Going into HVAC A Good or Bad Idea?

[Confused NYC]

Well, happy Halloween everyone. I'm in NYC and I have decided to pursue HVAC but want to make sure I am making the right decision. I've gotten a bit nervous from some of the threads here with people being out of work. What are the job opportunities currently like in HVAC? Will I be able to find a job after graduation with no experience? Is HVAC a stable trade?

Thanks!

[airtight_tech]

I think you just need to find a good, reputable company to work with and you will be ok. I have heard that commercial is steadier then res but others may have better input on that.

[Confused NYC]

I heard that too. My father used to work for a major commercial real estate company and knew all of the tradesmen very well and they definitely make better money than residential here in NYC. Commericial is where I want to end up.

I know this is a dumb question, but if I work for someone, I don't need my own van or tools, do I? I don't mind buying minor things like drills and a hammer, but I don't want to have to spend thousands of dollars.

[yellowirenut]

companies vary..but when starting out in commercial you will not be just thrown out there . You will be parred with someone. think of it like a second interview..plus that is the person you will learn the trade from..schooling is a very small portion of the knowledge needed.

[jpsmith1cm]

You will most likely wind up spending thousands of dollars on tools anyways.

Maybe not right at first and right up front, but eventually, you will buy things like a DRSA (Digital manifold gauges) and various meters and specialized tools that are quite pricey but make your job easier and you more valuable to your employer.

[Gleng]

Hvac is a great field,However,You need to work for a good company like with anything.There is a long learning curve.Expect to be a gopher for a few years,but it will pay off.I grew up in New Jersey,but have lived in the Atlanta,Ga. area for 25 years.I did work in New Jersey and New york city before I moved here.Lots of work ,but competitive.The union is very big in New york city.You might want to talk to the local New york Local about apprenticeship program.I am not a union fan now,but good and strong in the northeast. Good luck.

[knave]

I've been in hvac 2 years now and it is great! I am working for a very good small company.

[Confused NYC]

Well, I am glad that many peopel are successful in HVAC, as that gives me hope. I actually think trades like HVAC have a solid future since they are not going to be outsourced, automated, or obsolete anytime soon.

[Armament]

I think I would go into power engineering if I had to do it again. I just saw an ad for a first class engineer in Alberta Canada. 40 hour weeks $110,000-$130,000.

I have no problem admitting I'm a whore. I'm in it for the money.

It depends on where you work, what kind of work you like, if you are mechanically inclined. Some people klike residential, some people like commercial, industrial, air conditioning, refrigeration, tin knocking, controls. Id lose my mind if I was banging in residential heat pumps and mini splits on a regular basis but some people enjoy it thoroughly.

[Roadhouse]

I would suspect that where the Winter demands as much if not more than the summer you'll be good year round.

Now in Houston it's well know that you can make $100,000+ in 7,8,9 months and live of of it through the down time.

Service techs and sales.

[knave]

Id lose my mind if I was banging in residential heat pumps and mini splits on a regular basis but some people enjoy it thoroughly.

i've never known anything different!!! So I enjoy it!!?!

What do you enjoy???

[Confused NYC]

I would suspect that where the Winter demands as much if not more than the summer you'll be good year round.

Now in Houston it's well know that you can make $100,000+ in 7,8,9 months and live of of it through the down time.

Service techs and sales.

Really? How does one get such a job? Is such a salary common, or is it just limited to a small number of techs?

[cracker]

I have been In this business for over 30 years......If I had to do It again , I would go some where else. Remember You are only a number for the company you work for, YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR LAST SERVICE CALL,....Bottom line most company's don't care about you,......How much money you make for owners, and HOW LITTLE THEY CAN PAY YOU!!