looks like airexcelentcess is desperate heh heh:.02:
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looks like airexcelentcess is desperate heh heh:.02:
You will probably be fine at your age. I am in my 40's and 225lbs. Sometimes I am too fat to fit in some crawl spaces. I do suggest you get a couple of years experience before starting your own company. Also have a license, in Michigan it will take 3 years. Also most important have some money in reserve. 50 to a 100 thousand. If you start out in debt for trucks and other start up costs it may be a struggle if you are not busy.
I started HVAC before 50... and am closing on 60.
As noted: Installs are tough on the body... get a helper to do the heavy work
One 'can' do it... however as noted one needs years of experience to really understand the work... even residential.
Find someone that will hire you and learn, learn, learn!
The tech part is what you need to learn... then learn how to run a business.
Best to you... hope it works out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ga-hvac-tech
One of the big problems is he will be the helper for the next several years.
That can be physically challenging as well as mentally challenging to take orders from someone half his age.
Yes, if he goes to work for a larger player he will be the low guy and get the gut work... not good for someone unless they are healthy.Quote:
Originally Posted by TAC Service
In my area there are lots of small players who would hire a helper (maybe part time) if the person showed tech understanding and motivation.
Yeah, being the low guy on the list in a large co... when in one's 50's... would be tuff both physically and mentally/emotionally.
I suggest 6 months on an install crew, 6 months being a helper/clean &check tech, after that I would recommend dispatcher or sales.
This industry is full of salesman/comfort professionals :rolleyes: who have not a clue.
Lane
I attended a highly recognized HVAC pre apprentice program a few months back. Did not get any calls for a position "Everyone says they are full or, not hiring"
Anyway, I have been a auto mechanic twice "second time now for last three years" and work for my self. I also do lubrication of cranes and heavy equipment just no mechanical work.
How would you rate the physical demands of Automotive work on light passenger cars,trucks and vans vs the physical demands of a HVAC install technician ?
Thanks much!
I was a truck mechanic back when... so I think I can comment here...Quote:
Originally Posted by lortech
If you want to do installs full time... you might do better staying in the auto shop... If you want to to service/repair... it is by far easier.
Personally: I get install crews to do the gut work of my installs and I do the tech stuff. Keeps me from doing too much heavy work. This approach would be less physically stressful than auto repair.
What State are you in? If you are in a southern state lots of attics or crawl spaces to work in. If in Michigan lots of basements easy to work in. I was in a crawl space yesterday. I am 225 lbs. 6' tall. If my stomach were 4 " larger forward I could not have done this job.
I started out when I was 35. Took a night course that was similar to yours, just a way to separate you from your money. Found a company willing to hire an "old" guy for minimum wage as an install helper. Did grunt work for a year but watched and learned all I could. By year two by showing hard work and enthusiasm unlike the 18-20 year old installers, I got sent to several factory service schools and worked as a tech until I had the hours to qualify for the state license. Had a great boss and we partnered jobs for a while after I got my ticket and until I was able to fly solo.
Just my opinion, but trying to start your own co. when you don't even know the trade will be a very uphill battle. Customers can usually identify a clueless individual and if you are the company owner, then who do you call for help?
The only way I can see anyone hiring you to "train" you for your future plan would be to work at a minimum wage doing the grunt work and then doing your best work and not *****ing about it. For me, installs everyday when I was 35 was a killer as most of our equipment is in the attic. Service work not as hard but lifting compressors, lugging torches and nitrogen bottles onto a roof isn't easy either.
I do about 1 install a week with two helpers and am your age. It usually is a full day process and for me it is an a$$-kicker. Good luck to whatever you decide to do.
I don't think completing a 15 month course gives you the ability to walk on water,makes you a "real tech", or gives you the right to trash a guy for trying to better himself.Quote:
Originally Posted by AtkinsonAirCare
I wouldn't have a problem hiring a older newbie as long as he is physically able to perform the work.
Wow. I got exhausted just reading this. You are a bad bad man!Quote:
Originally Posted by captain123
56 now and started at 20 been a long time did install for many years and the past couple years only service
can still get arround real good and at 165 i find by the end off a day my knees and back hurt like hell
tuff trade on the body and just as tuff on the mind most times
but no regrets love this trade :cheers: