to take on the HVAC trade, and lets hope they all are as honest and reliable as yourself 👍
Graduated UTI HVAC/R back in July 2001. They closed the program shortly after. Glad I chose this field the next 10 years our field is going to lose our current senior techs and it will be a deep hole to fill. There is money in DDC HVAC/R controls and installation.
Would this fall under building control systems? "building control systems" can be used interchangeably with "building automation system" right? How do you break into this part of HVAC?
@@HVACRJAX it's a tough niche to break into to be honest. I got my break by actively applying for openings in job ads via local job center back in 07'. Prior to 07' my experience was only in residential heating and ac service and install. The people at NORESCO HVAC controls took me in and they showed me the ropes. I'm now a lead HVAC tech in my company and we work along side Johnson Control twice a week for large commercial complexes with building automation Metasys DDC. ATS company installs Allerton BAC systems, Siemens is another outfit for DDC. My advice for DDC work is to have formal HVAC training and experience firstly. Take classes on electrical circuitry would also help as well. Once you get your foot in the door ask as much questions as you can and take notes. I have made a habit of doing just that and i have created my own TIPS AND TRICKS of the trade that I still use today.
I’m on the commercial side and going through a union apprenticeship. My work hours are 6-2:30 and I have class 2 days a week from 5-8. It’s a 5 year apprenticeship but it’s definitely worth it!
@@Eavuod I just finished a program a couple months ago exactly what he is talking about, It was intensive training both in a lab and classroom that taught me everything I need to know technically for PMs and how to talk to and serve customers. I still come across things I never have seen from time to time that throw me for a loop but that is apart of the process ya just got to keep on truckin.
This is fascinating and i'm not even trying to get into the industry. I learned my lesson the first time. I love technology and went into IT when I was young because of it. Well now I love phase change, heat pumps, and all things HVAC. I'm going to try and save up and buy myself an online course as a birthday gift, take the 608 Exam and start playing around with this as a hobby. I mean it's not a bad idea to have a second marketable skill set in your back pocket anyway. Plus I have idea's and if one works out I might be able to get a patent. Thanks for the recommendations man. I want to be able to fall back on it if I decide I'm too burned out on this computer crap.
My local community college offers an HVAC program. Certificate, technical certificate, and associate level program. I am currently finishing an apprenticeship for stationary engineering however alot of my courses are in the HVAC program. Obtained universal EPA. I am curious with many entry level positions fast food, carwash, grocery paying $16-18 and entry warehouses in the $20 range what is a new HVAC tech go for in your area? My work starts apprentices at $28 and I believe that is increasing. Not something I believe I could ever take a pay cut to do but it's giving me invaluable knowledge for home and family work.
You are right it's a great profession. I am 78 years old and still working in the field. Also a contractor. Just like you are doing. Have the same work ethic as you have. God bless
Hello Curtis, i watch your videos and get so much out of each one, i want to know is where do you purchase that box of what looks like aluminum strapping for when you attach the capacitors?, i can't seem to find at my usual hvac suppliers.
I am 19 and started doing ductwork the day after I graduated. Now I have moved on to installation for in-floor radiant, boilers, furnaces, and A/Cs. Once moving to this role I have been battling the thought of going to trade school. There are no options near me to take night classes and the schools are two far away for me to do both. I just obtained my EPA Universal and have been doing a course online for my NATE certifications. So as long as I am getting experience will I be okay?
The following commentary is only meant to be constructive: I'd have some concern about offering an endorsement of any school without having sat in on a few classes first. And maybe you have, in which case, please forget I said anything. I do think it's a good sign that Preppy will arrange to have their students work in the field. My HVAC/R instructor strongly believed that the only way to teach a hands-on field like HVAC was to actually have your hands on the equipment, working with it. I'm a very big believer in that notion as well. Getting into the field was difficult and I was never completely successful. The market around here is pretty saturated. I couldn't get established, reputable companies to pay much attention to me. I did work for some real duds (mostly dishonest, one creepy, another even sent me off as their sole tech in a van to do anything and everything HVAC/R when I wasn't ready for that) but I will say even those experiences had some value. I don't regret having educated myself in another field for a moment. I'm back in the IT racket with a very good job and doing residential HVAC repairs only as a sideline, but that's totally OK.
I wish I could get hired I finished school no one will hire me because I'm slightly autistic it's my dream to get into the field idk what to do tho now
Keep going with your professional development - take the training from manufacturers and distributors. What appeals more to you, troubleshooting and process, or some of the repetitive work like installation? Both? What aspect of your spectrum placement seems to be in your way?
Might sound like strange advice, but I would recommend reading How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie if you haven't already. And if you haven't completed it yet, make sure you get your EPA-608 Universal. Then possibly go for your NATE certification. If you do all of that and still cannot get a job, maybe create youtube content and social media content breaking down things you have learned. Watch a video from HVAC GUY and then write clear troubleshooting steps of a systematic way of approaching these issues in the future. Step 1) Check all loads for proper operation... 1A) If any load faults found - check schematics and confirm all components are functioning properly.. Step 2) visual inspection of all components (kinda goes hand in hand with step 1).. 2A) fix any faults found with visual inspection... 3) Check Press & Temp.. *Potential Refrigeration Faults** leaks (oil present).. restricted air flow (evap, condenser, air filter).. metering device.. It would be extremely hard to NOT hire you if you could break that down.. Grab a multimeter and gauges and explain how you check each component of your AC and heat in your house.. Go through the schematics and explain how everything works.. Just grab any phone camera and start shooting the video.. it doesn't need to be perfect.. Action is invaluable, inaction is useless.. Best of luck! You might want to mention which state you are in on your comments, you never know if someone has an opportunity. And "Any recommendations for finding a job in "region" area? I recently graduated, passed my EPA-608 and am looking forward to getting into the field" sounds a bit more attractive. Do you know how many people are running HVAC companies that were probably considered "slightly autistic" and many other trades hahaa I don't think that spectrum existed 30+ years ago.. Keep your head up! You got this!
You think I can learn everything online with the simulations? I actually have started a hvac job too so I’m getting hands on experience. I just wanted someone I could ask for help from locally besides my boss. Online would be a lot better for me.
Ive been working with my uncle for a while now but i still want to take some sort of online course to better understand things in more detail. Is tulsa welding school good for online hvac courses? I just dont know which one to pick since i already have a job in hvac
Same here, they have them few reviews that look bland and fake but Im wanting a change in pace with my community college. 2+ years going to a technician cert that could have taken 6 months. Im hoping to call them soon about the externship in my area cause I inquired to 10+ companies that wanted experience. I have my 608 though
@@Aviation2016 yea i couldnt find much so i went with ashworth college. should be finished in 3 months. i went to a company that i want to work for and just had a conversation with a manager and asked what there looking for and they said if i get 608 certified and basic knowledge of hvac. they could get me on board. good luck !
Click Here to Learn More About Preppy: HVACTechnicianSchool.com
says its not secure website
@@Space4Cats It is now. It has been digitally signed and verified since October 20th-ish.
Just like anything in life, if you want the results, you gotta PUT IN THE WORK
And study, study and study!
Never not learning my friend! Thats one of the reasons I absolutely love this industry. Always learning and improving
True!
Yes, when i got into this trade i wanted to be a service tech right of way not having any experience, i did go to college and two trade schools, but my then future boss said to me " I want you to be an installer first cause when you become a good installer then you will be a good tech." i didn't get it at that time but now being in this field some twenty years later i thought about what he had told me and yes he was right. I appreciate all the videos you put out and try to learn so much from your expieriences, thank you.
I'm 53 and won't be changing careers, but I really enjoy your videos. I've learned a ton and feel way more confident, if I need a tech come check my system. I won't get taken to the cleaners. Thanks, Curtis.
Hello Patric: won't be afraid of asking family, friends or neighbors for referrals. Also trade associations can lead you to reputable service folks.
Back from 1985-1999 I was a Thermo-King transport refrigeration tech. The main thing is unless you're willing to put up with being woke up in the middle of the night on an emergency repair or being on call that your social life sucks when you are then its not the field for you. Same applies to heating techs in cold states during Winter. The money is great but there is sacrifice. Plus when new models come out you have to go to service school or get yearly certification depending on what field you're in. If you're willing to put in the time and sacrifice you can make loads of cash and have more work than you can handle once your name gets out there. I decided it wasnt for me after a bunch of years and went into outdoor power equipment repair. The money isnt as good but I enjoy it and less sacrifice. Lots to think about if you're going to get into that field and its not a walk in the park lots of times. You go in all the way or dont bother, but the challenges are rewarding both mentally and financially.
We need more techs out here, especially ones that are hungry to learn and to work. Main thing is to know " how to work"
If any of you are located in Texas , I highly recommend Texas State Technical College / TSTC. They have a two year associates program in applied science HVACR , night , day or weekend classes. The rates are comparable or cheaper than most community colleges , and with it being an accredited trade school , credits can transfer to larger colleges if you’re seeking an engineering degree. The labs are very well equipped and there is a solid mix of hands on and book work. I went there years ago and I’m sure it’s only gotten better over time .
While I was working for an a/c co. in 1963 I took a correspondence course in HVACR. It was very thorough and we would send exams back and the proctors would correct them if there were mistakes made and there were some. I learned a lot. Then over the years I signed up with all factory training available from wholesalers, RSCS and ACCA. Many hundreds of hours; perhaps thousands would be more accurate!
I watch my best friend back in the late 70s and 80s he started Dalton heating and air . he was a young man back then now hes a old man like me and hes still going
Ever changing trade. Worth every minute of learning.Curtis this is a difficult trade that is not for everyone,but very rewarding for those that can deal with extreme environments!
I back in the 80s I worked full-time 40 hours and went to school 3 to 4 hours a night for four years while raising three children for the automotive industry.
9 years ago, when my youngest son got out of high school. We both attended night classes laney College Oakland, California Hvac course we took all three majors simultaneously. Building automation was a completely separate course from commercial refrigeration, and then residential heating and air-conditioning.. we took more electrical classes that were more advanced not part of the program and PLC an automation classes.. for five years at night while we both work 40 hours a week. .
After that, I am rolled into city College electrical engineering classes at night .
As a business owner I don’t want to hear anybody say it’s too hard or they don’t have time . I don’t put up with excuses.. anybody who works for me is very goal driven and definitely not lazy. Otherwise they’ll be seeing the door..
I only work with people who seek knowledge, and always want to better themselves, and always never know enough, and wanna know more.
Good for you Curtis, Hopefully some will take your advice. I'm retired, but have learned alot about AC. That is just for personal reasons. My system is new and would still have a professional fix it.
I drove thru your beautiful state today. Then bumper to bumper traffic thru south Carolina. Dam 2 lane hwy lol. Good video Curtis
i finished tect school last week and started my externship on friday as an installer
You went through the preppy program? How was your experience so far? And did already complete your EPA-608? How about NATE? Best of luck to you!
@@HVACRJAX no it was a tech school in my area and yes i have type 1-2 and universal epa certifications
Nice advise Curtis, that is good advise for the young guys wanting to take on the HVAC trade, and lets hope they all are as honest and reliable as yourself 👍
A very good trade to get into. This is great for a young guy to get started. You have to be someone who is not afraid to work.
Graduated UTI HVAC/R back in July 2001. They closed the program shortly after. Glad I chose this field the next 10 years our field is going to lose our current senior techs and it will be a deep hole to fill. There is money in DDC HVAC/R controls and installation.
Would this fall under building control systems? "building control systems" can be used interchangeably with "building automation system" right? How do you break into this part of HVAC?
@@HVACRJAX it's a tough niche to break into to be honest. I got my break by actively applying for openings in job ads via local job center back in 07'. Prior to 07' my experience was only in residential heating and ac service and install. The people at NORESCO HVAC controls took me in and they showed me the ropes. I'm now a lead HVAC tech in my company and we work along side Johnson Control twice a week for large commercial complexes with building automation Metasys DDC. ATS company installs Allerton BAC systems, Siemens is another outfit for DDC.
My advice for DDC work is to have formal HVAC training and experience firstly.
Take classes on electrical circuitry would also help as well.
Once you get your foot in the door ask as much questions as you can and take notes. I have made a habit of doing just that and i have created my own TIPS AND TRICKS of the trade that I still use today.
I've learned a lot from just watching your videos; I'm surprised that you haven't suggested that as an adjunct to schools and hands on experience.😎
In Alabama we have two great training programs , Alabama power training center in Jasper and Btrained in Birmingham & Huntsville.
Hey I’m really interested in the training program please feel free to contact me thanks
I’m on the commercial side and going through a union apprenticeship. My work hours are 6-2:30 and I have class 2 days a week from 5-8. It’s a 5 year apprenticeship but it’s definitely worth it!
Hey man, was wondering how its going for you so far? I just graduated from high school, and im looking to get into hvac.
Experience is good, but most of the companies here are offering a 3 month paid appreciate program which leads to PMs and service calls
Hi, what does this mean ? Looking up information.
@@Eavuod I just finished a program a couple months ago exactly what he is talking about, It was intensive training both in a lab and classroom that taught me everything I need to know technically for PMs and how to talk to and serve customers. I still come across things I never have seen from time to time that throw me for a loop but that is apart of the process ya just got to keep on truckin.
This is fascinating and i'm not even trying to get into the industry. I learned my lesson the first time. I love technology and went into IT when I was young because of it. Well now I love phase change, heat pumps, and all things HVAC. I'm going to try and save up and buy myself an online course as a birthday gift, take the 608 Exam and start playing around with this as a hobby. I mean it's not a bad idea to have a second marketable skill set in your back pocket anyway.
Plus I have idea's and if one works out I might be able to get a patent. Thanks for the recommendations man. I want to be able to fall back on it if I decide I'm too burned out on this computer crap.
Tanks for your videos..........
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Great video, great info.
Knowledge is key. 😐👍🏻🍺🇺🇲
My local community college offers an HVAC program. Certificate, technical certificate, and associate level program. I am currently finishing an apprenticeship for stationary engineering however alot of my courses are in the HVAC program. Obtained universal EPA. I am curious with many entry level positions fast food, carwash, grocery paying $16-18 and entry warehouses in the $20 range what is a new HVAC tech go for in your area? My work starts apprentices at $28 and I believe that is increasing. Not something I believe I could ever take a pay cut to do but it's giving me invaluable knowledge for home and family work.
Great video and information 👌
You are right it's a great profession. I am 78 years old and still working in the field. Also a contractor. Just like you are doing. Have the same work ethic as you have. God bless
As always good advice from you!
Good work 👍
Hello Curtis, i watch your videos and get so much out of each one, i want to know is where do you purchase that box of what looks like aluminum strapping for when you attach the capacitors?, i can't seem to find at my usual hvac suppliers.
It’s just hanging strap
Hanging strap they should have otherwise you can get from a hardware store.
I am 19 and started doing ductwork the day after I graduated. Now I have moved on to installation for in-floor radiant, boilers, furnaces, and A/Cs. Once moving to this role I have been battling the thought of going to trade school. There are no options near me to take night classes and the schools are two far away for me to do both. I just obtained my EPA Universal and have been doing a course online for my NATE certifications. So as long as I am getting experience will I be okay?
Get the OSHA 10 card, too.
The following commentary is only meant to be constructive: I'd have some concern about offering an endorsement of any school without having sat in on a few classes first. And maybe you have, in which case, please forget I said anything.
I do think it's a good sign that Preppy will arrange to have their students work in the field. My HVAC/R instructor strongly believed that the only way to teach a hands-on field like HVAC was to actually have your hands on the equipment, working with it. I'm a very big believer in that notion as well.
Getting into the field was difficult and I was never completely successful. The market around here is pretty saturated. I couldn't get established, reputable companies to pay much attention to me. I did work for some real duds (mostly dishonest, one creepy, another even sent me off as their sole tech in a van to do anything and everything HVAC/R when I wasn't ready for that) but I will say even those experiences had some value. I don't regret having educated myself in another field for a moment. I'm back in the IT racket with a very good job and doing residential HVAC repairs only as a sideline, but that's totally OK.
Companies want experience which = lots of people lying about their experience at the interview.
I’m going from apartment maintenance to hvac so you could also do that too
👍👍👍
👍👍😊😊
I wish I could get hired I finished school no one will hire me because I'm slightly autistic it's my dream to get into the field idk what to do tho now
Keep trying...don't give up!
@@wway2go68 thanku !!!
Keep going with your professional development - take the training from manufacturers and distributors. What appeals more to you, troubleshooting and process, or some of the repetitive work like installation? Both? What aspect of your spectrum placement seems to be in your way?
Might sound like strange advice, but I would recommend reading How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie if you haven't already. And if you haven't completed it yet, make sure you get your EPA-608 Universal. Then possibly go for your NATE certification. If you do all of that and still cannot get a job, maybe create youtube content and social media content breaking down things you have learned. Watch a video from HVAC GUY and then write clear troubleshooting steps of a systematic way of approaching these issues in the future. Step 1) Check all loads for proper operation... 1A) If any load faults found - check schematics and confirm all components are functioning properly.. Step 2) visual inspection of all components (kinda goes hand in hand with step 1).. 2A) fix any faults found with visual inspection... 3) Check Press & Temp.. *Potential Refrigeration Faults** leaks (oil present).. restricted air flow (evap, condenser, air filter).. metering device.. It would be extremely hard to NOT hire you if you could break that down.. Grab a multimeter and gauges and explain how you check each component of your AC and heat in your house.. Go through the schematics and explain how everything works.. Just grab any phone camera and start shooting the video.. it doesn't need to be perfect.. Action is invaluable, inaction is useless.. Best of luck! You might want to mention which state you are in on your comments, you never know if someone has an opportunity. And "Any recommendations for finding a job in "region" area? I recently graduated, passed my EPA-608 and am looking forward to getting into the field" sounds a bit more attractive. Do you know how many people are running HVAC companies that were probably considered "slightly autistic" and many other trades hahaa I don't think that spectrum existed 30+ years ago.. Keep your head up! You got this!
Dude, I’m sorry. Did you end up getting into the field?
WAZ up Curtus
What’s up?
can a person in Canada also do the preppy HVAC course ?
I love this channel 😊
You think I can learn everything online with the simulations? I actually have started a hvac job too so I’m getting hands on experience. I just wanted someone I could ask for help from locally besides my boss.
Online would be a lot better for me.
Ive been working with my uncle for a while now but i still want to take some sort of online course to better understand things in more detail. Is tulsa welding school good for online hvac courses? I just dont know which one to pick since i already have a job in hvac
I expected this to be an April fools video lol.
How am i going to do hvac online? I am hands on learner.
How much your fees
Has anyone taken preppy ? Looking at it as a option but I can’t find many reviews on it
Same here, they have them few reviews that look bland and fake but Im wanting a change in pace with my community college. 2+ years going to a technician cert that could have taken 6 months. Im hoping to call them soon about the externship in my area cause I inquired to 10+ companies that wanted experience. I have my 608 though
@@Aviation2016 yea i couldnt find much so i went with ashworth college. should be finished in 3 months. i went to a company that i want to work for and just had a conversation with a manager and asked what there looking for and they said if i get 608 certified and basic knowledge of hvac. they could get me on board. good luck !
Can't teach a thirst for knowledge, either you have it or don't, 🤔☯️✌️🙏☝️💎🎯😸
Go to tech school , all the big companies will recruit you out of school
I wanna learn how to overcharge customers....April Fools.....