New HVAC student

[st.george]

Not sure if this is the right section. But I'm wondering what the work is like in this line of work. I'm half scared of heights, I don't like them but I can deal with them, and I hate ladders. But apart from that I'm a competitive weight lifter so the heavy lifting I was told about shouldn't be a problem, and I'm very detailed in my work.

I'm accepted to "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic" at the College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland, Canada. Is that the same as HVAC? Or well I have to go write more tests after to be HVAC licensed?

More or less looking for a idea of what to expect (Work type, hours, pay etc) if I go into this line of work? I've seen on Canada Job Bank that some places are offering 40$+ an hour, what's the catch there? I'm also accepted into Automotive Mechanic at the same school, and I live under a car now as is, so that's my fall back if I figure that HVAC isn't for me.

Thanks Alot

[SouthTex]

Ladders are used every day by most of our people, commerical guys are on roofs alot.

[blitz]

$40/h? if you're just out of school, dream on. if you have 10 yrs exp, there's possibility of it. being auto mechanic, you would spent majority of your time fixing junky cars. well, same w/ hvac eqp, but you could always up sell. you can't w/ a car.

how heavy are you? ladder only rated for 350 lbs at most. w/ avg is for 250 for aluminum one. that' includes you and tools + eqp need to be hauled w/ u. i you're scare of height and ladder, it could be a hindrance. we got a tech who is trully residential only, great tech and person. he's scared of ladder and has to call back up if anything to do w/ chimney or height. but it don't really bother him much, as he deals mostly w/ resi stuffs.

now, how resilient are you towards the weather? you'll work in blistering hot and in hail and sleet. in the middle of the winter you might have to shovel the roof to find the unit or just to go to it, depending on where the snow drift is. can you think on your feet quickly when the wind howling and the snow start to came down really heavy, it's 4:30 and getting dark very quickly? and the stupid wiring diagram is so cryptic you wanna call a linguistic to decipher it for you?

if you like heavy lifting in awkward places and position, be an installer. go home each day closer to a more normal time, don't have to deal w/ on call/service most of the time.

pay wise, to start, it's pathetic. it's just above min wage to start. after that it's depend on your ability, your company, and the local economy. work load wise, long hours. if you're in service don't expect to be home at 4:30 each day. it could be 7:30 and you still have one more calls to do or the calls you took at 4:30 running way late. we work when the weather is extreme, thats when eqp broke down more often. I don't want nice weather. well, I do, but my paycheck is depending on how bad the weather is...

I think that's cover most of it. :D now, would you like to carry that vacuum pump and jug of freon across the roof? and that box of air filter?

[Wester399]

If your scared of heights and ladders chances are this trade isnt for you. Especially right out of school your gonna be the guy hauling tools up the ladder.Jobs are fairly scarces out there in the field atleast in ontario not to sure about out east. My best advice is what the hell try it out go to school see if you like it and go out to employers often. I did a course at Fanshawe in ontario here and i got my gas ticket out of it thats likely what you will get. Get your g3 and hit up employers get any exp you can. Hell find a guy whose busy and maybe work saturdays while your in school
Good luck man were all in this together.

[st.george]

Right now I'm 6' 4'' 290 pounds. that crosses out most ladders for me. I don't like heights, but I can deal with it. And I figured that $40/hr is crazy. As far as weather goes, I grew up in Labrador. I've had -65 C right up to 45 C. Weather and heavy lifting is no big deal to me.

Really my big thing is if I'm going to make more money at this then automotive. Most places I find on Canada Job Bank are looking for 3-5 years exp and offer 30ish/hr, but I think your number is more realistic then that. However automotive isn't much better and there is zero chance of ever making more then 25-28 $ an hour.

How much of a big deal is the whole ladder situation going to be?

[MM#7]

Right now I'm 6' 4'' 290 pounds. that crosses out most ladders for me. I don't like heights, but I can deal with it. And I figured that $40/hr is crazy. As far as weather goes, I grew up in Labrador. I've had -65 C right up to 45 C. Weather and heavy lifting is no big deal to me.

Really my big thing is if I'm going to make more money at this then automotive. Most places I find on Canada Job Bank are looking for 3-5 years exp and offer 30ish/hr, but I think your number is more realistic then that. However automotive isn't much better and there is zero chance of ever making more then 25-28 $ an hour.

How much of a big deal is the whole ladder situation going to be?

problematic i'd say!:.02::.02:

[Damien]

If you havent even started school and you're worried about going up and down a ladder, I think you've got bigger problems!

Your 6'+ and 290lbs, get your big boy pants on and get over it!:whistle:
(no disrespect intended)

[stonewallred]

I am afraid of heights that won't kill me. Spent a large part of my youth jumping off 200+ foot high cliffs with only a rope, a piece of nylon strapping and a bit of metal to keep me plunging to my death.

Long as the fall will kill me, I am OK.

Size?
That can be an issue. I am 6'1" and 345 pounds.
I lifted for almost 28 years, until the 4th rotor cuff tear made me have to put the steel down. Power, not pretty though.

Pay?
Totally according to location, skills and how much the boss man values you.

I know several mechanics, and barring those who own their own business, most guys around here with 3+years experience makes more than they do.

Think it comes down to what you want.
Your living under a car shows you have the necessary mechanical aptitude.
Your idea that car mechanics is a back up, shows you like to figure out what is wrong and fix it.

Boils down to do you want to go into the same place, spend "x" hours and go home, or do you want to work in a variety of different locations and environments.

[st.george]

The whole ladder deal isn't game breaking. It's just if I can make a equal amount of money on solid ground working on a car I'd take that over being on a ladder all day.

I fell off a ladder and broke my shoulder arm and wrist about 4 years ago, not my favorite thing to be on anymore. But, if I'm looking at $30+ an hour up here in canada compared to the $22 I might get as a automotive mechanic. Time to get over this ladder deal. Plus the added bonus of keeping cars as a hobby and not getting burnt out on them when they're my job and hobby.

[Damien]

3 points of contact guys! And tie it off when possible! There's one more about a certain height above the ledge, but hell, I forget that one!

I dont think you'll be on ladders to much. Atleast I dont seem to be anyways.
Pay is decent, not sure about Canada, but as long as you prove your worth, it can only go up!

But then again, if you become a car guy you can go to the same shop everyday, drink the same crap coffee in the lobby and eat over salted popcorn on breaks.

Personally I enjoy the variety and comical customer interactions, the instant gratification when you become a hero and fix someones furnace/AC! Somedays I dont even see my shop or maybe only once first thing in the morning, just out there on your own making chit happen!

[maxster]

think about coming off an ice covered flat commercial roof NO WALL :gah: try to catch the rung of the ladder extended 30' in blowing snow at night.big difference lifting weights vs humping a 60 ton compressor into place or up staris with rigging or climbing up on steel beams off a 8' ladder to check controls with no platform

[rmuntz]

A ladder that is maintained and not damaged is as safe as the person setting it up, respect the ladder and as mentioned before, follow the rules; 4-10 slope, 3 point contact, tie it off 'always', level and solid base.

I personnally won't go on a sloped metal roof with snow on it. In Canada, you have the "Right to Refuse" unsafe work (I know this will open up a whole other can of discussion worms). As a worker and an employer I would respect anyones right as long as the reason is valid.

Maxter, if you are still lifting 60 ton compressors by hand, well, good luck with that. The law of leaverage is a wonderful thing. Once you injure your back it's done for life.

St George, if you have some mechanical ability and some physics/chemistry saavy, choose hvac. I would suggest to focus on refrigeration. There are less people doing it and there is less roof work from ladders

[Retread]

ladders bothered me a bit at first getting back into the field. Within a couple of months I did not even think about it anymore. The better shape you are in the better for ladders. You will become sure of your balance and ability. In my area you will make more than a car mechanic to the tune of about $10hr more.

[nairb25]

I just started at a residential/ light commercial 3 months ago and my first day they had me going up and down ladders with CO2, R22, and tool bags. I think they were trying to see if I could handle it. I think that even if you are a bit scared of heights, the more you deal with them the easier it will get. Just be smart and safe. Don't let ANYBODY hurry you in setting up your ladder properly. Tie off your ladder on your first trip up before you even step on the roof and use a rope to raise/ lower stuff when possible.

[littletyrant]

i just completed the year and a half hvac tech program at nicc in peosta iowa, im looking for a place to work that has a iowa licesned apprenticeship program, if someone could help me out with some information about the field or common problems and how to fix the i would really appreciate it, please email me at allenpmc0809@mchsi.com.

[fi_hunts]

Just from my short period of doing hvac work in Oklahoma. I am an apprentice and I am making $10/hr but I get plenty of OT. After taxes I am bringing home about $500 a week.

This summer was one of the hottest recorded in history. Hottest day was 117 F, at the end of the evening, my brain was melted and my body completely drained. Apprentice hands are basically the pack mules and attic/basement jockeys. Apprentice get all the crap work. There is light at the end of the tunnel and that is getting your Journeyman's license. However, a green JM probably won't make more than $20/hr... at least in Oklahoma.

The one thing I do know, is that I am always on a ladder, in an attic or on a roof. I wasn't real confident in those places at first, but after a couple months of it. It's become second nature now. Oh, running duct work sucks and Itch will make you crazy all day. :D

The best thing about this work is, you'll always have a job if you want it.

Cheers and good luck!,

Chris

[GsxrDave]

Dont forget about the good old muddy 3 block high crawl spaces infested with mice,snakes,and spiders, thats where all the fun is at.

[FrostyBeer]

I wouldn't sweat the ladder issue. I mainly do resi. and the biggest ladder I use daily is a 6ft. Occasionally I bust out the extension but usually that's com.
Also don't focus on the pay. If you love what you do and work hard the money will come with whatever path you choose.

[fi_hunts]

Dont forget about the good old muddy 3 block high crawl spaces infested with mice,snakes,and spiders, thats where all the fun is at.

and red wasp nests!

[lortech]

can remember being on a scissor lift at 35 feet first time. Was nervous :) But I got used to it. I have only fallen off a ladder once, at three feet and cracked some ribs can you believe that? The corner of a restaurant kitchen sink was the landing pad for my lower right ribs..not my feet!

I would see about being a labor before you goto school at minimum wage and learn to do ladder work. There are ladders that will have a security device that will slide up the ladder just in case you fall.

The three things that are important when climbing ladders. Have a strong good footing for the ladder to rest on. Have it hook over the top of the building edge if it has that ability. Never drop off a ladder if it starts to fall sideways. A ladder will drop slowly along the edge of the building if it ever does slide and its rate of decent is much slower then if you were to "let go and drop down"



I remember once I worked along side officers once. A small police officer shoved a big spider in a jar in the face of the largest of officer in the detachment, and he took off running with smaller officer in pursuit. Very funny but everyone has a phobia. Its just a matter of getting over it.

[lortech]

Dont forget about the good old muddy 3 block high crawl spaces infested with mice,snakes,and spiders, thats where all the fun is at.


Ugg, I will take heights any day over a crawlspace with spiders..unless I was in a suit head to toe!

[zw17]

You can train your body and mind to overcome your fear of heights and ladders, you cannot train your body and mind to overcome layoffs and every auto mechanic I know is laid off in this economy right now while every HVAC tech is screaming busy with this hot weather.

A healthy fear of falling, electrical, steam, pressures, temperatures, and the thousands of other things that can kill you in this trade, well, that fear is what keeps you from dying 99.9% of the time.

[Stroh01]

I will be attending Ridge Road campus for the exact same course. Maybe I will see you there. My name is Michael.

[Wester399]

I actually just started today .....ripped out a gas line for a fireplace and built a little sheet metal like drive cleats from the scrap cuts and some filter rack pieces. It was an alright first day aloooot to take in im definatley gonna have to put work in. Only making 11 dollars an hour to start but i couldnt negotiate i just had to get my foot in the door. Chances r if u get on with a small company you will make 10.25(adult minimum wage) but if your lucky and get signed up right away or get in with a big company you may start at as much as 15$ an hour. I also have to take into consideration im not an apprentice for anything yet just a gas tech helper.