Figuring out the right career can be challenging. However, if you are handy with tools and love fixing things, then a career in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) may be a natural fit for you. In an HVAC career, you could be installing, supporting, and maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration units. There are many benefits to choosing a career in HVAC, but there are also drawbacks to consider.
Benefits
One of the major benefits to an HVAC career is that you won't have to go to a university for four, eight, or more years to reach the education requirements for the field. Usually, trade school, technical school, or an apprenticeship is all that is needed for you to get an entry level position in HVAC. You may be required to become licensed, depending on the state that you live in, but a license can be obtained at many different locations and for a variety of specializations.
Another benefit to a career in HVAC is that the employment rate of HVAC technicians and other personnel is not expected to slow down anytime soon. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment rate is projected to grow 21% from 2012 to 2022, a rate that is faster than many other occupations. In addition to this, the median annual wage was $43,640 in May of 2012, so the salary of HVAC positions is above the average.
Finally, the HVAC profession is ever-evolving with new systems and techniques to keep you on your toes. It'll be very seldom that you'll be sitting behind a desk unless you are in a management position.
Drawbacks
On the other hand, there are drawbacks to working in the HVAC field that you should consider. For one, you must often work in tight, uncomfortable, and sometimes even hazardous areas. When the air conditioning or heating fails, HVAC technicians are called upon to assess the situation and repair the systems; this can sometimes mean working in temperatures that are not ideal for the human body or maneuvering through spaces with loose wiring, equipment that can burn you if touched, and other hazardous material.
You may also end up working extremely long and grueling days during peak seasons; during these times, air conditioning and heating systems break much more frequently due to higher usage. You may also deal with customers who are unpleasant and want immediate fixes to their problems. If you cannot handle stress and pressure, then you may struggle in the field.
