Early in my career I felt there was no time to have lunch. I made a lot of bad decisions resulting in call backs. I also found myself losing a ton of tools. I worked at a furious pace but kept shooting myself in the foot. I began to hate my job. I eventually had a moment of clarity and began to slow my pace, assess the job correctly and take a lunch break. The quality and quantity of my work increased. I soon began to enjoy my job. I was also doing a better job of holding on to my tools. The senior guys would always say work smarter not harder! Trust me they were right.
I am a Service Manager for a commercial HVAC company in Nashville, it’s refreshing to see young Techs who care about their job and try and help others. This country needs more young people in trades. We have a shortage of people (young and old)who have the mindset of working their way up the ladder, I started at the bottom being a helper to where I am today, I worked my tail off. Great job on the videos, keep them coming
Biggest lesson I've learned is not to get overly concerned with what the customer is saying. Give your recommendation, give them your reasons and then let them decide. Some of them want you to get upset, they want an argument. Don't subject yourself to premature cardiac arrest. Give them the price, if they want to pay it they'll pay it, if they want to argue, "sorry, that's the price." Or, "I wouldn't recommend you do it yourself, I want you to be safe." No? Okay would you please initial right here next to the box I've checked that says you're declining my recommendation? Everybody wants a discount. We offer a maintenance agreement for that, how would it be fair for me to give them money off when our maintenance agreement customers pay an annual fee for that privilege.
Depends older system u can keep it going u need not look at today’s price u take care of them not only do they refer u but next season or service call usually they are ready to upgrade u gotta work hard at biting your lip lol it’s hard with some of those most the time rich folks who act like u are a inconvenience u are beneath them u just gotta smile back at some point and say ok I’m headed home we’re my ac works lol had a doctor tell me once that 100$ a hr was to much it’s not brain surgery I said it will be if u don’t pay what it cost and u go tell your wife we not fixing it cause the bill is to high she gone pop that head for you lmao
retired hvac tech, glad to see young people getting into the field, be honest, learn everything you can, don't try to sell the customer something they don't need, and you will never want for a job.
Almost retired tech, I second Denver’s comment. And, take your time while on the job and do it right the first time and document it, OR IT DOES BECOME YOUR PROBLEM . Best wishes brother.
Thank you Denver! I am retired, I had a short five year career in HVAC after being a firefighter for 25 yrs. I was shocked at the amount of upselling by the big names, ARS, Mr. Quick, Dial One, etc. When called for a second opinion, I was amazed at the amount of "fair" money, and job satisfaction I earned for just making an "honest" repair, and fixing what people needed. I agree with what you said!
Unfortunately raises are tied to sales at a lot of places nowadays. Im a fairly new tech. I loved the actual work but i knew i was never gonna be the guy that pushed $1,600 dehumidifiers on customers.
@@michaelmonaghan2717 I recently had to have a reversing valve replaced. Before they even look at the condenser they want to sell something. I retired out of the Sheet Metal HVACR trade so I know how to do the work. My health and body can't handle all the twisting anymore. When I contacted several companies to change the valve (warranty situation) they did not want to do the work, they said they saw too many red flags. Are the red flags the mantra for we do not want to deal with you because you know too much?
I've been a tech for over a decade. I've lost so many tools that I can't even remember them all! I've also found alot of my tools 6 months down the road on return trips lol. My service van was broken into about 6 weeks ago and they stole about 2,500$ worth of stuff, they also left about 3k worth of stuff lol. Its amazing how much $$ you spend in tools over the years...... I never take a lunch break, I eat on the drive and bring my lunch everyday because I dont want to take time out of my day to eat, I'm sure many techs can relate.
HVAC gets us to grow up real quick Good luck to all our young techs. Learn all you can and we will all teach each other. Love this, Thanks Roddy! Much love and good luck. See you out there!❤️👍
Getting ready to graduate from a HVAC trade school here in Vegas and I love coming across videos from my peers. Growing up a lot of us don’t get the information about how powerful it can be to join a trade vs what we are conditioned to do.
Respect Brother! Learn all you can learn. Don’t stay at one company for to long. Keep moving.Always study the Business. Keep improving yourself as a Technician. I started in residential install,then moved to service . After 12 years of residential , I went to Commercial. Get in Commercial /Industrial Hvac . Then you will see some real money with out (having to try to sell people everything. ) I been in the business now for 19 years. I’m in the Union now . I love it despite what people may say I love it . Making Top Pay without having to work myself to death.
Give me some more pointers I'm about to finish school and I'm taking my test Monday so I need all the help far as where to start because I feel I will do great but don't want to work myself to death
Awesome! Many people might see this as basic pointers but these are the fundamentals of being a good technician. To all the newbies PLEASE pack a lunch, the amount of money spent on drive thru food ADDS UP, also health is wealth eat some good food not fast food 💪🏼. Invest in your tools and don’t lose them! With the right tools you’ll get through calls way faster and you’ll look like a great technician to your boss. Lastly, don’t bullshit the customer, keep it honest and inform them of their situation, they’ll be 100% more comfortable and the job gets 2 times easier to sell that repair / maintenance / or even install 💰, the customer would most likely leave great feedback with the office or review and you look good to your boss 💪🏼 Be a technician NOT a salesman and you’ll move up the ladder faster and learn a lot more, more knowledge and experience means more 💰💰💰 know your worth!!!! Residential technician here in south Florida where units crash and burn left and right. Happy holidays everyone!
I started learning to fix hvacs about a month ago. I am highly surprised at how fast I learned to fix them. It's a good job and I love the simple science behind it but to devote my entire life on this as a career is not what I'm willing to do because of the seasonal differences. I would do this from spring to sept then just do another job through the winter til spring again. Electrician is the other job as well as metal fabrication. It's best to have 15 trades under your belt.
I've been doing HVAC for 40 years coming and maintaining a family business....... LOVED your video..... Perfect for all junior texts and guys interested in getting into the field...... It's NOT a job, it's a lifestyle.....
I’ve been an HVAC tech for 15 years. #1 your first issue with tool buying. In regards to tool buying it depends on the company you’re employed by. Trane, BKI and other big companies purchase ALL tools for their employees and I mean ALL TOOLS. #2 you are NOT responsible for a unit forever. There is a one year labor warranty on the part that you replaced that is federal law that’s it. If it’s more than a year then it’s because your company has decided to do extend that time if you caring for that part replaced on that unit. #3 customers trying to blame you after you already told them a possible issue and later on you get called back for that issue that you said needed to be fixed but they didn’t want to fix and it finally does go bad yes they will try and blame you therefore you have to NOTATE with recommendations of other repairs and what you found upon arrival and the decision the customer chose to make upon your departure. #4 yes you are correct with lunch breaks. #5 if you are solely in residential HVAC then yes your pay check would go down in winter months because work will be slower. However in commercial, industrial, or refrigeration that is not the case not even a little. You will still bet basically the same amount of money in winter as you do in summer. There is a slight drop off but that drop off will be you not getting 55 hours a week but getting 45 hours a week which most guys like because after working 55+ hours per week you want to take a break. And yes calling 45 hours a week is considered a break. However in residential you’ll go from 55 hours per week down to 30-35 hours per week.
Thanks for being candid with us, man. I started HVAC/R school at night in January of this year b/c my boss' boss wants me to take over the refrigeration projects in the department to save money on service calls. I got my universal 608 a couple weeks ago. There's a lot more in the school that I'll probably ever use; but, it's good to know some things from someone already in the trade.
Appreciate the humbleness behind the video, im 25 out here on my own with a hell of a work ethic & multi skilled but no job specific or education, i felt stuck so I’m pursuing HVAC and have fully decided to dive into it. School starts soon & im two weeks into researching everything I can for preparation.
Congrats! Pay particular attention to the videos here on troubleshooting. Also, pay close attention to all the videos on the 608 certification. You won't be able to get proper work assignments if you do t have your EPA, especially if you live in a southern state.
The sub contractor I was working for make 1300k per install we did one install a day he paid me 300$ a day as a helper this is in the summer Texas market ITS POSSIBLE!
@@atrapasuenosdream3017 but he (the contractor you worked for) didn’t just start in the industry, did he? $13k per install is quite common, but installs are not usually what keep the HVAC business running; it’s the maintenance and repairs/sales that come from it. Installs are great but they slow considerably at some point during the year. Moreover, I believe there’s the transactional cost involved, such as the cost for financing and such. If you are an independent contractor working with only four guys, this works very well. If you are running a company with over 15 employees who get healthcare, vision, and a 401K, the profit margin tends to be lower.
I’ve probably lost 15+ razor knifes in crawl spaces etc. not counting all the screwdrivers and bits. I agree no lunch breaks over here, we trying to get that job done and move to the next. Some installers are different, but I like to get it done and move on.
Straight up, the secret to not losing tools, particularly hand tools is having an organized tool bag where everything goes in a certain spot. Once you get a bag set up and can keep it that way, you can just glance at the bag and know immediately what’s missing. You just look at your bag before you close it up and leave the equipment. Just requires discipline to put the tools back in their spot and not just chuck them into a loose bag.
I graduated from a trade school and started in the field a couple of years ago. Tools are an expense, but I was able to buy. I enjoyed the business of working with people, but the one thing I didn't like about the company, they wanted me to push their product, even if the customer didn't need it. That I wouldn't do. Always do unto others, as you would want them to do unto you. Keep learning the field. God Bless !!!
Been doing HVAC for 4 years, I definitely have lost at least 50 tools and found like 20 lol. And customer service will take you a longggg way in this field, a lot of people don’t get that. Anybody can learn the skill, not everybody can learn how to work with people.
I worked customer service for 30 years, so I know how I was treated by the snootys in the community, so I don't treat my service tech like crap. One thing one does need to learn in any job that uses tools is tool management. I have refurbished, rebuilt, remodeled 7 houses in my lifetime and I know what a pain in the ass when you forget a tool under the house in the last foundation section that you have to low crawl to. 'HVAC GUY' has a real cool bag he uses for most jobs and it is stuffed with tools and every tool in its place. When you check out all the other stuff in the A/C system, tell the customer what you did so they wouldn't have a call again next week and most of them will like you for it and appreciate it; then there are the snootys. Good luck in your career.
Anyone who hasn’t been in the field long enough are in for a treat & will learn the real hustle. The more tools the better & with this new systems require some specials tools but you’ll see if your company is selling certain brands😉
Tips. Keep your tool bag organized and have a dedicated spot for everything. This way you can tell at a glance what isn't there. Manage your money. If you're living check to check, expect hard times. When buying tools ask yourself, is this going to make my work easier, quicker or give me more accurate information? If not, you don't need it. Always continue to learn or you'll be left behind.
I agree with you. This is a rule I live by on organized tool bag. Put it back after use and inform people you bring.tools for your convenience not theirs lol. I still buy tools and try out what's more efficient even if it's not necessarily needed but tools are my hobby.
I started used appliances business 4 years ago.. Has been great .. I never went to school but I wish I did.. I started off working for a HVAC company when I was 18 now I’m 33.. I learned to braze and a lot about the trade the 3 years I was there.. It all came full circle.. If your younger and reading this Go to school bro, it will be worth it ! Great video man 💯💯💪🏽
Retire Hvac technician. Take care of tool and test equipment.learn customer service. Always learning trade. Bring a meal everyday. After 5year never out work. Save for retirements. Take care you and your family. Start age 21 to 57. Now enjoy retirements
I spent about 350 so far on hand tools, bags and gauges. I usually take an extra 5 minutes before I leave Jobs to see if all of my tools are in my bag. I’m starting to get into the habit of cleaning my tools so they last long
Exactly Brother ! Good attitude. You have a Great foundation. I see you rising fast. Dont get discouraged AND STAY AWAY from shady workerconIt can be contagious. Hence, companys that rush you an load you down with a 100 calls.
You’re content is awesome man keep going!! I’m a senior in highschool and will go to school for hvac next year and your videos are helpful thanks bro!!
Spot on video dude. That's the stuff they don't teach ya in school. Tell you what though.. young techs keep your heads up and absorb everything you can and hvac can give you a very rewarding career. Im on year 11 and going strong!
I second this. I spent 10 years as a residential installer/technician. I recently started working in the hvac department at Auburn University and absolutely love it!
Great video man thank you for sharing your thoughts! im 18 /senior in high school and considering hvac for my career. so this is great to hear about your perspective
I was in the residential hvac side of things and the customers just broke me. I did well at the job and i actually did well with the customers but those bad apples that give you attitude over things that can not be helped is what can make or break someone. I quit residential after that and moved into working maintenance at a school system.
Sounds right welcome to the party. Just a little pointer during your busy season always put about 20% of your pay under the mattress for when it slows down. Also right now the holidays is a good time to stock up on screwdrivers and Wrenches is because they’re all on sale.
Roddy, you've got a trade! It's getting harder for people to find a good job. You made a good choice. I know people who get a college degree and then go into the trades to pay the bills. You are golden.
Tools, used to buy higher end brands until I misplace/lose them, so I buy cheap to middle price depending on what it is. Refrigeration equipment and power tools is pricey but you need them. Basically cost upfront but it will pay for itself. Customers, even when you tell them c o d , some will have excuses after the job is done that they can’t pay now. Give them a ballpark number after diagnosis. They don’t understand that drive time is time being charged to them, They just count time you were there. You know how much time you’ll lose in a day if you don’t charge for it one way or the other. On slow seasons , try to get just regular maintenance for both residential and commercial. That’s all I’ll say for the time being since there are a lot of other circumstances that we all get at work, I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years. Nice video
I love showing customers what's broken and multimeter or gauge readings. "Here's what it is, here's what factory says it should be, it needs to be replaced. No, I can't show you how to do it yourself, because if you burn your house down it's my fault." The most expensive tool I have is my little basic UEI thermometer. I must be sprinkling them across DC like seeds!
I think this is what I wanna do when I finish my navy contract .. you really just inspired me to do this .. the money seem good it’s a lot of jobs where I plan to live
The model of the residential industry is moving towards service platforms. The hourly pay scale at companies adopting those platforms such as Nextstar is likely to drop so that techs are almost forced to sell to make decent money from sales spiffs. I'm not saying if your company uses a platform that they underpay I'm just saying they might. If you don't like the idea of concentrating way more on sales then being a repair person choose your first job well.
The tools expense can vary wildly depending on where you work and who you work for. I have been hvac tech for 20+ years and have accumulated tools over the years but I’ve typically worked for companies that provide the majority of what I need. Right now I work for the hvac Union in Oklahoma and get every single tool provided as a benefit. Along with the kind of pay a hvac technician deserves for his hard work and extensive knowledge he must possess to be good at his craft. Which grows daily it seems! And yes, you will lose lots of tools.
great video and some of your insights made me chuckle. 21 yrs in industrial hvac field supervisor. you have a good attitude keep it up and you will have the ability to work at any company you wish.
Working on aircraft, tool control is everything. Best way is every tool has its own spot, and always check when the job done. Maybe count the tools per section of your kit.
Take your lunch break! Everything else your on point. You're are not gonna get home earlier by skipping your break if you factor in the side effects of not taking your break. 9yrs in & the first 3 years I thought same thing.
How many times have I heard.... that part was working fine before you touched it... lol.. I will always explain what I did and what I didn't do or what was already an issue with the system while there with the customer.
when spring and summer not a whole lot of time to go fishing. but covid had made it easier to get across town faster. I started to collect tools being in the field to make things easier. true about the slow seasons. easy in the attic then. thanks for the video.tomorrow me and other guys and girls will be helping out the teacher with his own changeout at his home.
I just had to stop at the job I did yesterday to pick up the set of volt meters and copper cutters that I forgot in the attic because I sat it on top of the water heater😂
Thank you, Roddy. The seasonality, you didn't say what part of the country you are in. This is my Day 1 of investigating HVAC. So I'm guessing that extreme changes in climate will need more HVAC work for heating and cooling both. And less extreme climates will call for less HVAC work (total guess).
Where do you reside. I'm looking for a mentor I'm having issues with my own unit at home I have 2 heat My ac unit ( air handler) Continues to run while in heat mode and the other unit blows cold air in heat mode
You know what your in for. It will make you, and it will break you. I'm at the breaking point now. After 30 years doing it and 22 years in business in SW Florida. Oh, all the sleepless nights fretting over other people's problems. Stress will kill you. Yep , we tend to spend a lot when we're making a lot. Now, I want do something else. Not sure what. Just know , I feel your pain. P.S. I got a Universal 4 station thermometer that I've had for 30 years. I mostly keep it put up, and don't use it. Peace and good luck. Today, its 95 with a feels like of 107.
Except the first I totally agree with you my friend... you are right in every thing you said... Same thing's here in Greece... I'm doing this job for 15years now and I'm still loosing tools 😂😂😂😂. Happy new year to all...
Bro I feel u..I have left and lost so many tools..sucks when it's a job that is really far and u will not b in a area any more...sucks....also make sure bro u do a walk thru be born u touch anything..so many times I have heard ,"it was working be for you got here"!!!! Ya right....
@@Alex-jo2oi Yeah man it’s usually an 1100 or 1200 week day for me. On a good week with systems and duct systems, i’ll be around 15-1700. But winter is coming around so it’s slowing down to about 8-900 days.
If you join the union, they provide testing equipment, gauges, recovery machine etc. The tech is responsible to provide basic hand tools. Check out your local plumber/pipe fitters/service technician union. We all share the same union. United Association of plumbers, pipe fitters, and service technicians
In some areas, it’s difficult to join the union. I was in the union in WA state but had to move three months before becoming an apprentice. I made it to Texas, and holy cow, while they do have unions, most people I spoke with had been trying to join the union for years. Go figure.
9:40 😆😆😆 Just now finding your channel. Got into hvac last year doing commercial installation. Been thinking about switching over to the service side though. Glad I found your channel, I needed some advice/inspiration. Thank you...💯
The worse part about the trade imo are the working conditions. I'm not referring to just the weather either. My hands, my feet, my back etc all hurt now all thanks to tight crawl spaces, heavy lifting, and refrigeration burns lol
Rule number one turn unit on before you touch the unit if there for a maintenance that way if it doesn't start up they can't blame you rule two always make sure units comes on after you do the maintenance
Great video man! You gotta be built different to do this trade and you pointed out a lot of stuff people dont realize. TIME MANAGEMENT especially. Thank God my girl tolerates it lol
I’ve been a steamfitter for 11 yrs on and off I have lost 2 tools. It would have been 3 but because I caught the person using it. I took it back. Last tool I lost was my ratchet 9/16 this past summer. Someone yanked it from my bag when I was off for 2 days. The other was a seamer tool. I’m anal about my shit. That’s probably why I only lost two. I don’t put them on the floor or on top on any equipment. I either toss it in my bag the minute I don’t need it or have my tool belt on me. I rather take that tool out of my bag 10 times then leave it for easy access then forget it and wonder where I left it. I know, I have issues. But that has saved me a lot of money and stress.
Been in my own van bout 8 months now. I've lost a disgusting amount of tools. I hate it. I mean I've always been bad about misplacing things, but damn. I've lost an amp clamp meter, a milwaukee 12v drill, and numerous hand tools. Mainly over the summer when I got thrown into 6 or 7 PMs a day and hardly knew what I was doing so I would get super flustered and rushed and leave stuff. I'm a bit better about it now thankfully. I will say I've quit buying strictly klein these days lol
Yeah, everything you buy for Hvac cost about $500 a good digital manifold about $500 a good recovery machine about $500. A 7 CFM vacuum pump about $300 or more that handtools that’s the cheap part of it oxygen and acetylene torch about 3 to $400. Not to mention nitrogen bottle, recovery tank.
I have lost 500 tools over 22 years most of the time I'm in a rush and forget them behind dealing with customer and collecting money are the worst part of the job when you have a good customer you want to keep him happy
Early in my career I felt there was no time to have lunch. I made a lot of bad decisions resulting in call backs. I also found myself losing a ton of tools. I worked at a furious pace but kept shooting myself in the foot. I began to hate my job. I eventually had a moment of clarity and began to slow my pace, assess the job correctly and take a lunch break. The quality and quantity of my work increased. I soon began to enjoy my job. I was also doing a better job of holding on to my tools. The senior guys would always say work smarter not harder! Trust me they were right.
I am a Service Manager for a commercial HVAC company in Nashville, it’s refreshing to see young Techs who care about their job and try and help others. This country needs more young people in trades. We have a shortage of people (young and old)who have the mindset of working their way up the ladder, I started at the bottom being a helper to where I am today, I worked my tail off. Great job on the videos, keep them coming
I just started as a helper on Monday!! Super excited of where it takes me!!🙏🏽
Im hype to find other young black HVAC techs on youtube. Inspiration
Facts
Yes Sir as a Senior Negro Tech I agree
Same here. Thirty eight year old black male here going for HVAC.
Let me know if you need any advice
@@MrScatliffe it seems like a difficult trade. I'm trying to look up all I can about it before classes start.
Biggest lesson I've learned is not to get overly concerned with what the customer is saying. Give your recommendation, give them your reasons and then let them decide. Some of them want you to get upset, they want an argument. Don't subject yourself to premature cardiac arrest. Give them the price, if they want to pay it they'll pay it, if they want to argue, "sorry, that's the price." Or, "I wouldn't recommend you do it yourself, I want you to be safe." No? Okay would you please initial right here next to the box I've checked that says you're declining my recommendation?
Everybody wants a discount. We offer a maintenance agreement for that, how would it be fair for me to give them money off when our maintenance agreement customers pay an annual fee for that privilege.
Depends older system u can keep it going u need not look at today’s price u take care of them not only do they refer u but next season or service call usually they are ready to upgrade u gotta work hard at biting your lip lol it’s hard with some of those most the time rich folks who act like u are a inconvenience u are beneath them u just gotta smile back at some point and say ok I’m headed home we’re my ac works lol had a doctor tell me once that 100$ a hr was to much it’s not brain surgery I said it will be if u don’t pay what it cost and u go tell your wife we not fixing it cause the bill is to high she gone pop that head for you lmao
retired hvac tech, glad to see young people getting into the field, be honest, learn everything you can, don't try to sell the customer something they don't need, and you will never want for a job.
Facts
Almost retired tech, I second Denver’s comment. And, take your time while on the job and do it right the first time and document it, OR IT DOES BECOME YOUR PROBLEM . Best wishes brother.
Thank you Denver! I am retired, I had a short five year career in HVAC after being a firefighter for 25 yrs. I was shocked at the amount of upselling by the big names, ARS, Mr. Quick, Dial One, etc. When called for a second opinion, I was amazed at the amount of "fair" money, and job satisfaction I earned for just making an "honest" repair, and fixing what people needed. I agree with what you said!
Unfortunately raises are tied to sales at a lot of places nowadays. Im a fairly new tech. I loved the actual work but i knew i was never gonna be the guy that pushed $1,600 dehumidifiers on customers.
@@michaelmonaghan2717 I recently had to have a reversing valve replaced. Before they even look at the condenser they want to sell something. I retired out of the Sheet Metal HVACR trade so I know how to do the work. My health and body can't handle all the twisting anymore. When I contacted several companies to change the valve (warranty situation) they did not want to do the work, they said they saw too many red flags. Are the red flags the mantra for we do not want to deal with you because you know too much?
I've been a tech for over a decade. I've lost so many tools that I can't even remember them all! I've also found alot of my tools 6 months down the road on return trips lol.
My service van was broken into about 6 weeks ago and they stole about 2,500$ worth of stuff, they also left about 3k worth of stuff lol. Its amazing how much $$ you spend in tools over the years...... I never take a lunch break, I eat on the drive and bring my lunch everyday because I dont want to take time out of my day to eat, I'm sure many techs can relate.
Hell yea, to a hard working man driving is like a break lol
Hell yeah! Haha I take rolling lunches everyday
Are you self employed? Or do you still work for a company.
@@mitchellarmyguy2515 absolutely!!
My husband as been an HVAC/R tech for 30 plus years and he still ‘misplaces’ tools. Keep up the good work.
HVAC gets us to grow up real quick
Good luck to all our young techs. Learn all you can and we will all teach each other.
Love this, Thanks Roddy! Much love and good luck. See you out there!❤️👍
Getting ready to graduate from a HVAC trade school here in Vegas and I love coming across videos from my peers. Growing up a lot of us don’t get the information about how powerful it can be to join a trade vs what we are conditioned to do.
NTI or ATI?
@@sethcurry7978 NTI
Respect Brother! Learn all you can learn. Don’t stay at one company for to long. Keep moving.Always study the Business. Keep improving yourself as a Technician. I started in residential install,then moved to service . After 12 years of residential , I went to Commercial. Get in Commercial /Industrial Hvac . Then you will see some real money with out (having to try to sell people everything. ) I been in the business now for 19 years. I’m in the Union now . I love it despite what people may say I love it . Making Top Pay without having to work myself to death.
Give me some more pointers I'm about to finish school and I'm taking my test Monday so I need all the help far as where to start because I feel I will do great but don't want to work myself to death
@@bdb7185how’s it go bro??
Awesome! Many people might see this as basic pointers but these are the fundamentals of being a good technician. To all the newbies PLEASE pack a lunch, the amount of money spent on drive thru food ADDS UP, also health is wealth eat some good food not fast food 💪🏼. Invest in your tools and don’t lose them! With the right tools you’ll get through calls way faster and you’ll look like a great technician to your boss. Lastly, don’t bullshit the customer, keep it honest and inform them of their situation, they’ll be 100% more comfortable and the job gets 2 times easier to sell that repair / maintenance / or even install 💰, the customer would most likely leave great feedback with the office or review and you look good to your boss 💪🏼 Be a technician NOT a salesman and you’ll move up the ladder faster and learn a lot more, more knowledge and experience means more 💰💰💰 know your worth!!!!
Residential technician here in south Florida where units crash and burn left and right. Happy holidays everyone!
Thanks for the advice . Happy Holidays
Im in south florida thinking of starting HVAC. Any tips
I started learning to fix hvacs about a month ago. I am highly surprised at how fast I learned to fix them.
It's a good job and I love the simple science behind it but to devote my entire life on this as a career is not what I'm willing to do because of the seasonal differences.
I would do this from spring to sept then just do another job through the winter til spring again. Electrician is the other job as well as metal fabrication.
It's best to have 15 trades under your belt.
I'm about 4.5 years into HVAC and number one thing i lose is thermometers inside ductwork/walk in boxes.
Harbor frieght 6 dollars a piece
I've been doing HVAC for 40 years coming and maintaining a family business.......
LOVED your video.....
Perfect for all junior texts and guys interested in getting into the field......
It's NOT a job, it's a lifestyle.....
I'm 36 now with 18yrs in this game and I love to the younger generation getting into this field. Much success to you💪🏾🎯
Yessir. 21 years black man in Florida starting hvac program in 3 weeeks!
@@MW3player954 how its going
@@MW3player954 wrdd hows it been? i start my hvac schooling next month
I’m 19 about to get into the field any advice
@@milodawgg how’d it go big dawg
I’ve been an HVAC tech for 15 years. #1 your first issue with tool buying. In regards to tool buying it depends on the company you’re employed by. Trane, BKI and other big companies purchase ALL tools for their employees and I mean ALL TOOLS. #2 you are NOT responsible for a unit forever. There is a one year labor warranty on the part that you replaced that is federal law that’s it. If it’s more than a year then it’s because your company has decided to do extend that time if you caring for that part replaced on that unit. #3 customers trying to blame you after you already told them a possible issue and later on you get called back for that issue that you said needed to be fixed but they didn’t want to fix and it finally does go bad yes they will try and blame you therefore you have to NOTATE with recommendations of other repairs and what you found upon arrival and the decision the customer chose to make upon your departure. #4 yes you are correct with lunch breaks. #5 if you are solely in residential HVAC then yes your pay check would go down in winter months because work will be slower. However in commercial, industrial, or refrigeration that is not the case not even a little. You will still bet basically the same amount of money in winter as you do in summer. There is a slight drop off but that drop off will be you not getting 55 hours a week but getting 45 hours a week which most guys like because after working 55+ hours per week you want to take a break. And yes calling 45 hours a week is considered a break. However in residential you’ll go from 55 hours per week down to 30-35 hours per week.
You do my heart good, as a business owner of HVAC company and working since 1980 you get it. Keep going you’re doing fine 👍
Thanks for being candid with us, man. I started HVAC/R school at night in January of this year b/c my boss' boss wants me to take over the refrigeration projects in the department to save money on service calls. I got my universal 608 a couple weeks ago. There's a lot more in the school that I'll probably ever use; but, it's good to know some things from someone already in the trade.
I like this kid. He's not afraid to work or spread his knowledge of the field.
I started commercial install when I was 15 started at the bottom. I'm 31 now and still going.
Ain’t nothing like coming from the bottom to the top
Appreciate the humbleness behind the video, im 25 out here on my own with a hell of a work ethic & multi skilled but no job specific or education, i felt stuck so I’m pursuing HVAC and have fully decided to dive into it. School starts soon & im two weeks into researching everything I can for preparation.
Congrats! Pay particular attention to the videos here on troubleshooting. Also, pay close attention to all the videos on the 608 certification. You won't be able to get proper work assignments if you do t have your EPA, especially if you live in a southern state.
How has it been man ? Any update?
@@huncho2020 in case he doesn’t update i started school 3 months ago and i kinda love it man. Wire diagrams are a little tricky but i got this!
It’s a good career
Hvac is one of the only trades you can start up for 8-12k including a Van/tools/advertising and make 100k/year
Whos making that out the gate? Id love to hear their story.
You’re big dreaming 😂
The sub contractor I was working for make 1300k per install we did one install a day he paid me 300$ a day as a helper this is in the summer Texas market ITS POSSIBLE!
@@atrapasuenosdream3017 but he (the contractor you worked for) didn’t just start in the industry, did he?
$13k per install is quite common, but installs are not usually what keep the HVAC business running; it’s the maintenance and repairs/sales that come from it.
Installs are great but they slow considerably at some point during the year.
Moreover, I believe there’s the transactional cost involved, such as the cost for financing and such. If you are an independent contractor working with only four guys, this works very well.
If you are running a company with over 15 employees who get healthcare, vision, and a 401K, the profit margin tends to be lower.
@@atrapasuenosdream3017 So as a helper you made $78000 a year?
I’ve probably lost 15+ razor knifes in crawl spaces etc. not counting all the screwdrivers and bits. I agree no lunch breaks over here, we trying to get that job done and move to the next. Some installers are different, but I like to get it done and move on.
Good to see a brother out in the HVAC field. Keep doing you.
Hell yeah I loose tools all the time lol. I also find a bunch tools techs leave behind also lol
Facts lol
@@hvacroddy5261 welcome keep pushing you’ll find out about some other stuff as you go . It’s a long journey!!
I have hardly ever lost a tool. Several thermometers left behind but that’s it. No breaks is the truth!!!
Haha I’ve lost countless tools over the years but I literally keep 2 Klein 11n1s on the van because I lose them so often.
Straight up, the secret to not losing tools, particularly hand tools is having an organized tool bag where everything goes in a certain spot. Once you get a bag set up and can keep it that way, you can just glance at the bag and know immediately what’s missing. You just look at your bag before you close it up and leave the equipment. Just requires discipline to put the tools back in their spot and not just chuck them into a loose bag.
I graduated from a trade school and started in the field a couple of years ago. Tools are an expense, but I was able to buy. I enjoyed the business of working with people, but the one thing I didn't like about the company, they wanted me to push their product, even if the customer didn't need it. That I wouldn't do. Always do unto others, as you would want them to do unto you. Keep learning the field. God Bless !!!
Nailed it. Been hvacring for 22 years. Everything you said is legit. You eventually stop losing tools bro. I hope you still teching
The responsibility aspect is huge! If an HVAC tech screws up with gas, electricity, flue, people can die!
Been doing HVAC for 4 years, I definitely have lost at least 50 tools and found like 20 lol. And customer service will take you a longggg way in this field, a lot of people don’t get that. Anybody can learn the skill, not everybody can learn how to work with people.
BINGO ! Most customers see you as "the enemy" and many are very rude. Social skills can make you or break you.
I worked customer service for 30 years, so I know how I was treated by the snootys in the community, so I don't treat my service tech like crap. One thing one does need to learn in any job that uses tools is tool management. I have refurbished, rebuilt, remodeled 7 houses in my lifetime and I know what a pain in the ass when you forget a tool under the house in the last foundation section that you have to low crawl to. 'HVAC GUY' has a real cool bag he uses for most jobs and it is stuffed with tools and every tool in its place.
When you check out all the other stuff in the A/C system, tell the customer what you did so they wouldn't have a call again next week and most of them will like you for it and appreciate it; then there are the snootys. Good luck in your career.
Anyone who hasn’t been in the field long enough are in for a treat & will learn the real hustle. The more tools the better & with this new systems require some specials tools but you’ll see if your company is selling certain brands😉
Tips. Keep your tool bag organized and have a dedicated spot for everything. This way you can tell at a glance what isn't there. Manage your money. If you're living check to check, expect hard times. When buying tools ask yourself, is this going to make my work easier, quicker or give me more accurate information? If not, you don't need it. Always continue to learn or you'll be left behind.
I agree with you. This is a rule I live by on organized tool bag. Put it back after use and inform people you bring.tools for your convenience not theirs lol. I still buy tools and try out what's more efficient even if it's not necessarily needed but tools are my hobby.
I started used appliances business 4 years ago.. Has been great .. I never went to school but I wish I did.. I started off working for a HVAC company when I was 18 now I’m 33.. I learned to braze and a lot about the trade the 3 years I was there.. It all came full circle.. If your younger and reading this Go to school bro, it will be worth it ! Great video man 💯💯💪🏽
Hey I’m looking to get into the hvac field I see you have been in the field for Abt 15 years how much are you making if you don’t mind me asking
Do u mean go to school for hvac ? or go to school to avoid a career in hvac ?
Retire Hvac technician. Take care of tool and test equipment.learn customer service. Always learning trade. Bring a meal everyday. After 5year never out work. Save for retirements. Take care you and your family. Start age 21 to 57. Now enjoy retirements
I spent about 350 so far on hand tools, bags and gauges. I usually take an extra 5 minutes before I leave Jobs to see if all of my tools are in my bag. I’m starting to get into the habit of cleaning my tools so they last long
Exactly Brother ! Good attitude. You have a Great foundation. I see you rising fast. Dont get discouraged AND STAY AWAY from shady workerconIt can be contagious. Hence, companys that rush you an load you down with a 100 calls.
You’re content is awesome man keep going!! I’m a senior in highschool and will go to school for hvac next year and your videos are helpful thanks bro!!
Thanks bro. Wish you luck with school this year with all the covid stuff going on
Hey how's it going?!!
Spot on video dude. That's the stuff they don't teach ya in school. Tell you what though.. young techs keep your heads up and absorb everything you can and hvac can give you a very rewarding career. Im on year 11 and going strong!
When I first started Hvac I bought tools as I needed and also losing tools in the attic and on roof ,and to my surprise, finding other peoples too
I find tools all the time, usually good tools, I find Bahco wrenches everywhere’s.
15 years as a installer, now I work at a college in the hvac department... should of done this years ago
How you go about that ?
I second this. I spent 10 years as a residential installer/technician. I recently started working in the hvac department at Auburn University and absolutely love it!
Great video man thank you for sharing your thoughts! im 18 /senior in high school and considering hvac for my career. so this is great to hear about your perspective
No problem
Join the Air Force they need Hvac techs .
I was in the residential hvac side of things and the customers just broke me. I did well at the job and i actually did well with the customers but those bad apples that give you attitude over things that can not be helped is what can make or break someone. I quit residential after that and moved into working maintenance at a school system.
Been thinking about going to HVAC 💯 good luck to anyone who is starting up or already working in the field 💪🏾
Sounds right welcome to the party. Just a little pointer during your busy season always put about 20% of your pay under the mattress for when it slows down. Also right now the holidays is a good time to stock up on screwdrivers and Wrenches is because they’re all on sale.
Thanks Rich
Roddy, you've got a trade! It's getting harder for people to find a good job. You made a good choice. I know people who get a college degree and then go into the trades to pay the bills. You are golden.
Tools, used to buy higher end brands until I misplace/lose them, so I buy cheap to middle price depending on what it is. Refrigeration equipment and power tools is pricey but you need them. Basically cost upfront but it will pay for itself. Customers, even when you tell them c o d , some will have excuses after the job is done that they can’t pay now. Give them a ballpark number after diagnosis. They don’t understand that drive time is time being charged to them, They just count time you were there. You know how much time you’ll lose in a day if you don’t charge for it one way or the other. On slow seasons , try to get just regular maintenance for both residential and commercial. That’s all I’ll say for the time being since there are a lot of other circumstances that we all get at work, I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years. Nice video
I love showing customers what's broken and multimeter or gauge readings. "Here's what it is, here's what factory says it should be, it needs to be replaced. No, I can't show you how to do it yourself, because if you burn your house down it's my fault." The most expensive tool I have is my little basic UEI thermometer. I must be sprinkling them across DC like seeds!
Just keep in mind tools make you money!! You’ll keep buying tools as the years go by and technology changes
This is why I got into the Steamfitters Union. It's mainly commercial/industrial, plus the company buys all your tools except for some hand tools.
I think this is what I wanna do when I finish my navy contract .. you really just inspired me to do this .. the money seem good it’s a lot of jobs where I plan to live
The model of the residential industry is moving towards service platforms. The hourly pay scale at companies adopting those platforms such as Nextstar is likely to drop so that techs are almost forced to sell to make decent money from sales spiffs. I'm not saying if your company uses a platform that they underpay I'm just saying they might. If you don't like the idea of concentrating way more on sales then being a repair person choose your first job well.
Hey Young Blood just ran into your channel im NATE Certified 20 years in and i buy tools constantly.i love buying new tools
Yea I love going out and getting new tools too it’s just the ones I have to replace I hate going to the store for lol
Good to see a young brother in the Trade
Where are you located if you don't mind me asking
Atlanta, Ga
Very honest and straight up helpful Roddy., Wish you the best.
The tools expense can vary wildly depending on where you work and who you work for. I have been hvac tech for 20+ years and have accumulated tools over the years but I’ve typically worked for companies that provide the majority of what I need. Right now I work for the hvac Union in Oklahoma and get every single tool provided as a benefit. Along with the kind of pay a hvac technician deserves for his hard work and extensive knowledge he must possess to be good at his craft. Which grows daily it seems! And yes, you will lose lots of tools.
Thank you most companies provide tools
Unions are what America needs
Truth, keep up your blog Bro you are saying everything I thought 6 years ago and I still feel the same way!
I’ve only done commercial/industrial. Best choice I made. Central planes is where the money is at.
great video and some of your insights made me chuckle. 21 yrs in industrial hvac field supervisor. you have a good attitude keep it up and you will have the ability to work at any company you wish.
Working on aircraft, tool control is everything. Best way is every tool has its own spot, and always check when the job done. Maybe count the tools per section of your kit.
Roddy, how should I go about getting an HVAC technician job or apprenticeship? I have finished the school course and have my EPA certifications.
LinkedIn bro. That’s how I got my first job with those credentials
Take your lunch break! Everything else your on point. You're are not gonna get home earlier by skipping your break if you factor in the side effects of not taking your break. 9yrs in & the first 3 years I thought same thing.
Watching theses videos actually helps me get a vision of the career. Thank you. 😊 stay safe please!
Be prepared to bring your lunch and eat while your driving or between calls. Lunch break are not guaranteed.
How many times have I heard.... that part was working fine before you touched it... lol.. I will always explain what I did and what I didn't do or what was already an issue with the system while there with the customer.
when spring and summer not a whole lot of time to go fishing. but covid had made it easier to get across town faster. I started to collect tools being in the field to make things easier. true about the slow seasons. easy in the attic then. thanks for the video.tomorrow me and other guys and girls will be helping out the teacher with his own changeout at his home.
Good luck
I just had to stop at the job I did yesterday to pick up the set of volt meters and copper cutters that I forgot in the attic because I sat it on top of the water heater😂
Awsome. This kind of channels motivate me with my new channel, appreciate you informative videos
Can you make a video of what tools you recommend for a new tech please. Like the tools you said that you wish you or even glad that you had. Thanks.
For sure . That should be my first video of 2021 . Stay tune
Thank you, Roddy. The seasonality, you didn't say what part of the country you are in. This is my Day 1 of investigating HVAC. So I'm guessing that extreme changes in climate will need more HVAC work for heating and cooling both. And less extreme climates will call for less HVAC work (total guess).
Thank you champ.
Much respect and admiration
I just started HVAC class ☺️🙏
You welcome bro . Good luck
Where do you reside.
I'm looking for a mentor
I'm having issues with my own unit at home I have 2 heat
My ac unit ( air handler) Continues to run while in heat mode and the other unit blows cold air in heat mode
You know what your in for. It will make you, and it will break you. I'm at the breaking point now. After 30 years doing it and 22 years in business in SW Florida. Oh, all the sleepless nights fretting over other people's problems. Stress will kill you.
Yep , we tend to spend a lot when we're making a lot. Now, I want do something else. Not sure what. Just know , I feel your pain.
P.S. I got a Universal 4 station thermometer that I've had for 30 years. I mostly keep it put up, and don't use it. Peace and good luck. Today, its 95 with a feels like of 107.
Bro im super anal about my tools I don't let anyone "borrow" or even touch them they are to expensive to keep replacing.
I use to hate letting people borrow my tools when I was doing install
Except the first I totally agree with you my friend... you are right in every thing you said... Same thing's here in Greece... I'm doing this job for 15years now and I'm still loosing tools 😂😂😂😂. Happy new year to all...
sitting here in property management as a maintenance technician, lookin at 2 lost tools from my bag 😂
Bro I feel u..I have left and lost so many tools..sucks when it's a job that is really far and u will not b in a area any more...sucks....also make sure bro u do a walk thru be born u touch anything..so many times I have heard ,"it was working be for you got here"!!!! Ya right....
Started my install position this week. I’m both nervous and motivated for the start of it all. There’s so much to learn coming in green.
Congratulations. Good luck
@@hvacroddy5261 Preciate it fam ✊🏾
@@Louie_sm how’s it going ?
You making good money with 1 year?
@@Alex-jo2oi Yeah man it’s usually an 1100 or 1200 week day for me. On a good week with systems and duct systems, i’ll be around 15-1700. But winter is coming around so it’s slowing down to about 8-900 days.
"Call my assistant if you need me." Awesome!
If you join the union, they provide testing equipment, gauges, recovery machine etc.
The tech is responsible to provide basic hand tools. Check out your local plumber/pipe fitters/service technician union. We all share the same union. United Association of plumbers, pipe fitters, and service technicians
In some areas, it’s difficult to join the union. I was in the union in WA state but had to move three months before becoming an apprentice. I made it to Texas, and holy cow, while they do have unions, most people I spoke with had been trying to join the union for years. Go figure.
9:40 😆😆😆
Just now finding your channel. Got into hvac last year doing commercial installation. Been thinking about switching over to the service side though. Glad I found your channel, I needed some advice/inspiration. Thank you...💯
black excellence up in here 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
You know it !!
Wish you lived in the south East Texas area man! I’d hire you in a heart beat, keep up the good work!
Preciate it bro . Idk if I’m ready for that Texas heat through lol
I'm in the southeast I'm working on getting my epa all types be nice to get in with a solid company with good pay and benefits
I can understand you on being married to a machine,customer relations & the rest of the topics you talked about being a appliance tech .
Im a DIYer. I hear repairs guys always complaining about losing 10mm sockets.
I can’t understand why.
I’ve got like 50 of them.
Im glad to have you with us! @ZoneHomeSolutions
The worse part about the trade imo are the working conditions. I'm not referring to just the weather either. My hands, my feet, my back etc all hurt now all thanks to tight crawl spaces, heavy lifting, and refrigeration burns lol
Facts . I always recommend doing some sort of stretching before the work day . 10 minute stretching can go a long way lol
Rule number one turn unit on before you touch the unit if there for a maintenance that way if it doesn't start up they can't blame you rule two always make sure units comes on after you do the maintenance
Great video man! You gotta be built different to do this trade and you pointed out a lot of stuff people dont realize. TIME MANAGEMENT especially. Thank God my girl tolerates it lol
Climbing ladders, 120 degree rooftops, crawl spaces, can't shit anywhere- I quit after 2 yrs
Lmao
There can be challenges, for sure.
So far I’ve only lost a flashlight but it sucked anyways and didn’t really keep track of it very well
I’ve been a steamfitter for 11 yrs on and off I have lost 2 tools. It would have been 3 but because I caught the person using it. I took it back. Last tool I lost was my ratchet 9/16 this past summer. Someone yanked it from my bag when I was off for 2 days. The other was a seamer tool. I’m anal about my shit. That’s probably why I only lost two. I don’t put them on the floor or on top on any equipment. I either toss it in my bag the minute I don’t need it or have my tool belt on me. I rather take that tool out of my bag 10 times then leave it for easy access then forget it and wonder where I left it. I know, I have issues. But that has saved me a lot of money and stress.
I'm still using a 16" craftsman screwdriver and plhilips SnapOn screwdriver that were left by techs.
Been in my own van bout 8 months now. I've lost a disgusting amount of tools. I hate it. I mean I've always been bad about misplacing things, but damn. I've lost an amp clamp meter, a milwaukee 12v drill, and numerous hand tools. Mainly over the summer when I got thrown into 6 or 7 PMs a day and hardly knew what I was doing so I would get super flustered and rushed and leave stuff. I'm a bit better about it now thankfully. I will say I've quit buying strictly klein these days lol
I tell my customers that I have lost more tools then I bought because I will find tools that other techs tools and lose them with in two weeks
Yeah, everything you buy for Hvac cost about $500 a good digital manifold about $500 a good recovery machine about $500. A 7 CFM vacuum pump about $300 or more that handtools that’s the cheap part of it oxygen and acetylene torch about 3 to $400. Not to mention nitrogen bottle, recovery tank.
I start hvac school tomorrow this video helped
Bro I just started my 2nd year apprenticeship. Ima going to subscribe love the attitude
Graduate in May I wish I would have saved for tools also smh
Tomorrow I going to start at trade school man I subscribe hope to learn more from you
are you ac technician
I'm about to take my certification test on Monday
How did it go?
@@rodneywiggs I pass everything except type l with a 65. For my standard even if it was passing I wouldn't want it
Thanks for the heads up. I'm enrolled for HVAC in January.
I have lost 500 tools over 22 years most of the time I'm in a rush and forget them behind dealing with customer and collecting money are the worst part of the job when you have a good customer you want to keep him happy
Going to try to get on with a company with no experience, thanks for the video I felt there was a lot of great information