I’m 14 years in sales and thinking about making the switch. If I could be alone, not have to cold call anymore, I’d be in heaven lol. Leaning HVAC or Electrician. Did you ever get into the trade?
@@tylerlane4587 I’ve done a little plumbing and framing and 3 years of business to business sales. Closing on your sale is pretty much the best feeling in world, but that comes with losing clients and getting shut down alllllll the time. Also your higher ups being up your ass about closing everyone you talk to. If you’re used to working hard and working with your hands I would go into trades.
As a helper I learned that ain't no messing around when the job gets real, meaning paying attention and know your measurements, study hard and put the game controller down. Learning how to speak when too and be quick with your thinking. Clean as you go and have tools on you. Believe in yourself and make it a passion.
Straight up, I'm just annoyed I didn't get into the HVAC or something similar sooner. Pissed away a whole bunch of time and money in culinary school learning how to chop carrots into perfect 1/4 inch cubes.
I know the feeling. I'm almost 39. I wasted over 17 years in the grocery business (a shitty dead end profession where whatever company you work for always seems out to get you and with almost always a hostile work environment), wasted 2 years taking the automotive repair program at my local community college (I love working on cars but nobody wanted to hire me due to "lack of experience"), and for the last year and 2 months I've been working a shitty security job (not really all that terrible, but the pay sucks with no raises and no room for advancement) that just seems like an "in between" job until I find something better. The idea of a career in HVAC was mentioned to me by my wife, I looked into it and based on the research I've done so far, it looks really promising. As for this video, this guy makes it sound pretty cool to me, especially the working alone part. The only thing I might dislike about it are the odd hours, but I'm already used to that. I'm from the grocery world after all.
In service you have to learn humility. One minute you're super tech. The next you're not worth a damn and should of joined the circus. This trade can and will humble you in a matter of minutes.
I've been installing for 10 years. Boss just moved me to service last month. Some days I love it and feel like a genius, some days I feel like I'm mentally retarded.
I’m 30 years old and I’ve been doing this full time literally half my life. 15 years. I was naturally very talented and learned quickly but I’ve had a lot of time to really hone my skills and at this point there’s not much I haven’t seen in the residential world. I work for a small family owned business and I’m the only skilled service tech. My boss lets me operate as if I’m running my own business because he trusts me and he treats me like family. I love what I do and I’m so happy that God has put such great people in my life. We go hunting and fishing together. When I was young I allowed my God given talent to cause me to become very prideful and arrogant but these days I keep it humble. Humility is the only way! Life is good!
Jeremy Sandidge I I’m a simple guy, but yet I have lot of responsibility, I am in irrigator at University of Nevada Reno there’s two of us like 300 acres and we do installs and have about 150 acres each to take care of learned a lot in the last few years, and I’m just wondering how hard is it to learn I am good at troubleshooting and good at what I do, also was injured February 18 in a bad accident hit my head really hard so my memory isn’t as good so again,just wondering how hard it is, I just applied for an HVAC position trying to get. Sounds like you’re a Christian I am too. They will pay for my classes and train me. Thanks for any information.
jhova187 I just had my interview last Friday, I’ll find out if I get the job, but I have no experience, but if I were you, I would try to do it because it’s good money and you can get a job anywhere you get good at it you can make good money anywhere.
jarred petroff He is Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God the Father, friend, Holy one, Protector, wisdom, freedom, Maker, lover of everyone, kindness, humility, Anchor, Healer, Creator, and so much more. He has saved my life from a fatal accident where just a year ago I was racing dirt bikes and I broke my neck, back, ribs, skull in two places, he showed up in the middle of the night put my back in place and 7 months later I was squatting 315 for reps, and racing again, I was divorced before that and he told me we would be back together still waiting for that but God is good and merciful hope you find Him, you asked,have a good day, I will pray for you.
Great video. I am an HVAC mechanic from Canada. I have been in the trade since 1987. My advice to anyone thinking of doing this for a career is to keep in mind what was said in this video about wear and tear on your body. My knees are shot. My hands have arthritis and my elbows are so worn out from turning screw drivers that it hurts to pick up a cup of coffee. I have worked for the same company for 35 years and am now riding a desk at a reduced pay. I made a lot of money and loved being in the field. I love being an HVAC mechanic. If I could go back in time as a young service tech, I would get a job with a larger company with a pension of some sort. I left the field at 55 years old and if I had a pension I would have been able to semi retire. Just keep in mind that your body can only take so much. Some good companies have 2 techs assigned to most of the service calls. My company is cheap and I was always on my own when many times I should have had help. This is just my 2 cents. Cheers!
@@AlexLopez-zv8ng It wasn't in the culture back in the 80's. I agree that using the proper equipment all the time would have made a difference. Ergonomics was never discussed during my schooling. So much more info available today.
im leaving my current company due to them paying commission and not the driving hours, it seems like they are f-ing us over, this is my first hvac job and im already riding on my own, i also feel like shit after selling items as a preventative maintenance for 10 times the actual price just to make my quota. i just hoped that they ha dnot put me on full commission fresh out of shcool.
@@ethanberdejacortez4845 Commission type jobs are BS unless its sales. In Ontario, if you are having to drive to a job site, you may not be paid for travel there and home unless you have multiple jobs a day. Then you must be paid for travel there and back unless you are in a union. They have their own rules
dropped out of high school started working for my dads hvac control company its the best thing that i ever did. it taught me how to be a man and tackle any situation logically and precisely. there isn't enough thanks to all the skilled tradesmen that took me under their wing and taught me to bend conduit, read electric diagrams, and be a true problem solver in this Awsome trade
#1. Have to be comfortable being alone *Proceeds to say that when he was in a commercial building he wasn't around a single soul* Oh my God, this is my calling.
You ain't weird bro, you're just a fellow introvert like myself lol id rather be alone playing some video games or watching a good movie than be out socializing
Apprentices put down your cell phones and pay attention to your tech who's teaching you. Ask questions but don't ask the same one several times, listen, retain, and put to work what you are taught, show a lot of effort, the trades don't meet you half way, it's all on you to be hungry to learn and that's the only way you will succeed and move up
@@Akvan79 really if your gonna be successful and grow you always have to be sort of an apprentice. Noone knows everything Noone! Good luck out there keep up the hard work
Not to put down the young folk, but there is more information available with their phone internet connection than we ever dreamed to have in or shop library. That's a no brainer. These young folk have the reference material to get real good at what they do real quick. I worked in industrial electrical maintenance for nearly fifty years, it fact I still do. Though at times it's tough to find specific information, it is light years ahead of the suffering for answers I dealt with in the past. To add to the discussion, working by yourself largely means figuring out problems without being able to shout out to your military tech buddy. (Just kidding, but I was one. US Navy aviation!!) Best of luck to y'all!
I went to highschool/trade school where I had taken HVAC I finished with my Universal EPA refrigeration license and went straight into the HVAC service field. The days can be very long but they also can be short. What I can tell you is I love it! It’s a lot of alone time like AK said, and you can work at your own pace. You’re also never bored seeming you’re in the service field so there’s a lot of traveling depending on your area of travel so you’re always seeing something different whether it’s your surroundings or the machines you work on! As a 20 year who’s been in the trade for only 2 years I can tell you I can see myself doing this for a very long time! Also did I mention the pays good and women love and HVAC man lol
It's painful! You will bust knuckles, get shocked, get burned, get cut! You have to be okay with heights and or sketchy shyt! You have to be okay working in the elements. Extreme heat, extreme cold, wind, rain. Loud noise environments. The hoods need service too. I have had to chase away crazy crackheads hiding between condenser units.
If you tell them all the bad things, they might not want try it. When I started, I didn't know everything that I would have to do. But once I started doing different tasks, I loved it. If you want a job that challenges you everyday, this is it. The more you know, the better you get paid, so you'll have to hit the books. Sometimes, you are only as good as your resources. So dig into it and find the resources. It could be tech support, unit manuals, supply house and maybe other techs. But once you fix it, you will have gained knowledge. And that's how you make money and build a good reputation
I've been a helper at a small HVAC company with an owner who's been in the business 28 years and he still tells me you will always learn on this job, to this day he still has to research and learn up on his stuff. Hop in and do the work for your tech because it doesn't matter how many calls you're on until you're doing it yourself and understanding it you won't really retain the information.
Shannon Knight I got hit hard last week on a install under a house. A wire was rubbing the copper water line. Put my arm over the gas line and went to ground. Hollered like a schoolgirl. Customer did come out and checked on me. That’s the bad thing about working by yourself.
My advice for apprentices getting into the trade that no one ever tells you about. 1. Never throw out your napkins from lunch, keep them on your passenger seat 2. Apprentices - it's always your fault, this includes the times you aren't even on site, just accept it as a fact of life 3. You'll come across a piece of equipment you've never seen before and you have to be an expert on it in the next 30 minutes 4. Never drink when you're "on call" 5. Your drivers licence is the most important licence you have so don't do anything to lose it e.g. drinking and driving, not paying speeding tickets. Lose your licence you lose your job. 6. Learn to eat lunch in 5 minutes or not at all 7. Keep a roll of toilet paper and hand wipes in your truck, trust me when you need them you're going to thank me for this one 8. You can work 8hr days if your quick and efficient, but there are times when you may also have to work a 16hr day 9. ALWAYS check the simplest things first when troubleshooting. Is there power at the unit? I once pulled a unit apart for an hour because I couldn't get it to lite. Turns out the customer hadn't paid the gas bill and it had been shut off. ALWAYS. 10. You will make mistakes because you are human, but don't tell the customer that. 11. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!!!!! 12. It's hard work but pays well
Started in this field 10 months ago with no knowledge of anything HVAC related. I’m still pretty green and have alot to learn but I am definitely enjoying it. I work for a small company so I’ve had my hands in everything so far. Maintenance, installs, service on ice machines, RTUs, walk in coolers and freezers, split systems and everything in between. It’s definitely a lot to learn and definitely overwhelming but you take one day at a time and keep pushing through. Slowly but surely I am getting it.
I did installs for the first 3 years. Now I’m 22 we’ll into my fourth year starting service and so far it’s been good but I’ve put in many long night studying schematics and watching every video I possibly can to better myself. And climbing on up the pay scale. Definitely love my hvac/plumbing job. Started the week I graduated high school and plan to stay until I retire.
Best job in the world. I was in an attic today that was 130 and all I could think is thank god I’m not in an office like my little bro. Nothing like knowing you physically produces something instead of pushing paper.
I'd rather be making 80k in a dam office. I install cameras some days and I try to get in and out of the attic as fast as possible.. HVAC guys are up there way longer. No thanks
Keith Hill I just had one installed in my attic!! and I was amazed at how the guy didn't mind working in 100degree heat!! but after shelling out 6 thousand dollars I can see why he didn't mind a little heat.
As a service tech, its not easy to make people happy no matter what you do. Learn to make your own decisions without asking anyone. Be humble. Be Thorough, nothing feels worse than a call back. Be honest. Dont beat yourself up. Everything is a learning experience. Dont say too much to the customer, but be honest at the same time. Dont lose patience.
Some people finish work early on certain days. I would know. I’m learning HVAC by going to work with my dad. Some jobs take longer than others, and the quantity varies on the day.
The part about not getting a pat on the back applies to other jobs as well. I'm a computer programmer and the same thing applies to that. Basically, you just need to take pride in your work, and know that you did the job correctly and did a quality job. If you do that, you will have you're own internal satisfaction, regardless of what anyone else does or doesn't say. Similarly, you also have to be able to work independently and solve problems on your own. So, I see parallels between the two jobs.
One thing that has struck me the most in this trade once I got over my ego is just how little I know. There are new details and nuances that I learn on almost a daily basis and I see guys with decades of experience still get stumped.
Can I add #6) All family and friends will think making you dinner is worth a free repair or even an installation on new heater or AC The neighbors will knock on your door on weekends and night to come look at their AC that just stopped working and its a complete emergency you must fix NOW
Everything AK said is true. It’s not a profession for everyone. I’ve seen many fail, and I’ve seen some excel at a rapid pace. It can be physically and mentally demanding. You do have to be ok with the self gratification of a job well done. I also like to be left alone. Occasionally having an apprentice along for the ride is ok. Customer communication is not just important, it’s also a skill that can be honed.
Sounds like you hit on everything pretty well. I started school to get my degree in Heating and Air Conditioning Technology when I was 18 and been in the trade now for 32 years. Remember when you get into service, this is an applied science more than just a trade. Learn the science of your job. Know the 18+ different reasons an evaporator can freeze up instead of just adding refrigerant. Learn about thermodynamics, air balance, heat loads, coefficients of performance, psychometric charts, electrical engineering, and you will set yourself apart from the "pawn shop" techs. And he is right about your home life. Your home life can definitely be a challenge. Especially when you have a young wife or girlfriend. They will ask what time you're getting off work. "I don't know.", is the hardest thing for them to grasp. Because how could anyone NOT KNOW when they get off work? Be prepared to sacrifice trips to the lake in the summer. Or hanging out all weekend at the pool. But this is my dream job. I love it, am good at it, and can make lots of money. Good luck!
Hey Will I’m also 18 and eager to further my career in HVAC. I’m still in school (class of 2023) I was wondering while I’m in school, how could I begin the process of becoming an HVAC technician or prepare myself for it?
@@jeanomaly7776 I would say you need to focus on the science of the trade before going full on to a service company. I actually started out doing apartment maintenance so I could complete my college courses I took at night. I worked my 8-5 job, then went to school from 6:30-11:30pm. It gave me a chance to get hands on training on the simple units of the apartment industry, while learning the basic sciences at school I could apply to my job.
You got a degree at 18?You can't leave school until that age in the U.K. then go to university, normally for 4years. Do you get degrees free with a big Mac ,
@@alemgas Apparently the reading comprehension in the U.K. isn't very good. If you go back and read again, you will see that I STARTED school to get my degree when I was 18. Got my Associate's degree at 20, and my degree in electrical engineering at 23. And no Big Mac for me. I'm in Texas and we eat steak 3 times a day.
@@williamthomas2063 sorry getting old didn't read it right, I've been in HVAC for 51years, hope you have a good career. Big Macs are shit better with a good steak ,cheers
Sooo accurate. HVAC and refrigeration is definitely not for everybody. Between the long hours, electrical shocks, burns and just mental and physical strains it has on you, you definitely have to come into it with the mindset that you are ready to do a lot of mental and physical work for minimal gratification. Great video keep them going!
How bout: Just when you think you know it all, something kicks your ass and makes you become humble very quickly. And how often that may happen. 21+ years at this- I’m still learning- every day!
In my short years of working in this trade, I've done ductwork, and service work, and I must say, I love doing service more BECAUSE I'm mainly by myself. And you are absolutely right, we don't get praise and we do have to basically keep our own motivations up with our small victories.
At a boy. Great video! I’v owned my own HVAC business for 25 years but started out as a service tech and you hit the nail on the the head on all the topics. With that being said choosing to be a service tech is a great self satisfying career choice if your up to the challenge both mentally and physically. Like I said I’v owned my own HVAC business for 25 years and I don’t recommend you go into the trade with the thought of owning your own business because it’s a tough! I’v been successful and have no regrets but man I’v worked twice as hard as most people. At this stage of my life 52 years old I enjoy going out to help apprentices’s on service calls to pass on what I know and challenge myself mentally and physically. I was out twice last week something I rarely do and both days were 10 hour days. The kid I was working with is a good kid and is worthy of my time so I didn’t mind and in fact I enjoyed it even though I was beat at the end of the week. The only things I would add is become really good at being a service tech, take me for example 30 plus years in the trade and I’m still learning still watching HVAC, controls and electrical videos. So 1. Strive to be the best and never stop learning 2. Find a good company to work for that offers good benefits that include medical and a retirement plan. 3. Be loyal to the company you work. As a service tech you can basically ask for a raise and max out when your good enough. Bring in the money, no call backs, be good with customers and your dispatch and you will do fine. Oh yea the last thing don’t get cocky because there will be a unit out there that will kick your ass to remind you you’re still NOT that good.
"As a service tech you can basically ask for a raise and max out when your good enough" what does that mean max out? I'm thinking of going into HVAC at 30 I work travelling construction I'm all over the US sleeping in hotels shared with another man every night 365. I'm starting to get really tired of living like this. I'll put up with any work just as long as I get to go home to my house at least a few days out of the week. Just long enough to cook a steak or some salmon on a stove. Im SO TIRED of rotisserie chicken and hard boiled eggs its 80% of my diet.
@@muntadheralasadi615 got tired of the road life. Found a crap low pay heavy labour job that is basically hell. But I'm a weird masochist who likes work that sucks and honestly I don't have a perfect explanation as to why. Some sort of guilt/persecution complex? Most likely it's because it keeps me in great fighting shape. I could tear the head off of a lion with my current build strength. but also I'm in like hella debt now because the pay is so low. I don't really wanna talk about my future plans here in a public place like youtube but basically I'll be moving on to better things in the coming years unless the apocalypse happens. If that does happen I'll just become a crimelord and start a death cult.
I’m 21, single and have all the time in the world. I know this will affect any relationship I have. And to be fair, I’m okay with it. I go have a bigger goal of starting my own business though. Hopefully all goes well.
Installs is the best place to start off. You learn to understand how the equipment should be put in, and why it should be done properly. It gives you the basics of everything you need for service. Electrical, controls, gas, plumbing...ect. As well as it allows you to learn the sketchy stuff like ladders, and dealing with the elements, and power tools.
Be prepared to work in all weather. In Pennsylvania we get it all and you need to adapt and be ready for anything. Also be prepared to keep learning. We will never know everything in this trade!
100% truth!! I’m a school district ac tech with 12 years experience under my belt and definitely agree with all your points. Most customers/teachers just want there ac to work and will not praise you for doing your job. Just got my first praise after 12 years a couple of days ago! I’m also just like you when it comes to working alone, I actually enjoy working alone but of course always have to be ready to talk to customers. Thanks for your service boss!!
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been thrown into jobs on stuff I’ve never seen before. Gotta be good at sticking with the basics and starting with what you do know and that will normally get you pointed in the right direction. Several years back I started at a new company and they had a pneumatics call. I remember telling my boss I had never worked with pneumatics. He handed me a pneumatic tool kit and said well now you do! Thrown in head first into a generator room where they used pneumatic dampers for fresh and exhaust air for the dampers. Luckily pneumatics really isn’t that hard once you know a few basics.
Service calls suck because you have to work till you get the job done. It's never an 8 hour job, but the service tech is the real master in the field of HVAC. Installers too have a skill set but service techs are the doctors of the industry. I love my service guys, and I try to reward them as best as I can. But it's hard work and soldiers are hard to find. If you love challenges, figuring things out, being the savior of the day, it's the job for you. Attached are usually 10 maybe 14 hour days. Soldier on
You speak no lies, very good video I was a pipeliner for a little 4 years and went to the hvac field. I've been it for about 2 years and I'll have to say Hvac is about just as much physically demanding. So it ain't a cake walk, but I love fixing things and not being out of town for months. And the money ain't bad once the make a name for yourself.
Hvac is a great career it does take time to learn, it does take alot out of you but it is a great career and a lot of opportunity. Ive been in the field for 6 years now and i love every minute of it!
Been in the trade for 2 years, a tech for 1, I love this job. I enjoy everything about it. Well, except having to go back to fix installers mistakes lol
Richi SV depends on the company. I was working at a bigger outfit and had less time for myself. I just switched to a smaller company and now have a lot more time
Love your videos bro! I’m a marine grunt too bro. I’ve been driving CMV’s for 7 years and just started an HVAC apprenticeship at 35. I’ve learned a lot from your videos!! Keep me coming!
Great video I’ve been in HVAC for over 3 years 2.5 years in residential then joined the union went all commercial industrial one thing I would say to young guys looking at employment in the field just be thick skinned there are a lot of mean journeyman who won’t teach you a thing never complain or cry about any task your giving to do just show up everyday on time with a good attitude not everyone is gonna be nice to you. You will be the bag bitch and filter changer just keep your head up
Don't forget seasonal work. It's a feast or famine business. Find a company that cares about you and is willing to take care of you in the slow times because you took care of them in the busy times.
I just registered for classes at Lincoln tech, doing a 11 month program and I'm so excited and eager to learn. I beat the job is getting more into technology and I love that, I can't wait to finish and start working. I love that feeling of working with your hands and just getting shit done and not having someone breath down your damn neck.. plus I'm pretty intro/extrovert when need be, have no issues being alone in peace and quiet. I'm about to turn 30 soon, both parents gone and I only have my sisters and bro, gotta get more stable in my life and I feel this is a great start.
Sorry y’all, just seeing this. Hope y’all are still alive! 😂. So update, I start my first hvac job tomorrow… long story short, 2 years ago I enrolled in Lincoln tech, week later they kicked me out because of financial aid falling through. I tried looking for a few jobs as a helper but couldn’t find anything in nj. Got into some other careers but still always wanted to do hvac. Fast forward, I’m now living in Texas, met a guy at the mall who owns an hvac company. We get the talking and he gives me his contact info, I check out the company and it’s legit! I called dude and now, I’m working ft for him and learning the trade. I’ll be able to get certified and I’ll learn residential and commercial. It’s really funny how things happen. It still worked out for me because I saved 30k and now I can at least get paid and learn at the same time rather than working ft and going to school ft too. I definitely gotta thank God tho for pushing me to leave my box and move to Texas.
Good video. As a tech for 15+ years, I would only add, as others have said, don't ever think you know it all. Be humble. Be prepared to make and learn from mistakes. And always be open to continued training and learning. I worked with a guy that you could not tell him anything, he knew it all. If you said the grass was green, he would adantmently argue with you it was purple. Go figure, this guy had more callbacks than all the other techs combined. He was let go within the first year.
I'm new to your channel, (one week), and have been in the HVAC field since 1984. The good old days when the only refrigerants were R-12, R-22, R-500, and R-502. No recovery units back then. For the new techs getting into the field, better learn electrical schematics and using a meter. No open relays anymore, all circuit boards today. I moved out of the service field into a hospital facilities department with a staff of 16 plumbers, HVAC techs, and boiler operators working for me. Love your channel AK!!!
I love running across a unit with a bunch of relays and contractors. Cause you know you can repair the unit with what's in your truck. These units with all the boards, if a board is bad usually you got to come back
@ Brad - i remember the good ol days too. started in 1981. no recov. machines back then and 12, 22,502. it was grand ! and NO Poe oil Back then either ! Mineral oil Rules !
Working HVAC with my pops company. Dudes 55 and still going hard on installing and services. I'm a year in so far and I'm 21, hoping to take over my pops company. Been a pretty interesting ride so far, love seeing new things / places everyday
I think you hit the nail on the hit pretty well for the modern HVAC technician. You definitely don't have to start with installations but you can learn a lot from them. I started day one green with the company I now co-own. People who like structure don't last in our industry because calls come in very infrequently. You can sit on your butt for two weeks then run for two months straight. Some days you send the guys home early and the next day you're out til midnight. You never know. Been thinking about doing these videos myself. Especially for restaurant freezers/make readies. I've found most techs can't diagnose them because of how simple they are and they overthink it. I can understand your passion man. I have a very honest passion for this industry and I love helping people. The victories have to come from within but people/customers often begin to root for you when they find out you are passionate about helping people and not solely out to make money. I called a customer today because he has a 60-ton Aaon with a bad copndenser fan motor and the only parts support we have in the area specifically for Aaon is a company that formerly did his maintenance. Luckily, the fan motor isn't a specific Aaon part so we can use a different distributor. The price from the Aaon distributor and Ferguson, was 2:1. He used to tell me about this prior company's price gouging but I couldn't believe it man. I get they are also a service company, but you can't do that to people. I agree we all have to make money, but we have to treat these people like human beings. If you're only in this to make a dollar, you're in the wrong business. My passion for HVAC creates my cash flow. Customers want me in their restaurants, businesses, and homes because they know I'll do whatever it takes to make the right fix. When people believe in you, money isn't a concern. With that said, it's my responsibility to be fair on my invoices, as well. I'd love to sit down and talk with you man. I could talk HVAC for hours and it looks like you do some industrial things I haven't touched yet. Stay blessed and thanks for your service!
Self gratitude is the main reason to do service work. Sure your customers appreciate what you do, but the self accomplishment of defeating the problem and coming up with the solution or diagnoses is the Best!! And here is your ata-boy and Pat on the back😁 I'm surprised your phone didn't ring when you said you were going to be home by 5:00 Lol Great advice for the newbies 👍👍
Right on the mark AK. As a 45 year veteran refrigeration mechanic/pipefitter I believe humility and personal accountability will get you to places in this trade that others only dream about.
It puts a strain on any relationships you have that aren’t in the same field or a similar fields. Be prepared to be pissed off at the dispatcher at least 3 times a week. You’ll be completely stumped at 10pm a handful of times, and eventually fix whatever you’re working on and learn something. You will end up hating half the people you work with once you run a couple of their call backs super late at night. But on the flip side, you build good relationships with the people you work with and the clients you service yearly. Just make sure you get into a good company that understand real life scenarios. You will work a ton of hours and you will age a hell of a lot quicker.
@matt fox had a newbie that didnt wanna work late called the after hours dispatch company ( i work alone 2nd shift) and gave them 3 of his calls he didnt wanna do to make it seem like they came in on my shift. Walked into 3 irate customers angry they sat in 95 degree offices for almost 7 hrs ( we have a 1 hour response time gaurentee) also being so tired you overlook something simple and obvious ripping your hair out trying to figure out what your missing only to eventually after 30min finding what you shouldve seen within the first 5. Accidently shearing your skin open on jagged peices of sheet metal is a fun one too
None better feeling for a tech to show up to something thats broken ..do a diag and fix it and leave with no praise complement or a thank you ....i love it
Just subscribed. I’ve been in this field since 1998. It’s a love hate relationship lol. Remember guys it’s not always volt meters and a 5/16th nut driver. I had to crawl underneath a residential home today, drag my torches with me and repair a damaged refrigerant line. It was lovely.
I started in Installs as a helper, going on my fifth year now and I have been a service tech the last two years. I think starting in Installs is what everyone needs to do. When service is slow, I can help the installers, when installs are short on man power, I can pick up some of the slack. Being more valuable helps me during the slow season or if layoffs ever were to occur.
At 47 years of age I finally got into a trade I find very satisfying and pleasurefull, I'm right now studying HVAC and working at a great company here in Sweden, mostly installation. Just frustrating it had to take me so long, but that's the story of my life, late with everything. I think I was the last person in Sweden to get a mobilephone, computer, finding the right women, get kids, etc etc. They are talking about raising the pension age to 75 over here, that's GREAT NEWS!!! I need all the time I can get to have a fair chance to feel I can say I actually think I understand my job! :-) Bless you all over there!
I was an apprentice installer for a year and have recently become a lead installer about two months ago. 21 years old and only female installer at my company. It’s fun at times but not so much other times, especially dealing with the customers haha
You’re 💯 on this. I picked a school district to work at as my first job out of school. Chillers, cooling towers, mini splits, package units and a lot of other things. My salary isn’t bad but not great. However the time paid off with my kids makes up for it.
My home was built in 1995 and the HVAC unit was installed at the same time. About a week ago the heat went off and I called a trusted HVAC friend to come over and evaluate. The news was not good, basically the furnace unit needed replacement and I was advised that because the A/C unit was the same age, it would be wise to install a complete unit and bring it all up to code and have the most energy efficient unit on the market. It also included a "Smart Thermometer System". I had to agree with my HVAC friend, all his information was true. I gave him permission to order the complete unit and install it as soon as possible because at this point we had no heat for almost a week. Using small space heaters, heavy clothing and heater blankets to sleep. Today, the unit came in and it was professionally installed in about 6 hours. They performed an excellent install. Only down side, it set me back $9537.53 including tax. But it sure is a great set up and unit. It all came with a 10 year warranty on parts and one year free labor. These guys worked really hard! I know the price sounds expensive, but it does take trained and certified personnel to perform this work. No one ever questions the cost when going to the Dentist because they know how expensive it is to get a license to practice medicine. I feel the same way about certified HVAC Technicians. Good work and equipment cost money. I feel many young people should skip college and attend a good trade school. Become independent like you. I think you made a wise choice!
I just paid $1100 to get my AC replaced by a local reputable company. Technician replaced 2 small electrical components (transformer and contactor), and added 4 pounds of freon to my system (it was really low). Took him about 1-1.5hrs total time, didn’t look very physically challenging… just Huge money for him and the company he works for. Seems like a great field to be in… lots of demand, not too hard, and you can charge people like you’re a neurosurgeon.
Excellent description brother! The only thing I would add is the dark wet confined spaces we often have to work in. Even in residential under the houses where MANY roach bombs have been set off or the crawl spaces where pipes have been leaking and soaking the ground your crawling on or in commercial when your brushing chiller tubes for hours or standing on a ladder inside an air wash pressure washing eliminators! It takes a special breed and alot of self confidence to thrive in the situations we often find ourselves in. Keep up the good work!
A tech here in Arizona fell through a ceiling today, landing on the bottom wooden stair and his head hitting the tile floor. Serious brain damage. Will never be the same. He knew what he was doing and was a good tech. Unfortunately accidents happen in this industry. We don’t get paid what we do because it’s easy and safe. Just something to think about before choosing this career.
Your absolutely right when it comes to being pat on the back or waiting for someone to say good job it takes a Certain individual to do this job it does beat you up mentally and physically I do HVAC in Phoenix Arizona it beats the crap out of me but for some reason I keep doing it and I do feel good when the day is done I know only people like me and you can do I love watching your videos because I can relate
I’m learning HVAC by working with my dad and inheriting the trait. I’m really thankful for videos like these. My dad comes from a rough background. If he can do it I can as well.
Going on my fourth month as an hvac installer. So far I love it. It has its days but there is good money in this trade and I’m going to continue until I become a service tech
I like working by myself. And the feeling of accomplishment each day. Oh and doing this we are all weird o’s. Oh tell the new guys never make plans on Friday for after work. You’ll never make it. I’ve had double hernia surgery and back surgery due to our trade. And only missed a combined 4 month of work. 31 years in this this year. And I’m mentally ill from it no doubt 😂😂😂
At one time, I worked in a few auto shops as I amassed 33 ASE certs, and wrote study guides for a big publisher on many test topics, but the constant presence in the bays of under educated guys with awful music tastes made it very difficult to concentrate on the issues. I love being out in the truck by myself. I only have a helper maybe 10 times a year.
I agree 100%. I have been a full time on my own service tech for over 5 years now. Which isnt a super long time but the only thing i have to add is time management. More for residential rather than commercial because during the busy season you can get 5 calls a day or 9 depending on what and where. Being by yourself and swamped. It can be tough to self motivate for some people. Alot of the apprentices hate having a changing scedual and not know what time they will get home. Being from south east PA i see all 4 seasons and all types of equipment it can be overwhelming.
I went to class for HVAC. A week after I graduated I started with a heating and air company near where I live. After 1 and a half weeks of "training" I have a company van, I started off with duct cleaning. Which is a position they had available for me. I'm currently on my third week still duct cleaning but they throw some clean and checks in the mix on some slow days for us and tomorrow "Friday" doing an install. I absolutely love this trade. I get my alone time. I get to do my own critical thinking to solve problems my own way and yes I take what information and knowledge I can get from the more seasoned guys and tweak it to fit my way of thinking to better understand why and how.
Ak please do a video on the ethics of hvac work. Im love this trade but after 10 years of experience with it Ive seen more techs lie, cheat, and steal then I ever care too
sadly, Aaron, you are correct. There can be a lot of unethical behaviors in the Construction trades. I've been in Construction since 1985, HVAC since 1991 and a licensed HVAC Contractor since 2000. Started my own business for precisely the reason you mentioned. I could not lie to, or withhold information from customers. So, I quit working for others and started my own business as a sole proprietor. Not gonna get rich, but been hanging in there now for over 20 years on my own, surviving even the crash of 2008. Honestly, I believe that because I've tried to be as ethical as possible and have not cheated or lied to customers, the Lord God has kept me afloat and I've been able to support my family. :)
I did HVACR work for 2 years, (HATED IT!) The work was great loved the challenge of diagnosing and repairing equipment. The lack of schedule and being on-call sucked ass.
I’ve owned my own AC business for 15 years now and this is some good info here. My advice is to get some formal education.. VoTech or something like that. There are so many technicians out there that don’t know what the hell they’re doing and they will condemn the system in a heartbeat because they simply can’t figure out what’s wrong.. or they will start changing parts out like it’s Go Fish. 🙄 Learn the trade and after a couple years in the field using what you learned in the books you will jump up the ladder with confidence and get to that pay scale you’re looking for much quicker. It’s hard physical work so before you get started, if you got the money, time, and brains then go be a lawyer or a doctor. I can’t sit around the same people in a office building all day.. would go crazy. This is a great trade and there is supply and demand.. everybody likes to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Things will change with technology but that fact will not change.
👍 Totally my life. I’m an owner/operator so I live all 3 facets of this world. Office/book-keeping/manager, Installer/Fabricator and Service Tech with 3 kids n a wife. Been installing and servicing for over 23 years.
I’m going on three years into the HVAC trade and I can tell you it’s tough but it’s fulfilling to know that you’re learning a trade that not a lot of people can stick with. I try to learn something new everyday and walk around knowing that I don’t know everything there is to know about HVAC but that’s the fun part for me. I’m constantly learning new things every time I go to work.
You’ve got to love when homeowners think that they’re electricians or hvac technicians. I pulled a disconnect today for a condenser and the homeowner thought that the wiring in his condenser was wrong and well, here’s to being bit by 120. All I have to say is at least it wasn’t 240!
I was thinking about be a hvac apprentice but honestly to me life and family is more important then having a better title. I work third in a warehouse so I don't have to pay daycare and on Saturdays I deliver dominos. Both jobs together I have 58300 last year. 49 hrs a week. I might just keep doing this. As long as food is on the table and I can se my family ill just do this. Still make a good living...
You are right, I have been doing this for 25 years in the commercial/ industrial HVACR. In Dallas Ft worth area, the pay is very good. Because there is more work than qualified technician. So they pay me very well because of my vast experience. Soon to be service manager. Its been a long road but the payoff is excellent! I do recommend going to technical school
#2 is tough for me...when you dont talk with a single person for 10 hours straight with only your thoughts then when you finish you have to talk with the customer haha you are definitely fumbling over your words at least I always was. I felt like beaker from the muppets lmao
Thank you for your service in all the ways that it applies. As a guy that makes a living while driving a white van, I can say that this is excellent advise. "God bless the man in the white van"
I've been installing tires and doing sales for 2 years now. I tried the lumber mill out for a few days and that was a instant medical no go I found out. I have my friend trying to talk me into HVAC now, seems interesting
I’m 29 and decided to finally go to school for HVAC. From the sounds of it, it’s the perfect job. Looking forward to getting out of a limestone mine I’ve been in for years and say goodbye to midnight shifts for good.
Personally, for me, the reward is solving difficult issues. Compressor change outs, motors, and maintenance can get repetitive, but love tracing shorts and other electrical problems. Weird, but I get ultra motivated when it comes to controls. IDK, being a tech can really test you at times, but think one can become quickly disillusioned with it if you're not passionate about something in the field. I've seen a lot of guys come and go trying to treat it as another job.
Well said. I struggled with the reality of the trade for years. Just have to come to conclusion and be comfortable with want you do and injoy your profession.
Just started on this path. I spent 26 years cooking, needed a change. So I went back to school. Finished my first year of HVAC at the local tech school. I got a summer job with a refrigeration company that also does food service. They want me to finish the second year and get my degree (I am enrolled). After school they want me to come back and cross train for the cold side.
Nail in the Head. Thanks Again. This video is perfect. My wife is always worried about me working alone and not getting enough credit. I will share this video with her . Thanks keep up the great work Enjoy your Labor day weekend
My favorite part of this job is walking into the work of people that couldn't be bothered to do it the right way. I get not only a chuckle, but the pride of making my work neat and correct. As well as a pay check.
Well said. It definitely can be a very physical job. I personally think everyone should start out in the install side to learn the basics and how the systems operate. Over 18 years in the trade, doing everything from laying out the job, to installing the complete systems. Then back to do maintenance and service. Do both residential and commercial. Gotta say love the great videos and advice for newcomers to the trade and even current techs.
After fifteen years of sales, being alone all day = Heaven.
I’m 14 years in sales and thinking about making the switch. If I could be alone, not have to cold call anymore, I’d be in heaven lol. Leaning HVAC or Electrician.
Did you ever get into the trade?
@@ChopOn414 I've done 23 years of sales and seriously thinking about a trade
@@ChopOn414 I’m in the same shoes. Just got outta the Army and I’m not sure which way to go?
I’m only 3 years into sales and I already can’t stand it. Putting on that act everyday ruins your mental.
@@tylerlane4587 I’ve done a little plumbing and framing and 3 years of business to business sales. Closing on your sale is pretty much the best feeling in world, but that comes with losing clients and getting shut down alllllll the time. Also your higher ups being up your ass about closing everyone you talk to. If you’re used to working hard and working with your hands I would go into trades.
As a helper I learned that ain't no messing around when the job gets real, meaning paying attention and know your measurements, study hard and put the game controller down. Learning how to speak when too and be quick with your thinking. Clean as you go and have tools on you. Believe in yourself and make it a passion.
Straight up, I'm just annoyed I didn't get into the HVAC or something similar sooner. Pissed away a whole bunch of time and money in culinary school learning how to chop carrots into perfect 1/4 inch cubes.
@Kevin Danforth should have been an army officer that's a wonderful career and good money.
I know the feeling. I'm almost 39. I wasted over 17 years in the grocery business (a shitty dead end profession where whatever company you work for always seems out to get you and with almost always a hostile work environment), wasted 2 years taking the automotive repair program at my local community college (I love working on cars but nobody wanted to hire me due to "lack of experience"), and for the last year and 2 months I've been working a shitty security job (not really all that terrible, but the pay sucks with no raises and no room for advancement) that just seems like an "in between" job until I find something better. The idea of a career in HVAC was mentioned to me by my wife, I looked into it and based on the research I've done so far, it looks really promising. As for this video, this guy makes it sound pretty cool to me, especially the working alone part. The only thing I might dislike about it are the odd hours, but I'm already used to that. I'm from the grocery world after all.
Don't follow your passions - mike row
@@williamsalazar244 one of my heroes as a child was Mike Rowe
better late than never brother! Life always brings new challenges! Much luck and roll with the punches!
In service you have to learn humility. One minute you're super tech. The next you're not worth a damn and should of joined the circus. This trade can and will humble you in a matter of minutes.
I've been installing for 10 years. Boss just moved me to service last month. Some days I love it and feel like a genius, some days I feel like I'm mentally retarded.
So true
Jacob Scyphers very true good to hear it from someone else because that’s how I feel sometimes.
Realest comment here lol
I thought i was the only one lmao.
I’m 30 years old and I’ve been doing this full time literally half my life. 15 years. I was naturally very talented and learned quickly but I’ve had a lot of time to really hone my skills and at this point there’s not much I haven’t seen in the residential world. I work for a small family owned business and I’m the only skilled service tech. My boss lets me operate as if I’m running my own business because he trusts me and he treats me like family. I love what I do and I’m so happy that God has put such great people in my life. We go hunting and fishing together. When I was young I allowed my God given talent to cause me to become very prideful and arrogant but these days I keep it humble. Humility is the only way! Life is good!
Jeremy Sandidge I I’m a simple guy, but yet I have lot of responsibility, I am in irrigator at University of Nevada Reno there’s two of us like 300 acres and we do installs and have about 150 acres each to take care of learned a lot in the last few years, and I’m just wondering how hard is it to learn I am good at troubleshooting and good at what I do, also was injured February 18 in a bad accident hit my head really hard so my memory isn’t as good so again,just wondering how hard it is, I just applied for an HVAC position trying to get. Sounds like you’re a Christian I am too. They will pay for my classes and train me. Thanks for any information.
Scott Collins I’m 29 and plan on taking up this trade. I live in nyc any thoughts?
jhova187 I just had my interview last Friday, I’ll find out if I get the job, but I have no experience, but if I were you, I would try to do it because it’s good money and you can get a job anywhere you get good at it you can make good money anywhere.
Who is God?
jarred petroff He is Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God the Father, friend, Holy one, Protector, wisdom, freedom, Maker, lover of everyone, kindness, humility, Anchor, Healer, Creator, and so much more.
He has saved my life from a fatal accident where just a year ago I was racing dirt bikes and I broke my neck, back, ribs, skull in two places, he showed up in the middle of the night put my back in place and 7 months later I was squatting 315 for reps, and racing again, I was divorced before that and he told me we would be back together still waiting for that but God is good and merciful hope you find Him, you asked,have a good day, I will pray for you.
Great video. I am an HVAC mechanic from Canada. I have been in the trade since 1987. My advice to anyone thinking of doing this for a career is to keep in mind what was said in this video about wear and tear on your body. My knees are shot. My hands have arthritis and my elbows are so worn out from turning screw drivers that it hurts to pick up a cup of coffee. I have worked for the same company for 35 years and am now riding a desk at a reduced pay. I made a lot of money and loved being in the field. I love being an HVAC mechanic. If I could go back in time as a young service tech, I would get a job with a larger company with a pension of some sort. I left the field at 55 years old and if I had a pension I would have been able to semi retire. Just keep in mind that your body can only take so much. Some good companies have 2 techs assigned to most of the service calls. My company is cheap and I was always on my own when many times I should have had help. This is just my 2 cents. Cheers!
U clearly didnt use knee pads , elbow pads and electrical tools
@@AlexLopez-zv8ng It wasn't in the culture back in the 80's. I agree that using the proper equipment all the time would have made a difference. Ergonomics was never discussed during my schooling. So much more info available today.
That’s sad they have you on reduced pay after 35 years of service
im leaving my current company due to them paying commission and not the driving hours, it seems like they are f-ing us over, this is my first hvac job and im already riding on my own, i also feel like shit after selling items as a preventative maintenance for 10 times the actual price just to make my quota. i just hoped that they ha dnot put me on full commission fresh out of shcool.
@@ethanberdejacortez4845 Commission type jobs are BS unless its sales. In Ontario, if you are having to drive to a job site, you may not be paid for travel there and home unless you have multiple jobs a day. Then you must be paid for travel there and back unless you are in a union. They have their own rules
dropped out of high school started working for my dads hvac control company its the best thing that i ever did. it taught me how to be a man and tackle any situation logically and precisely. there isn't enough thanks to all the skilled tradesmen that took me under their wing and taught me to bend conduit, read electric diagrams, and be a true problem solver in this Awsome trade
Lucky lucky dude you are.. I get to kiss my trainers asses to get them to want to even show me how to do something twice 😂
I drive 80k kms a year and spend around 50k in hotels. Satellite radio and joe rogan podcasts are my only friends
chad dalziel Joe Rogan sucks now!
Daniel Maestas factual
@@yonkers702lvpride3 no fucktard
David Espinoza YES DICKBREATH
@@yonkers702lvpride3 no you stupid bonono
#1. Have to be comfortable being alone
*Proceeds to say that when he was in a commercial building he wasn't around a single soul*
Oh my God, this is my calling.
I spend hours at a time in a machine room, alone.
Facts.
Yeah it’s dope lol one of the top 10 jobs for introverts.
@@johnward9146 Omg i just had an anti-socialgasm
Right!! He sold me 😂
You ain't weird bro, you're just a fellow introvert like myself lol id rather be alone playing some video games or watching a good movie than be out socializing
Apprentices put down your cell phones and pay attention to your tech who's teaching you. Ask questions but don't ask the same one several times, listen, retain, and put to work what you are taught, show a lot of effort, the trades don't meet you half way, it's all on you to be hungry to learn and that's the only way you will succeed and move up
awsom70 dam I still think I’m an apprentice.been in the trade over 4 years but I’m still learning new tricks from the old timers lol
@@Akvan79 really if your gonna be successful and grow you always have to be sort of an apprentice. Noone knows everything Noone! Good luck out there keep up the hard work
That is so true!!!
I agree and sometimes I want to smash the phones with a sledge hammer!
Not to put down the young folk, but there is more information available with their phone internet connection than we ever dreamed to have in or shop library. That's a no brainer.
These young folk have the reference material to get real good at what they do real quick. I worked in industrial electrical maintenance for nearly fifty years, it fact I still do. Though at times it's tough to find specific information, it is light years ahead of the suffering for answers I dealt with in the past.
To add to the discussion, working by yourself largely means figuring out problems without being able to shout out to your military tech buddy. (Just kidding, but I was one. US Navy aviation!!)
Best of luck to y'all!
I went to highschool/trade school where I had taken HVAC I finished with my Universal EPA refrigeration license and went straight into the HVAC service field. The days can be very long but they also can be short. What I can tell you is I love it! It’s a lot of alone time like AK said, and you can work at your own pace. You’re also never bored seeming you’re in the service field so there’s a lot of traveling depending on your area of travel so you’re always seeing something different whether it’s your surroundings or the machines you work on! As a 20 year who’s been in the trade for only 2 years I can tell you I can see myself doing this for a very long time! Also did I mention the pays good and women love and HVAC man lol
It's painful! You will bust knuckles, get shocked, get burned, get cut!
You have to be okay with heights and or sketchy shyt!
You have to be okay working in the elements. Extreme heat, extreme cold, wind, rain. Loud noise environments.
The hoods need service too. I have had to chase away crazy crackheads hiding between condenser units.
HAHAHAHA! Thanks for the honest advice !
If you tell them all the bad things, they might not want try it. When I started, I didn't know everything that I would have to do. But once I started doing different tasks, I loved it. If you want a job that challenges you everyday, this is it. The more you know, the better you get paid, so you'll have to hit the books. Sometimes, you are only as good as your resources. So dig into it and find the resources. It could be tech support, unit manuals, supply house and maybe other techs. But once you fix it, you will have gained knowledge. And that's how you make money and build a good reputation
Where hood where the hood where the hood at
Hahahahha *GET THE STRAP*
do u have to go under houses? deal with spider?
@@MusicX9BeatS under houses no. Spiders yes. I'm in the desert so we deal with spiders, snakes, and lizards daily.
I've been a helper at a small HVAC company with an owner who's been in the business 28 years and he still tells me you will always learn on this job, to this day he still has to research and learn up on his stuff. Hop in and do the work for your tech because it doesn't matter how many calls you're on until you're doing it yourself and understanding it you won't really retain the information.
You forgot the part about getting electrocuted from time to time and those sweet blisters you get on your hands from refrigerant burns 👍
Shannon Knight I got hit hard last week on a install under a house. A wire was rubbing the copper water line. Put my arm over the gas line and went to ground. Hollered like a schoolgirl. Customer did come out and checked on me. That’s the bad thing about working by yourself.
You may have been shocked but you were not electrocuted!
Why split hairs Brent? Electrocuted vs Shocked, tomato vs tomahto. It was meant to be a humorist comment. 😜
Shannon Knight HVAC because electrocuted means you’re dead..... and if you wore the proper gloves you wouldn’t have burns.......
I got hit with some 480 last week, scared the **** out of me. Gotta love three phase
My advice for apprentices getting into the trade that no one ever tells you about.
1. Never throw out your napkins from lunch, keep them on your passenger seat
2. Apprentices - it's always your fault, this includes the times you aren't even on site, just accept it as a fact of life
3. You'll come across a piece of equipment you've never seen before and you have to be an expert on it in the next 30 minutes
4. Never drink when you're "on call"
5. Your drivers licence is the most important licence you have so don't do anything to lose it e.g. drinking and driving, not paying speeding tickets. Lose your licence you lose your job.
6. Learn to eat lunch in 5 minutes or not at all
7. Keep a roll of toilet paper and hand wipes in your truck, trust me when you need them you're going to thank me for this one
8. You can work 8hr days if your quick and efficient, but there are times when you may also have to work a 16hr day
9. ALWAYS check the simplest things first when troubleshooting. Is there power at the unit? I once pulled a unit apart for an hour because I couldn't get it to lite. Turns out the customer hadn't paid the gas bill and it had been shut off. ALWAYS.
10. You will make mistakes because you are human, but don't tell the customer that.
11. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!!!!!
12. It's hard work but pays well
Take a whole 30-45 mins lunch not 5 🥴
This whole list, napkins included and tp not, i do. 😅
@@SnApUnique 30 minute lunch is requite by law, so
This is so true I just experienced myself
@@benjaminreed6816 There's what the law says and then theres reality. Do you do the speed limit because it's a law?
Started in this field 10 months ago with no knowledge of anything HVAC related. I’m still pretty green and have alot to learn but I am definitely enjoying it. I work for a small company so I’ve had my hands in everything so far. Maintenance, installs, service on ice machines, RTUs, walk in coolers and freezers, split systems and everything in between. It’s definitely a lot to learn and definitely overwhelming but you take one day at a time and keep pushing through. Slowly but surely I am getting it.
I did installs for the first 3 years. Now I’m 22 we’ll into my fourth year starting service and so far it’s been good but I’ve put in many long night studying schematics and watching every video I possibly can to better myself. And climbing on up the pay scale. Definitely love my hvac/plumbing job. Started the week I graduated high school and plan to stay until I retire.
sean clark hey I’m going to graduate this year, is this a good job and does it pay well?
Get your contractors license
How are the knees?
So how’s it going for you so far?
Plumbing you mean pvc drain lines
Best job in the world. I was in an attic today that was 130 and all I could think is thank god I’m not in an office like my little bro. Nothing like knowing you physically produces something instead of pushing paper.
Keith Hill 😂
Would you rather make 80k sweating your balls off all day or 80k sitting in the A/C......
I'd rather be making 80k in a dam office. I install cameras some days and I try to get in and out of the attic as fast as possible.. HVAC guys are up there way longer. No thanks
Keith Hill I just had one installed in my attic!! and I was amazed at how the guy didn't mind working in 100degree heat!! but after shelling out 6 thousand dollars I can see why he didn't mind a little heat.
Lol... that's why I left pharmacy, who wants to be trapped in a building all day everyday.
As a service tech, its not easy to make people happy no matter what you do. Learn to make your own decisions without asking anyone. Be humble. Be Thorough, nothing feels worse than a call back. Be honest. Dont beat yourself up. Everything is a learning experience. Dont say too much to the customer, but be honest at the same time. Dont lose patience.
nothing feels worse than a call back.... aint that the truth
“Don’t say too much to the customer, but be honest at the same time.”
This guy lied in the first 10 seconds. He said he finished his day but it’s still light out.
He meant his shift, he could've started 4 or 5am
@@supernaturalsupremeslayer8152 we all start at 5. We don't come home till dark.
That is the joke.
Not everyone want to become a fucking slave to a job
Some people finish work early on certain days. I would know. I’m learning HVAC by going to work with my dad. Some jobs take longer than others, and the quantity varies on the day.
@@curesaul5749 install , or general things?
The part about not getting a pat on the back applies to other jobs as well. I'm a computer programmer and the same thing applies to that. Basically, you just need to take pride in your work, and know that you did the job correctly and did a quality job. If you do that, you will have you're own internal satisfaction, regardless of what anyone else does or doesn't say. Similarly, you also have to be able to work independently and solve problems on your own. So, I see parallels between the two jobs.
Real.
One thing that has struck me the most in this trade once I got over my ego is just how little I know. There are new details and nuances that I learn on almost a daily basis and I see guys with decades of experience still get stumped.
David Jones anybody that says they now it all are full of it
Can I add #6) All family and friends will think making you dinner is worth a free repair or even an installation on new heater or AC The neighbors will knock on your door on weekends and night to come look at their AC that just stopped working and its a complete emergency you must fix NOW
Bullseye!🎯
Everything AK said is true. It’s not a profession for everyone. I’ve seen many fail, and I’ve seen some excel at a rapid pace. It can be physically and mentally demanding. You do have to be ok with the self gratification of a job well done. I also like to be left alone. Occasionally having an apprentice along for the ride is ok. Customer communication is not just important, it’s also a skill that can be honed.
I feel the same way.
"that can" or "needs to be"?
Jordan R not everyone can communicate with customers well. I agree it should be need, but not every can.
Also, it’s not “self gratification”. Think of the customer/people that are benefiting from your work.
It's self gratification to the point that you won't hear "good job" or "thank you" or whatever else from people...customers sometimes, but not always.
Sounds like you hit on everything pretty well. I started school to get my degree in Heating and Air Conditioning Technology when I was 18 and been in the trade now for 32 years.
Remember when you get into service, this is an applied science more than just a trade. Learn the science of your job. Know the 18+ different reasons an evaporator can freeze up instead of just adding refrigerant. Learn about thermodynamics, air balance, heat loads, coefficients of performance, psychometric charts, electrical engineering, and you will set yourself apart from the "pawn shop" techs.
And he is right about your home life. Your home life can definitely be a challenge. Especially when you have a young wife or girlfriend. They will ask what time you're getting off work. "I don't know.", is the hardest thing for them to grasp. Because how could anyone NOT KNOW when they get off work? Be prepared to sacrifice trips to the lake in the summer. Or hanging out all weekend at the pool.
But this is my dream job. I love it, am good at it, and can make lots of money.
Good luck!
Hey Will I’m also 18 and eager to further my career in HVAC. I’m still in school (class of 2023) I was wondering while I’m in school, how could I begin the process of becoming an HVAC technician or prepare myself for it?
@@jeanomaly7776 I would say you need to focus on the science of the trade before going full on to a service company. I actually started out doing apartment maintenance so I could complete my college courses I took at night.
I worked my 8-5 job, then went to school from 6:30-11:30pm. It gave me a chance to get hands on training on the simple units of the apartment industry, while learning the basic sciences at school I could apply to my job.
You got a degree at 18?You can't leave school until that age in the U.K. then go to university, normally for 4years. Do you get degrees free with a big Mac ,
@@alemgas Apparently the reading comprehension in the U.K. isn't very good. If you go back and read again, you will see that I STARTED school to get my degree when I was 18. Got my Associate's degree at 20, and my degree in electrical engineering at 23.
And no Big Mac for me. I'm in Texas and we eat steak 3 times a day.
@@williamthomas2063 sorry getting old didn't read it right, I've been in HVAC for 51years, hope you have a good career. Big Macs are shit better with a good steak ,cheers
Sooo accurate. HVAC and refrigeration is definitely not for everybody. Between the long hours, electrical shocks, burns and just mental and physical strains it has on you, you definitely have to come into it with the mindset that you are ready to do a lot of mental and physical work for minimal gratification. Great video keep them going!
How bout: Just when you think you know it all, something kicks your ass and makes you become humble very quickly. And how often that may happen. 21+ years at this- I’m still learning- every day!
In my short years of working in this trade, I've done ductwork, and service work, and I must say, I love doing service more BECAUSE I'm mainly by myself. And you are absolutely right, we don't get praise and we do have to basically keep our own motivations up with our small victories.
I think that most customers are more focused on, "what's this going to cost" than they are about being grateful.
At a boy. Great video! I’v owned my own HVAC business for 25 years but started out as a service tech and you hit the nail on the the head on all the topics. With that being said choosing to be a service tech is a great self satisfying career choice if your up to the challenge both mentally and physically. Like I said I’v owned my own HVAC business for 25 years and I don’t recommend you go into the trade with the thought of owning your own business because it’s a tough! I’v been successful and have no regrets but man I’v worked twice as hard as most people. At this stage of my life 52 years old I enjoy going out to help apprentices’s on service calls to pass on what I know and challenge myself mentally and physically. I was out twice last week something I rarely do and both days were 10 hour days. The kid I was working with is a good kid and is worthy of my time so I didn’t mind and in fact I enjoyed it even though I was beat at the end of the week. The only things I would add is become really good at being a service tech, take me for example 30 plus years in the trade and I’m still learning still watching HVAC, controls and electrical videos. So 1. Strive to be the best and never stop learning 2. Find a good company to work for that offers good benefits that include medical and a retirement plan. 3. Be loyal to the company you work. As a service tech you can basically ask for a raise and max out when your good enough. Bring in the money, no call backs, be good with customers and your dispatch and you will do fine. Oh yea the last thing don’t get cocky because there will be a unit out there that will kick your ass to remind you you’re still NOT that good.
"As a service tech you can basically ask for a raise and max out when your good enough" what does that mean max out?
I'm thinking of going into HVAC at 30 I work travelling construction I'm all over the US sleeping in hotels shared with another man every night 365. I'm starting to get really tired of living like this. I'll put up with any work just as long as I get to go home to my house at least a few days out of the week. Just long enough to cook a steak or some salmon on a stove. Im SO TIRED of rotisserie chicken and hard boiled eggs its 80% of my diet.
@@sparklesparklesparkle6318how’s it going now bro?
@@muntadheralasadi615 got tired of the road life. Found a crap low pay heavy labour job that is basically hell.
But I'm a weird masochist who likes work that sucks and honestly I don't have a perfect explanation as to why.
Some sort of guilt/persecution complex?
Most likely it's because it keeps me in great fighting shape.
I could tear the head off of a lion with my current build strength. but also I'm in like hella debt now because the pay is so low.
I don't really wanna talk about my future plans here in a public place like youtube but basically I'll be moving on to better things in the coming years unless the apocalypse happens.
If that does happen I'll just become a crimelord and start a death cult.
I’m 21, single and have all the time in the world. I know this will affect any relationship I have. And to be fair, I’m okay with it. I go have a bigger goal of starting my own business though. Hopefully all goes well.
We work to live, not live to work.
@Shorty your probably familiar with the following : if all your friends jumped off a cliff. I'm sure you can finish that sentence.
Lol, it won't go well.
Kevin Vicente good luck man
much luck to you
Installs is the best place to start off. You learn to understand how the equipment should be put in, and why it should be done properly. It gives you the basics of everything you need for service. Electrical, controls, gas, plumbing...ect.
As well as it allows you to learn the sketchy stuff like ladders, and dealing with the elements, and power tools.
Be prepared to work in all weather. In Pennsylvania we get it all and you need to adapt and be ready for anything. Also be prepared to keep learning. We will never know everything in this trade!
Brandon Tharp sane here in Ohio
Cincinnati Tech Nice dude! The winter weather is definitely a pain the ass!
Brandon Tharp what are some good trade schools to go into ? Montgomery county area
I’ve been working alone for ten years before that shared a office with numerous people for over twenty years. Working alone is a blessing.
100% truth!! I’m a school district ac tech with 12 years experience under my belt and definitely agree with all your points. Most customers/teachers just want there ac to work and will not praise you for doing your job. Just got my first praise after 12 years a couple of days ago! I’m also just like you when it comes to working alone, I actually enjoy working alone but of course always have to be ready to talk to customers. Thanks for your service boss!!
I'm a delivery driver & a soda fountain tech, it's just me out there. I love tech work. I'm moving forward with getting my HVAC & epa certification
@Steven Martin cool
be prepared to learn on the fly and get thrown into some stuff, the internet and the phone can pretty much get you through any job youll run into.
Heck yea!! Use your resources
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
LoL, I can't tell ya how many times my phone saved my a$$!
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been thrown into jobs on stuff I’ve never seen before. Gotta be good at sticking with the basics and starting with what you do know and that will normally get you pointed in the right direction. Several years back I started at a new company and they had a pneumatics call. I remember telling my boss I had never worked with pneumatics. He handed me a pneumatic tool kit and said well now you do! Thrown in head first into a generator room where they used pneumatic dampers for fresh and exhaust air for the dampers. Luckily pneumatics really isn’t that hard once you know a few basics.
@@johnpatrick3458 me too!!
Service calls suck because you have to work till you get the job done. It's never an 8 hour job, but the service tech is the real master in the field of HVAC. Installers too have a skill set but service techs are the doctors of the industry. I love my service guys, and I try to reward them as best as I can. But it's hard work and soldiers are hard to find. If you love challenges, figuring things out, being the savior of the day, it's the job for you. Attached are usually 10 maybe 14 hour days. Soldier on
@Shelby Reynolds all over, word of mouth, employment sites like indeed, craigslist, vocational training schools. You have to be creative
You speak no lies, very good video
I was a pipeliner for a little 4 years and went to the hvac field. I've been it for about 2 years and I'll have to say Hvac is about just as much physically demanding. So it ain't a cake walk, but I love fixing things and not being out of town for months. And the money ain't bad once the make a name for yourself.
Hvac is a great career it does take time to learn, it does take alot out of you but it is a great career and a lot of opportunity. Ive been in the field for 6 years now and i love every minute of it!
Been in the trade for 2 years, a tech for 1, I love this job. I enjoy everything about it. Well, except having to go back to fix installers mistakes lol
How’s the hours? Do you get to have personal time with you family? Or do you lose Saturday and Sunday
Richi SV depends on the company. I was working at a bigger outfit and had less time for myself. I just switched to a smaller company and now have a lot more time
Love your videos bro! I’m a marine grunt too bro. I’ve been driving CMV’s for 7 years and just started an HVAC apprenticeship at 35. I’ve learned a lot from your videos!! Keep me coming!
Great video I’ve been in HVAC for over 3 years 2.5 years in residential then joined the union went all commercial industrial one thing I would say to young guys looking at employment in the field just be thick skinned there are a lot of mean journeyman who won’t teach you a thing never complain or cry about any task your giving to do just show up everyday on time with a good attitude not everyone is gonna be nice to you. You will be the bag bitch and filter changer just keep your head up
Don't forget seasonal work. It's a feast or famine business. Find a company that cares about you and is willing to take care of you in the slow times because you took care of them in the busy times.
Loyalty is a one way street in HVACR. Most employers are dishonest assholes that like to play games.
I just registered for classes at Lincoln tech, doing a 11 month program and I'm so excited and eager to learn. I beat the job is getting more into technology and I love that, I can't wait to finish and start working. I love that feeling of working with your hands and just getting shit done and not having someone breath down your damn neck.. plus I'm pretty intro/extrovert when need be, have no issues being alone in peace and quiet. I'm about to turn 30 soon, both parents gone and I only have my sisters and bro, gotta get more stable in my life and I feel this is a great start.
K Pierre how's it going so far
update?
Lincoln tech is a scam dude I feel bad for you
Sorry y’all, just seeing this. Hope y’all are still alive! 😂.
So update, I start my first hvac job tomorrow… long story short, 2 years ago I enrolled in Lincoln tech, week later they kicked me out because of financial aid falling through. I tried looking for a few jobs as a helper but couldn’t find anything in nj. Got into some other careers but still always wanted to do hvac. Fast forward, I’m now living in Texas, met a guy at the mall who owns an hvac company. We get the talking and he gives me his contact info, I check out the company and it’s legit! I called dude and now, I’m working ft for him and learning the trade. I’ll be able to get certified and I’ll learn residential and commercial. It’s really funny how things happen. It still worked out for me because I saved 30k and now I can at least get paid and learn at the same time rather than working ft and going to school ft too. I definitely gotta thank God tho for pushing me to leave my box and move to Texas.
@@BeardGawd88 another update?
Good video. As a tech for 15+ years, I would only add, as others have said, don't ever think you know it all. Be humble. Be prepared to make and learn from mistakes. And always be open to continued training and learning. I worked with a guy that you could not tell him anything, he knew it all. If you said the grass was green, he would adantmently argue with you it was purple. Go figure, this guy had more callbacks than all the other techs combined. He was let go within the first year.
I'm new to your channel, (one week), and have been in the HVAC field since 1984. The good old days when the only refrigerants were R-12, R-22, R-500, and R-502. No recovery units back then. For the new techs getting into the field, better learn electrical schematics and using a meter. No open relays anymore, all circuit boards today. I moved out of the service field into a hospital facilities department with a staff of 16 plumbers, HVAC techs, and boiler operators working for me. Love your channel AK!!!
Sounds like you have some local 95 guys!!
Wow must be a big shot.
I love running across a unit with a bunch of relays and contractors. Cause you know you can repair the unit with what's in your truck. These units with all the boards, if a board is bad usually you got to come back
@ Brad - i remember the good ol days too. started in 1981. no recov. machines back then and 12, 22,502. it was grand ! and NO Poe oil Back then either ! Mineral oil Rules !
Working HVAC with my pops company. Dudes 55 and still going hard on installing and services. I'm a year in so far and I'm 21, hoping to take over my pops company. Been a pretty interesting ride so far, love seeing new things / places everyday
I think you hit the nail on the hit pretty well for the modern HVAC technician. You definitely don't have to start with installations but you can learn a lot from them. I started day one green with the company I now co-own. People who like structure don't last in our industry because calls come in very infrequently. You can sit on your butt for two weeks then run for two months straight. Some days you send the guys home early and the next day you're out til midnight. You never know. Been thinking about doing these videos myself. Especially for restaurant freezers/make readies. I've found most techs can't diagnose them because of how simple they are and they overthink it. I can understand your passion man. I have a very honest passion for this industry and I love helping people. The victories have to come from within but people/customers often begin to root for you when they find out you are passionate about helping people and not solely out to make money. I called a customer today because he has a 60-ton Aaon with a bad copndenser fan motor and the only parts support we have in the area specifically for Aaon is a company that formerly did his maintenance. Luckily, the fan motor isn't a specific Aaon part so we can use a different distributor. The price from the Aaon distributor and Ferguson, was 2:1. He used to tell me about this prior company's price gouging but I couldn't believe it man. I get they are also a service company, but you can't do that to people. I agree we all have to make money, but we have to treat these people like human beings. If you're only in this to make a dollar, you're in the wrong business. My passion for HVAC creates my cash flow. Customers want me in their restaurants, businesses, and homes because they know I'll do whatever it takes to make the right fix. When people believe in you, money isn't a concern. With that said, it's my responsibility to be fair on my invoices, as well. I'd love to sit down and talk with you man. I could talk HVAC for hours and it looks like you do some industrial things I haven't touched yet. Stay blessed and thanks for your service!
This was clear, organized, and very helpful in describing what a day in the life would actually feel like. Thank you so much!
Self gratitude is the main reason to do service work. Sure your customers appreciate what you do, but the self accomplishment of defeating the problem and coming up with the solution or diagnoses is the Best!!
And here is your ata-boy and Pat on the back😁 I'm surprised your phone didn't ring when you said you were going to be home by 5:00 Lol
Great advice for the newbies 👍👍
Right on the mark AK. As a 45 year veteran refrigeration mechanic/pipefitter I believe humility and personal accountability will get you to places in this trade that others only dream about.
It puts a strain on any relationships you have that aren’t in the same field or a similar fields. Be prepared to be pissed off at the dispatcher at least 3 times a week. You’ll be completely stumped at 10pm a handful of times, and eventually fix whatever you’re working on and learn something. You will end up hating half the people you work with once you run a couple of their call backs super late at night. But on the flip side, you build good relationships with the people you work with and the clients you service yearly. Just make sure you get into a good company that understand real life scenarios. You will work a ton of hours and you will age a hell of a lot quicker.
@matt fox had a newbie that didnt wanna work late called the after hours dispatch company ( i work alone 2nd shift) and gave them 3 of his calls he didnt wanna do to make it seem like they came in on my shift. Walked into 3 irate customers angry they sat in 95 degree offices for almost 7 hrs ( we have a 1 hour response time gaurentee) also being so tired you overlook something simple and obvious ripping your hair out trying to figure out what your missing only to eventually after 30min finding what you shouldve seen within the first 5. Accidently shearing your skin open on jagged peices of sheet metal is a fun one too
what do you mean you will age a lot quicker?
None better feeling for a tech to show up to something thats broken ..do a diag and fix it and leave with no praise complement or a thank you ....i love it
As a HVAC technician for the pass 8 years, I can testify
Just subscribed. I’ve been in this field since 1998. It’s a love hate relationship lol. Remember guys it’s not always volt meters and a 5/16th nut driver. I had to crawl underneath a residential home today, drag my torches with me and repair a damaged refrigerant line. It was lovely.
Oh and I’ve lost about 10 pounds this summer from sweating my ass off lol. Literally
I started in Installs as a helper, going on my fifth year now and I have been a service tech the last two years. I think starting in Installs is what everyone needs to do. When service is slow, I can help the installers, when installs are short on man power, I can pick up some of the slack. Being more valuable helps me during the slow season or if layoffs ever were to occur.
At 47 years of age I finally got into a trade I find very satisfying and pleasurefull, I'm right now studying HVAC and working at a great company here in Sweden, mostly installation. Just frustrating it had to take me so long, but that's the story of my life, late with everything. I think I was the last person in Sweden to get a mobilephone, computer, finding the right women, get kids, etc etc. They are talking about raising the pension age to 75 over here, that's GREAT NEWS!!! I need all the time I can get to have a fair chance to feel I can say I actually think I understand my job! :-) Bless you all over there!
I was an apprentice installer for a year and have recently become a lead installer about two months ago. 21 years old and only female installer at my company. It’s fun at times but not so much other times, especially dealing with the customers haha
what do costumers say? lmao
Hows that going for you
You’re 💯 on this. I picked a school district to work at as my first job out of school. Chillers, cooling towers, mini splits, package units and a lot of other things. My salary isn’t bad but not great. However the time paid off with my kids makes up for it.
Be humble you’ll never know everything and you can always learn something from someone with less experience than you.
With over 20 years of service tech work, I found this excellent and very true in the work I did. Very good you tube video..
Thanks. I got the info I needed. Gonna look for an office job.
Hahaha👍
😂😂
lmaooo
My home was built in 1995 and the HVAC unit was installed at the same time. About a week ago the heat went off and I called a trusted HVAC friend to come over and evaluate. The news was not good, basically the furnace unit needed replacement and I was advised that because the A/C unit was the same age, it would be wise to install a complete unit and bring it all up to code and have the most energy efficient unit on the market. It also included a "Smart Thermometer System". I had to agree with my HVAC friend, all his information was true. I gave him permission to order the complete unit and install it as soon as possible because at this point we had no heat for almost a week. Using small space heaters, heavy clothing and heater blankets to sleep. Today, the unit came in and it was professionally installed in about 6 hours. They performed an excellent install. Only down side, it set me back $9537.53 including tax. But it sure is a great set up and unit. It all came with a 10 year warranty on parts and one year free labor. These guys worked really hard! I know the price sounds expensive, but it does take trained and certified personnel to perform this work. No one ever questions the cost when going to the Dentist because they know how expensive it is to get a license to practice medicine. I feel the same way about certified HVAC Technicians. Good work and equipment cost money. I feel many young people should skip college and attend a good trade school. Become independent like you. I think you made a wise choice!
I love love being alone . I install vrv systems in buildings and really get tired of constant noise and interactions with all the other trades
I just paid $1100 to get my AC replaced by a local reputable company. Technician replaced 2 small electrical components (transformer and contactor), and added 4 pounds of freon to my system (it was really low). Took him about 1-1.5hrs total time, didn’t look very physically challenging… just Huge money for him and the company he works for. Seems like a great field to be in… lots of demand, not too hard, and you can charge people like you’re a neurosurgeon.
Excellent description brother! The only thing I would add is the dark wet confined spaces we often have to work in. Even in residential under the houses where MANY roach bombs have been set off or the crawl spaces where pipes have been leaking and soaking the ground your crawling on or in commercial when your brushing chiller tubes for hours or standing on a ladder inside an air wash pressure washing eliminators! It takes a special breed and alot of self confidence to thrive in the situations we often find ourselves in. Keep up the good work!
A tech here in Arizona fell through a ceiling today, landing on the bottom wooden stair and his head hitting the tile floor. Serious brain damage. Will never be the same. He knew what he was doing and was a good tech. Unfortunately accidents happen in this industry. We don’t get paid what we do because it’s easy and safe. Just something to think about before choosing this career.
Your absolutely right when it comes to being pat on the back or waiting for someone to say good job it takes a Certain individual to do this job it does beat you up mentally and physically I do HVAC in Phoenix Arizona it beats the crap out of me but for some reason I keep doing it and I do feel good when the day is done I know only people like me and you can do I love watching your videos because I can relate
This is exactly why you own the company and let the others work for you. Awesome business.
I’m learning HVAC by working with my dad and inheriting the trait. I’m really thankful for videos like these. My dad comes from a rough background. If he can do it I can as well.
Going on my fourth month as an hvac installer. So far I love it. It has its days but there is good money in this trade and I’m going to continue until I become a service tech
I like working by myself. And the feeling of accomplishment each day. Oh and doing this we are all weird o’s. Oh tell the new guys never make plans on Friday for after work. You’ll never make it. I’ve had double hernia surgery and back surgery due to our trade. And only missed a combined 4 month of work. 31 years in this this year. And I’m mentally ill from it no doubt 😂😂😂
I'm a residential tech with light commercial and Fridays and Mondays are my busiest days of the week
Nor-Cal Refrigeration & H.V.A.C I've been on the 3rd floor too . Darin Pugliese Out sick today
so true davey working by yourself is such a blessing with all the bozos out there ;)
At one time, I worked in a few auto shops as I amassed 33 ASE certs, and wrote study guides for a big publisher on many test topics, but the constant presence in the bays of under educated guys with awful music tastes made it very difficult to concentrate on the issues. I love being out in the truck by myself. I only have a helper maybe 10 times a year.
I don't agree that your hernia is a direct result of the trade. Though I feel awful you're dealing with one, we can't put that stigma on the trade.
I agree 100%. I have been a full time on my own service tech for over 5 years now. Which isnt a super long time but the only thing i have to add is time management. More for residential rather than commercial because during the busy season you can get 5 calls a day or 9 depending on what and where. Being by yourself and swamped. It can be tough to self motivate for some people. Alot of the apprentices hate having a changing scedual and not know what time they will get home. Being from south east PA i see all 4 seasons and all types of equipment it can be overwhelming.
I went to class for HVAC. A week after I graduated I started with a heating and air company near where I live. After 1 and a half weeks of "training" I have a company van, I started off with duct cleaning. Which is a position they had available for me. I'm currently on my third week still duct cleaning but they throw some clean and checks in the mix on some slow days for us and tomorrow "Friday" doing an install. I absolutely love this trade. I get my alone time. I get to do my own critical thinking to solve problems my own way and yes I take what information and knowledge I can get from the more seasoned guys and tweak it to fit my way of thinking to better understand why and how.
So, 1 month from posting this. How do you feel now?
@@tos4057 I still enjoy waking up to be to work. I really do enjoy my job.
@@ericmadden9232 I ain't good maths or anything like that, is that essential? Just curious im considering becoming one after school.
Nothing is more gratifying then solving an issue and getting a system running, the look on clients faces is priceless and fulfilling.
I love HVAC I've been doing it for years and I'm only 30 js. And everything he's saying is true
😅👍 that guy totally nailed it all. I'm an HVAC-R service technician from Germany and a 5 year old kid. Greetings from over the pond :)
Ak please do a video on the ethics of hvac work. Im love this trade but after 10 years of experience with it Ive seen more techs lie, cheat, and steal then I ever care too
I personally experienced a lot of back staabing it was a culture I really did not enjoy.
Jo
sadly, Aaron, you are correct. There can be a lot of unethical behaviors in the Construction trades. I've been in Construction since 1985, HVAC since 1991 and a licensed HVAC Contractor since 2000. Started my own business for precisely the reason you mentioned. I could not lie to, or withhold information from customers. So, I quit working for others and started my own business as a sole proprietor. Not gonna get rich, but been hanging in there now for over 20 years on my own, surviving even the crash of 2008.
Honestly, I believe that because I've tried to be as ethical as possible and have not cheated or lied to customers, the Lord God has kept me afloat and I've been able to support my family. :)
I did HVACR work for 2 years, (HATED IT!) The work was great loved the challenge of diagnosing and repairing equipment. The lack of schedule and being on-call sucked ass.
I’ve owned my own AC business for 15 years now and this is some good info here. My advice is to get some formal education.. VoTech or something like that. There are so many technicians out there that don’t know what the hell they’re doing and they will condemn the system in a heartbeat because they simply can’t figure out what’s wrong.. or they will start changing parts out like it’s Go Fish. 🙄 Learn the trade and after a couple years in the field using what you learned in the books you will jump up the ladder with confidence and get to that pay scale you’re looking for much quicker. It’s hard physical work so before you get started, if you got the money, time, and brains then go be a lawyer or a doctor. I can’t sit around the same people in a office building all day.. would go crazy. This is a great trade and there is supply and demand.. everybody likes to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Things will change with technology but that fact will not change.
👍 Totally my life. I’m an owner/operator so I live all 3 facets of this world. Office/book-keeping/manager, Installer/Fabricator and Service Tech with 3 kids n a wife. Been installing and servicing for over 23 years.
I’m going on three years into the HVAC trade and I can tell you it’s tough but it’s fulfilling to know that you’re learning a trade that not a lot of people can stick with. I try to learn something new everyday and walk around knowing that I don’t know everything there is to know about HVAC but that’s the fun part for me. I’m constantly learning new things every time I go to work.
You’ve got to love when homeowners think that they’re electricians or hvac technicians. I pulled a disconnect today for a condenser and the homeowner thought that the wiring in his condenser was wrong and well, here’s to being bit by 120. All I have to say is at least it wasn’t 240!
I was thinking about be a hvac apprentice but honestly to me life and family is more important then having a better title. I work third in a warehouse so I don't have to pay daycare and on Saturdays I deliver dominos. Both jobs together I have 58300 last year. 49 hrs a week. I might just keep doing this. As long as food is on the table and I can se my family ill just do this. Still make a good living...
You are right, I have been doing this for 25 years in the commercial/ industrial HVACR.
In Dallas Ft worth area, the pay is very good. Because there is more work than qualified technician. So they pay me very well because of my vast experience. Soon to be service manager. Its been a long road but the payoff is excellent! I do recommend going to technical school
#2 is tough for me...when you dont talk with a single person for 10 hours straight with only your thoughts then when you finish you have to talk with the customer haha you are definitely fumbling over your words at least I always was. I felt like beaker from the muppets lmao
Thank you for your service in all the ways that it applies.
As a guy that makes a living while driving a white van, I can say that this is excellent advise.
"God bless the man in the white van"
I've been installing tires and doing sales for 2 years now. I tried the lumber mill out for a few days and that was a instant medical no go I found out. I have my friend trying to talk me into HVAC now, seems interesting
I’m 29 and decided to finally go to school for HVAC. From the sounds of it, it’s the perfect job. Looking forward to getting out of a limestone mine I’ve been in for years and say goodbye to midnight shifts for good.
I hope this new PEOPLE that get into this field,,,pay ATTENTION to this man,,,,,,this man put it ,the way it is,,,NO BULLSHIT BUT THE TRUTH!!!!!!
Personally, for me, the reward is solving difficult issues. Compressor change outs, motors, and maintenance can get repetitive, but love tracing shorts and other electrical problems. Weird, but I get ultra motivated when it comes to controls. IDK, being a tech can really test you at times, but think one can become quickly disillusioned with it if you're not passionate about something in the field. I've seen a lot of guys come and go trying to treat it as another job.
Well said. I struggled with the reality of the trade for years. Just have to come to conclusion and be comfortable with want you do and injoy your profession.
31 years in the field, 20 years on my own. You couldn't have explained it better. subbed
Dropping knowledge as usual. By the way I've used the knot you showed in past video damn near everyday! Thanks man. Keep the videos comming!
Just started on this path. I spent 26 years cooking, needed a change. So I went back to school. Finished my first year of HVAC at the local tech school. I got a summer job with a refrigeration company that also does food service. They want me to finish the second year and get my degree (I am enrolled). After school they want me to come back and cross train for the cold side.
Nail in the Head. Thanks Again. This video is perfect. My wife is always worried about me working alone and not getting enough credit. I will share this video with her . Thanks keep up the great work
Enjoy your Labor day weekend
My favorite part of this job is walking into the work of people that couldn't be bothered to do it the right way. I get not only a chuckle, but the pride of making my work neat and correct. As well as a pay check.
Well said. It definitely can be a very physical job. I personally think everyone should start out in the install side to learn the basics and how the systems operate. Over 18 years in the trade, doing everything from laying out the job, to installing the complete systems. Then back to do maintenance and service. Do both residential and commercial. Gotta say love the great videos and advice for newcomers to the trade and even current techs.
Thank you for watching!