HVAC Technology

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) are in for hot job prospects and cool wages. Also known as climate control, those who are trained to perform maintenance, repair and install HVAC systems will see an increase in employment faster than average for other occupations. This is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), through the year 2014.

What is a Typical HVAC Job Like?

An HVAC mechanic must be skilled in many aspects. Hospitals, schools, office buildings, malls, and apartment buildings have very complicated climate systems in place that can only be cared for by highly skilled and trained professionals. Most of the time after graduating from a HVAC program, you can usually choose a job that focuses on either installation or maintenance and repair. There are other areas of expertise in HVAC involving hydraulics (water-based heating systems), solar panels, or commercial refrigeration.

HVAC mechanics and installers are skilled in using high-powered tools like metal snips, electric drills, pipe cutters and benders, measurement gauges, and acetylene torches, which assist in the repair of refrigerant lines and air ducts. During training, you’ll also get familiar with reading things like voltmeters, pressure gauges, manometers, and other testing devices that monitor airflow, refrigerant pressure, electrical circuits, burners, and other components.

Learning the HVAC Ropes

The objective of the Refrigeration School, Inc. is to train and prepare students for entry level positions. A student is required to complete each phase of training with a proven degree of competency and, upon successful completion of the course; the student will have the necessary skills to enter these fields. Students study theory, design, equipment construction, electronics, as well as the basics of installation, maintenance, and repair. It is understood that to become an expert in any field requires dedication, hard work, and continued schooling, and most certainly having or acquiring the proper attitude, drive and motivation.

While HVAC mechanics of years past might have learned on the job, as equipment becomes more efficient and the industry adopts more energy saving devices most employers expect you to have completed HVAC training. The Refrigeration School, Inc. is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, and complies with all local, state, and federal regulations. RSI is licensed to operate by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and is a Member of the Arizona Private School Association.

HVAC stands for ‘heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning’ and the systems that implement these elements are what make your New York home as livable as possible no matter the season. In short, nothing could affect the temperatures, quality of indoor air and overall comfort within the house than these equipments. So whether you are in Manhattan, Long Island, Queens, Staten Island or Brooklyn; it pays to know more about the maintenance of these HVAC systems and problems that may arise if you do not do so.

Like all other equipments, HVAC systems require certain levels of maintenance to keep them working efficiently and make them last the test of time. Throughout time, the consequences of not maintaining your systems properly would take its toll and it may arise as one of these problems:

• Low air flow which is commonly caused by dirty filters or worn/ loose pulleys;
• Water leaks may result from dirt-clogged drainage areas in the equipment like traps, piping, and condensate pans;
• Without regular lubrication, premature failure of the HVAC systems may happen;
• Improper positioning of equipment belt may cause the motor and bearing to fail untimely;
• Without accurate calibration, thermostats will cause the equipment to unnecessarily run overtime;
• Any dirt or damage can cause the motor, compressor and other working parts to excessively exert effort.

All these will then lead to higher operating temperatures, wasting more energy, and thus higher energy and utility bills to pay. Other than the costs, the \whole household will be subjected to a decrease in the quality of indoor living.

Not performing routine inspections and maintenance would eventually start some small damages and before you know it, your bank account and even your HVAC systems are blown out to an irrepairable state. And the money that you thought you saved from not calling on a specializing HVAC contractor to do evaluations would be your greatest downfall and could be the very reason why you’ll be loosing a lot more hard-earned money.

HVAC contractors are truly crucial to prolong the life of your systems and keep them running as well as they were always new. The type of maintenance needed will depend on the HVAC systems, and how old they already are. In terms of air-conditioning, each cooling session needs some filter cleaning and oiling of motor. Oil-fueled burners need an annual maintenance comprising of jet adjustments, filter change, and flue cleaning. With gas-fueled forced-air heating systems, filters can be replaced in a monthly or bi-monthly basis during heating season and fans lubricated yearly.

If by chance your older equipment is too old and is already not as effective in keeping the cool, warmth and comfort within your New York home, look into energy efficient models that abound the current market. The technological developments throughout the decades have brought forth HVAC systems that could bring the most bang to your every buck. Though the initial cost could be hefty upon buying a new system, you should also be looking into the long term operating costs.

When you go to a technical school to learn HVAC maintenance and repair, you expect to learn how to repair electrical work or perform maintenance on a refrigerator. But do you expect to develop leadership skills? If not, then you should. Sure, technical school teaches you the vocational skills for working in the HVAC industry, but just as importantly, technical school teaches you how to become a leader in the field.

But what leadership qualities should an HVAC technician possess? How do they make a difference in the everyday work of HVAC maintenance and repair? Here are some suggestions for how you can lead others as an HVAC professional.

Lead with integrity
Those who are successful in business often have proven leadership skills that are founded on integrity. Integrity means that you fulfill the promises that you make. Trust can be a big factor in a successful business relationship and as a leader, you need your co-workers and customers to trust you to complete the work that you say you will. Even if it is something as simple as sending a customer a link to a web page you talked about with them, you need to make sure that you follow through on it. By doing the small, simple things, you will become a leader in your field based on the integrity you demonstrate.

Lead with an open mind
Having an open mind is all about listening. You must allow your co-workers and customers to vocalize their thoughts and opinions in order to make the best leadership decisions. Are you able to focus on what another person is saying or are you waiting for your turn to argue your point? This slight difference in approach to listening will make all the difference to the people with whom you are talking. You can learn about the problems and concerns of others in order to make more fully informed decisions. Your ability to keep an open mind toward others will also be a testament to your integrity.

Lead with flexibility
No matter how much education and experience you have in the HVAC industry, lead with the humility to grow and develop further. You can continue to learn from the people around you and to do this you must remain flexible. Don’t be sure that your way is the best way. It’s all right to accede to another person’s suggestions, even seemingly insignificant ones. Leading with flexibility and an open mind go hand in hand.
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Lead with a desire for self-improvement
Self-improvement is very important to leading. Technology changes so rapidly in today’s society, so you need to be willing to evolve your technical skills and your perspective on the industry with society. It is important for you to spend time learning new tools and methods that are gaining prominence in the industry. Along with improving yourself, you should also be willing to improve the skills of those around you.

Lead with the responsibility to teach
There is also a degree of teaching that comes with the self-improvement of yourself and the improvement of others. As you develop your skills further, you must encourage the people around you to develop their skills as well. It won’t do much good for you to possess the latest knowledge without sharing it with the other people at work. Bring everyone up to speed on the latest knowledge. With the team effort in having the latest industry methods and technology, your HVAC company can become a leading and innovative organization within your city.

Lead with authenticity
Be real with people. This is different from having integrity. Integrity is being honest with people and keeping your promises. Being authentic means being yourself. Don’t be a suck-up because you think that’s what people want to hear. Be genuine with people in order to gain their trust and confidence. While you do have to be a salesman to people, you don’t want to come off as a stereotypical one. Be encouraging and charming toward people, but more importantly, be natural.

Lead with patience
Things won’t always go the way you want them to go. Whether it’s a difficult co-worker, a job that doesn’t pan out, or a slow influx of work, have patience as a leader. Your reactions to problems will help others deal with those problems with a little extra kindness and understanding.

HVAC school will help you develop your leadership capabilities in order to be successful in your job and easy to work with in the eyes of your co-workers and customers. When you are able to succeed with these skills, you will be able to connect with people better and secure stability in your career.