As with any profession, becoming a HVAC technician has its ups and downs. Before you commit to a career in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, you have to weigh the pros and cons. If the pros far outweigh the cons, then this might be a good career path for you, but know that HVAC jobs are not easy, and they are not for everyone.
Pros
- Job Security
Virtually everyone with a house, apartment, or business building has or needs a HVAC system, so you will always have steady work. In the winter, people will need to repair their heating unit. In the summer, the AC frequently goes on the fritz and needs repairs or maintenance work. Even in the spring and fall there will be work that needs to be done, including ventilation to prevent mold from building up in the home.
- Good Pay
As a busy HVAC specialist, you can make a pretty decent living to support yourself and your family. You would be able to afford a nice home and live comfortably. An experienced and certified HVAC specialist can earn more than $100,000 per year. Of course, you will have to work your way up. Starting salary, as with any job, is not going to be as lucrative as what you’ll get once you accumulate more training and experience.
- Excellent Benefits
In addition to making a decent salary, experienced HVAC specialists are given excellent employment benefits that cover the entire family. If you go this route, you can expect great health insurance benefits, including dental coverage and possibly even auto insurance. As a HVAC specialist, you can expect a pretty comfortable retirement. Many HVAC jobs come with competitive pension plans for a secure future.
Cons
- Long Hours
One of the cons of becoming a HVAC technical is that the busy seasons, like summer and winter, are often hectic. Most people will need to have their ACs or heating systems repaired or replaced. In addition, some of these jobs can be quite complex and require extended hours. In a typical day during an especially busy season, you can possibly be looking at working 16-20 hours per day.
- Evolving Technology
Another downside to becoming a HVAC technician is that your training and education never stops. With technology advancing at an alarming rate, HVAC systems are constantly changing with the times, with new and better systems constantly hitting the market. You need to be on top of the latest models of HVAC systems and know how they work. You need to constantly be aware of new developments and improvements in technology that could affect how you do your job.
You must carefully examine all of the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a HVAC technician before you decide if this is a career path for you. If you don't mind working long hours and keeping up with the latest developments, then this might be for you.
