Is HVAC a Good Career? Absolutely! Here's Why.
| Update: April 15th, 2025
If you’re looking for a rewarding, hands-on career with room for growth, becoming an HVAC Technician could be the perfect fit.
Keep reading to discover what HVAC Technicians do and the different opportunities in this dynamic field.
How to Become an HVAC Technician
Get the Right Training
To become an HVAC Technician, formal training is essential. Many aspiring technicians complete a training program at an institution like UEI College, where students can earn a diploma in as little as 10 months.
Obtain Certifications
After you’ve gained the knowledge, you should seek to obtain two important HVAC certifications. Once you’re done with these items, it’s time to search for a position where you can apply your newly learned knowledge and skills.
What Are Some Skills That HVAC Techs Should Have?
HVAC technicians work with people, tools, and technology. Their job changes daily and requires a wide variety of both technical and soft skills.
Technical Skills:
- Safety protocols
- Reading blueprints
- Cleaning filters
- Basic Plumbing
- Basic electrical and wiring
- Testing equipment
- Preventative maintenance
- Hand and power tool experience
Soft Skills:
- Professionalism (customer service)
- Problem-solving
- Punctuality (time management)
- Motivated
- Effective communication
These skills can all be gained over time with consistent practice. A school setting is the best place to practice these skills, and you may find additional skills that help further your career.
Is HVAC a Good Career Choice?
To determine whether HVAC is a good career choice, let’s look at the pros and cons of pursuing a career as an HVAC Technician.
Pros
1. No College Degree is Required
The great thing that attracts so many people to become HVAC technicians is that working in the HVAC field does not require a college degree. You can become an HVAC Tech by completing an HVAC Training Program at a good institution and earning your diploma without having a college degree. So, you could theoretically finish high school and immediately begin training to become an HVAC Technician.
2. HVAC Technicians are in Demand
As technology in computers advances, so does the technology in refrigeration and heating equipment. Each of these systems needs a trained HVAC technician to keep them running at peak performance. That’s why there is always a need for new technicians to learn the trade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVAC industry is expected to continue growing over the next ten years, providing jobs and opportunities for years to come.
3. Increasing Need for HVAC Technicians
Where there is residential and commercial construction, so does the need for qualified HVAC Technicians to install and service HVAC systems. As such, pursuing a career as an HVAC Tech may be worth it since more and more HVAC technicians will be needed to serve the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration needs of residential and commercial construction.
So, if you’re interested in training to become an HVAC Technician, consider enrolling in UEI's HVAC Training Program to train for this rewarding career. The program will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to pursue a career as an HVAC Technician.
4. Work With Your Hands
HVAC technicians are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and replacing HVAC equipment. This involves using power tools, drilling, cutting, and connecting different pieces. If you enjoy working with your hands, you will enjoy working as an HVAC Technician.
5. You Can Work Anywhere
The beautiful thing about becoming an HVAC Technician is that you can apply your knowledge and skills anywhere there are HVAC systems, which pretty much covers all of the United States. Some states have more demand than others for HVAC Technicians, but there is no doubt that there is a need for HVAC Techs to install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems throughout the United States. So, if you want to pursue a career that will allow you to live anywhere you want while still being able to use your skills, you should consider training for a career as an HVAC technician.
6. HVAC Systems are All Around Us
Just about every household has a refrigerator, freezer, and heating system. Most households have an air conditioning unit as well. Understanding these systems takes training. HVAC technicians need to understand the HVAC equipment, but they are also trained to understand the systems that an air conditioner or heater connects to, like plumbing and electrical. These systems run through every building, making HVAC training incredibly valuable.
7. Help People Feel & Breathe Better
Your HVAC equipment is what carries the air through your home. If it is not maintained well, it could be pushing dust and dirt instead. As an HVAC technician, you would be cleaning filters and HVAC components to ensure that HVAC systems work when they're needed to provide a comfortable and clean environment for people in their homes and at businesses.
8. Develop Your Problem-Solving Skills
An HVAC Technician is often called on to diagnose an issue and solve the problem. This takes a lot of critical thinking and trial and error. If you are excited about the opportunity to solve problems, this is the career for you.
9. Exciting
No day is the same for an HVAC Tech. HVAC Technicians usually have a set schedule, so they head out to a different site daily unless it’s a large site that requires several days of work. For some, this is exciting because no one day looks the same as the other. Jobs and job requirements tend to be different. You’ll meet new faces and encounter new challenges on a daily basis, which makes this an exciting career. So, if you want a job that is not repetitive, consider pursuing a career as an HVAC Technician.
10. Rewarding
Some HVAC Technicians like HVAC because it’s rewarding. You get to help families and people improve their life by ensuring that they live in an environment that’s both healthy and comfortable. Many HVAC Techs like helping others and the gratitude that comes from happy customers who have their HVAC systems back up and running. Whether you’re just changing an air filter that wasn’t allowing enough air into the system or you’ve just installed a brand new system, many HVAC technicians feel a sense of accomplishment after resolving a customer’s needs. If you like a rewarding career, becoming an HVAC Technician should be on your list.
11. Challenging Career Choice
A career as an HVAC Technician can be challenging because every installation or maintenance order is different. Different parts of HVAC systems must be repaired, and it is your job to identify the issue affecting the system and then devise a plan to fix the issues you’ve encountered. So, if you like troubleshooting systems to find out what’s wrong with them and then fixing such systems, you may find that becoming an HVAC Tech is the right move for you, especially if you enjoy the challenge of repairing such systems.
12. Availability of Good HVAC Training Programs
If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC Mechanic, you’ll be pleased to know that there are various reputable HVAC Training Programs that will prepare you for a career in the HVAC Field. For example, UEI College offers an excellent hybrid Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Program where a portion of the Program is completed online, and the second portion is completed on-campus, where you will obtain hands-on lab training on real HVAC systems. The program will thoroughly prepare you for an entry-level HVAC tech career, allowing you to add value on day one.
Learn more about UEI's HVAC Program
13. Helping the Environment
Part of being an HVAC Tech involves assisting clients in choosing HVAC systems and making them more efficient to save clients on energy costs. Choosing more efficient HVAC system options allows consumers to save money and use less energy. The usage of less energy translates into fewer resources used to generate energy, which has a positive impact on the environment. HVAC professionals can help the environment by using energy-efficient HVAC systems and thermostats.
14. Availability of Short-Term Career Training
The great thing about becoming an HVAC Technician is that you do not need to spend two to four years in college to earn a degree. Instead, you can complete a short-term HVAC Training program such as the Program offered by UEI College to become an HVAC Tech. Our short-term Program can be completed in as little as 10 months. Upon completion of the Program, you will have earned your HVAC diploma, making you more marketable in a competitive job market.
15. Many Career Options
Completing an HVAC Program opens the doors to many HVAC career options. For example, you can work as an HVAC installer, mechanic, specialist, refrigeration mechanic, service technician, and many other careers. You can even start your own HVAC business upon graduating from an HVAC Program and earning your certifications. So, there are many career options if you choose to work in the HVAC field.
16. Independence
Most HVAC technicians work independently. You may be asked to shadow a more experienced tech for your first few months, but with experience, your supervisor may trust you to handle more and more projects on your own. Also, with time and training, many HVAC technicians learn enough about the business to become their own bosses. Owning a small business isn’t for everyone, and it does require an additional level of licensing, certification, and bookkeeping, but if you prefer to set your own hours and want the freedom to take on certain projects, it’s nice to know there is a possibility for that in the future.
17. Seasonality
When HVAC technicians are not fixing air conditioners, they are maintaining refrigeration equipment or making sure the heat is working in a home, or possibly building entirely new systems in newly constructed buildings. However, there are times of the year when HVAC technicians are needed to repair and install systems, especially when the weather is very hot or very cold, and there are other times when demand is low, allowing some HVAC technicians to rest and take time off if an employer permits.
18. Active Work That Helps You Stay Fit
HVAC technicians climb ladders, crouch in small places, lift heavy equipment, and are always on their feet. Often installers are working outdoors or in buildings that are still being constructed. This active work helps keep some HVAC Technicians fit as opposed to desk jobs where people are often sitting down throughout the day.
19. Room for Advancement
HVAC technicians work with a variety of equipment and are trained to know a little bit of everything in the construction world. With each new skill learned, it leads to more opportunities to advance. HVAC technicians can also earn certifications for knowledge about system performance, ducts, green awareness, residential energy, refrigeration piping, and more. Each specialty certification gives another boost to your resume and could lead to a bump in pay as well.
Cons
1. Long Hours
Some HVAC Technicians have reported working long hours, especially considering that HVAC work is seasonal, meaning work increases during winter and summer when HVAC is necessary when temperatures are very cold or hot. Additionally, HVAC systems in some buildings are quite complex, requiring a significant amount of troubleshooting and repairs. That said, HVAC techs are usually compensated for the hours worked. This is something minor that you should be aware of should you choose a career in the HVAC field.
2. Occupational Hazards
HVAC Technicians may work with hazardous chemicals, deal with heavy equipment, and often work in extreme heat or cold, so it is important to note this should you choose to pursue a career in the HVAC field.
3. Uncomfortable Spaces
HVAC Systems are often located in tight and uncomfortable spaces. You must be comfortable working in cramped spaces that are often full of dust, fumes, and other hazardous materials. Moreover, you might be working in very cold or very hot environments. If you can tolerate such conditions, you can still choose a career in the HVAC field.
4. Constantly Improving Technology
HVAC systems are continuously evolving, with more energy-efficient systems and thermostats coming to market. You must stay aware of new systems and must understand how they work because you will likely encounter them in the field. If it bothers you to stay aware of the latest HVAC tech, a position in the HVAC field may not be the right career choice for you.
5. Physically Demanding
There is no doubt that a career in the HVAC field is physically demanding, requiring you to have the stamina and strength to stand up for long periods of time, crawl into small spaces, and withstand other forms of physical stress. So, if you have the stamina and ability to put up with these conditions, HVAC may be the right career move for you.
6. Need to Stay Up to Date
If you are looking for a career you can do in your sleep, HVAC is not it. HVAC requires a great deal of critical thinking, and with evolving technology, you’ll always be developing new skills. This is a career for someone who thrives on learning by trial and error.
7. Odd Hours
Many companies understand how important it can be to have functioning HVAC equipment. As you are gaining experience in this field, especially in an entry-level position, you may have to work on-call and respond to issues outside of normal business hours to troubleshoot and fix HVAC issues.
8. Requires Training
Some companies may promise on-the-job training for HVAC technicians, but in most states, technicians are required to have certification through the EPA to work independently as a technician or installer. You may need to spend some money upfront for your education in order to get into this field. The good news is the training can be completed in as few as 10 months and is more affordable than a university degree.
Is HVAC the Right Career for You?
If you’re looking for a good career that allows you to work with your hands, becoming an HVAC technician may be the right move for you. The great thing about becoming an HVAC technician is that you can train and gain the necessary skills and knowledge in less than a year. This allows you to spend little time learning about the HVAC field and more time working and earning money for yourself and your family.
As an HVAC Tech, you will definitely have an active career as most of your duties will involve installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC and refrigeration systems. You will get to work both indoors and outdoors, and no two days are the same!
If you like interacting with others, you will have the opportunity to talk to customers, supervisors, and dispatch personnel. Interacting with others is necessary to teach customers about the various HVAC systems in order to help them choose the system that’s right for them. Also, you will have to interact with your supervisors to keep them updated on what you’re working on.
That said, as mentioned above in the cons section, should you be comfortable with some of the cons of working as an HVAC Tech, then pursuing a career as an HVAC Tech may be the right move for you.
Is it Worth it to Become an HVAC Technician?
If you are looking for a career that will keep you interested by providing you with new challenges to troubleshoot and solve each day, you should seriously consider becoming an HVAC technician. This industry needs new, motivated individuals who are patient enough to learn the trade and continue learning each day on the job.
HVAC technicians provide a valuable service that is necessary for any climate. The skills gained will not only provide a bright future in the HVAC industry but also provide opportunities to grow in other career fields as well.
The best part about a career in the HVAC field is that it is easy to get started. You can finish your training at UEI College in as few as ten months and be prepared for an entry-level position right away!
With skilled technicians on the rise now is the perfect time to enter this rewarding field. Start exploring your options by finding a UEI College campus near you.
