A recent survey of HVAC technicians found that the average tech makes about $50,000 per year. While this number can vary depending on experience and location, it’s a good starting point for those considering a career in HVAC.
Checkout this video:
HVAC Basics
In the HVAC industry, technicians that have the most experience and keep up with the latest technology can earn a pretty good wage. The average HVAC tech makes $22 an hour. But, of course, there are a lot of factors that can affect how much an HVAC tech makes in a year.
What is HVAC?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is a technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HVAC system design is a subdiscipline of mechanical engineering, based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. “Refrigeration” is sometimes added to the field’s abbreviation, as HVAC&R or HVACR or “ventilation” is dropped, as in HACR (as in the designation of HACR-rated circuit breakers).
In common usage, either the term “HVAC” or “air conditioning” refers toAir handling unit (AHU),split system Central air conditioner Chilled waterFan coil unit Heating furnace Packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC)Refrigeration(“refrigerant”) room air conditioner Thermostat Unit heater Variable refrigerant flow (VRF)
In construction, such a complete system of heating, ventilation and air conditioning is referred to as heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC system).attenuation duct Banks channel branch duct bypass capacitor coils control damper diffuser duct economizer filter gasket grille humidity isolation joule Kuwait Law louver motor noise plenum damper plenum return pressure pyranometer radiation relief damper room thermostat screen sensible heat silencer sound speed static pressure supply terminal unit variator volume damper water-cooled Air handling unit Attic fan Blowdown boiler Centrifugal fan Chauffage Chimney Damper Draft inducer Ductwork Échangeur de chaleur Fan coil unit Firestop Forced-air Fremo Heat recovery ventilation Induction Kerosene heater Leakage Loss Natural ventilation Packaged terminal heat pump Payne furnace Plenum Radiant floor heating Refrigerant Residential district Regulator Residential energy consumption Sampo Snowmelt Soundproofing Sunlight Supply plenum Swamp cooler Troubleshooting VAV underground duct Vents Warm-air furnace
What are the different types of HVAC systems?
For homes and small buildings, there are four common types of HVAC systems. Each system has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right system for your needs.
Split-systems: A split-system has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is usually located in the basement or a closet, and the outdoor unit is mounted on the wall or roof. Split-systems are most commonly used in homes and small buildings.
Packaged units: A packaged unit is a self-contained HVAC system that combines all of the components of a typical split-system (heat pump, air conditioner, furnace, etc.) into one unit. Packaged units are most commonly used in larger buildings, such as office complexes and schools.
Ductless mini-splits: A ductless mini-split is similar to a split-system, but it does not require ductwork to deliver air to the different rooms of a building. Ductless mini-splits are most commonly used in homes and small businesses.
Geothermal systems: A geothermal system uses the earth’s heat to provide heating and cooling for a home or building. Geothermal systems are most commonly used in larger buildings, such as office complexes and schools.
HVAC Training
The HVAC industry offers many opportunities for those who are interested in a career in this field. The average HVAC tech makes a good wage and can expect to receive benefits and job security. HVAC training can be completed in as little as two years and can lead to a rewarding career.
What type of training is required to become an HVAC tech?
Most HVAC technicians receive formal training through an associate’s degree or technical school program in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR). Through these programs, students gain the technical skills and knowledge necessary to perform maintenance, repair and installation of HVAC systems.
Although not required, certification from a professional organization can show potential employers that a technician is knowledgeable and skilled in the field. The most common certification for HVAC technicians is offered by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). To earn certification, technicians must have at least two years of experience in the field and pass a written exam.
What are the different types of HVAC certification?
There are many types of HVAC certification, but the most common are:
-NATE certification: Offered by the North American Technician Excellence organization, this is the most respected HVAC certification in the industry. To earn NATE certification, technicians must pass a rigorous exam that covers all aspect of HVAC installation and repair.
-EPA certification: All technicians who work with refrigerants must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is necessary to purchase refrigerants and to work with HVAC systems that use them.
-OSHA certification: Many states require technicians to be certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) before they can legally work on HVAC systems. OSHA certification ensures that technicians are properly trained in safety procedures and are up-to-date on the latest OSHA regulations.
HVAC Salary
HVAC technicians are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job growth in this field will be much faster than average in the next decade. HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They also perform regular maintenance on these systems to keep them running efficiently. The average HVAC tech makes a salary of $51,640 per year, which is a pretty good salary.
What is the average salary for an HVAC tech?
The average salary for an HVAC technician is $21.64 per hour in the United States, with the top 10% earning $29.59 per hour and the bottom 10% earning $14.71 per hour. The median salary is $20.54 per hour.
HVAC technicians can earn a wide range of salaries, depending on experience, education, certifications, and other factors. Many HVAC technicians start out as apprentices, earning a lower wage while they learn the trade. As they gain experience, they may be able to earn more money by working overtime or taking on additional responsibility in their jobs.
In addition to experience and credentials, salaries for HVAC technicians can vary depending on the region of the country where they work. HVAC technicians in urban areas tend to earn more than those who work in rural areas, due to the higher cost of living in these areas. HVAC technicians who work in states with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, also tend to earn more than those who work in states with a lower cost of living, such as Texas or Oklahoma.
What are the different factors that affect HVAC salary?
There are a variety of factors that can affect an HVAC technician’s salary, including experience, education, certification, and geographic location. Generally speaking, HVAC technicians with more experience and higher levels of education and certification can expect to earn higher salaries than those who have less experience or fewer credentials. Additionally, HVAC technicians who work in areas with a high cost of living may also earn higher salaries than those who work in areas with a lower cost of living.
HVAC Job outlook
The HVAC industry is expected to grow by about 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and increased awareness of the importance of indoor air quality will spur demand for these workers. The increasing popularity of green buildings will also contribute to job growth. The job outlook for HVAC technicians is very good.
What is the job outlook for HVAC techs?
The job outlook for HVAC techs is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of HVAC techs will grow by 15 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
What are the different types of HVAC jobs?
The most common type of HVAC job is that of an installer. Installers are responsible for putting in new units, as well as replacing old ones. They must be able to read blueprints and be physically fit, as the job often requires lifting heavy equipment. Other common types of HVAC jobs include:
-Service Technician: Service technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing HVAC systems.
-Systems Designer: Systems designers work with architects and engineers to design HVAC systems for new construction projects.
-Salesperson: Salespeople sell HVAC units and services to customers.
There are many other specialized types of HVAC jobs, such as ductwork installers and sheet metal workers. No matter what type of job you have in the field, it’s important to be highly skilled and knowledgeable about all aspects of HVAC systems.
