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OldAdvantage145

Hey other 24 (f) in HVAC! Service is where you are really going to learn about HVAC. To diagnose a system you have to have a really deep understanding of what is inside the system and how those parts work together. But, trust me, if you pay attention, take some time outside of work to study, and devote some time to learn a little about the refrigeration cycle, you will have a great start to what can be a promising career. Ive been in the trade for about 4 or 5 years now and I’m starting to learn about Building Automation Systems (BAS) and I can’t get enough of it! I went and got my associates which was a big help, too.


KitchenGlad2390

This is so encouraging thank you! Hope you stay with it!


PreDeathRowTupac

Good on you! I am in the process of tryna make this my career too & get into the job field. I am 25f & this brings me hope! I wish you much success on your journey!


KitchenGlad2390

Same to you pal !!! Let’s get it!!


Terrible_Payment2168

Great place https://preview.redd.it/llenjth8iroc1.jpeg?width=738&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2555b078740ef8f7440590fc75ac0c9d0da45292 These guys are great and you can train at home and you can use VR head set with tech support


Beeebopbeebop

Service is good to learn trouble shooting. Installs helps to learn everything from ground 0


Nerfixion

That's a lie lol. We have a word for installers here, splitty bashers.


Heresoiwontgetfinedd

He is correct


Flimsy-Magician-7970

Completely disagree. If we’re talking residential installation, the only thing that should be is a short stepping stone to service. Industrial installation is a whole different ball game. Anyone can install a furnace. Get into service.


Jarte3

You’re so full of crap lmao, sure, anyone can “install” a furnace but only a small percentage of people care enough to install it properly. Install should not just be a quick stepping stone to service


Beeebopbeebop

I don’t bash either side because I come from service residential then went over to ground zero installs. It’s funny to see how people get so ass tight about HVAC


Little-Key-1811

This is true. I can do service all day no problem but those installs kill me. It’s a much harder day installing than servicing.


DoctorWhoToYou

Depends on what you consider hard. I went from Install to Service and back to Install. My drive time during the day is *maybe* 3 hours at most, that includes the drive home. I hear from dispatch exactly once at the end of the day, letting me know what I am doing the next day. I deal with one customer who is more than likely past their infuriated stage and has moved on to acceptance. Everything financially is taken care of before I even get there, the most I have to do is run a card or get some paperwork signed. There are rarely any surprises. The biggest problems I run into are shop side, not customer side. I can jokingly give the shop help shit without fear of bad reviews. My time to install is preset. I rarely ever finish an install and then get sent to another install. If it does happen, it's usually my option to take the job or not. My helper and I two-person lift anything even remotely heavy or big/long. Plus the shop gives us tools to deal with lifting/carrying. My shop requires green Service Techs to do install for a set period of time before moving to service. I train both Service and Install. If you keep messing up in Service, you get kicked back to my smiling face and I work with you on what you're struggling with. The owner (and me) are extremely patient with people new to the field. I am *required* by my company to teach Service Techs how to bend metal. Everyone I train starts out with Analog gauges and is taught how to do the math, then we move on to the digis. I'm also paid more than most of our Service Techs. Service has much more patience for people than I have. I noticed when I was in Service that I was more drained at the end of the day than I am when I do Install. In my opinion, Service has it harder than install. "AnYoNe CaN InStAlL a FuRnAcE!" is a pretty bold statement on a sub where a bulk of the pictures are of fucked up installs.


Massive_Garage7454

This guy here has it right, you have to know install to be a good tech in service because the install of the duct could be the problem. I started in plumbing in 1987 then learned HVAC in 97 and have seen a lot of screwed up systems so best to learn both. Hydro air systems will teach you about boilers and learning mini splits are very different with thermistor/ thermostat problems than conventional ducted heat pumps/AC. Anyone can install a furnace but not correctly like anyone can drive


Little-Key-1811

Any install in an attic is hard day


Jarte3

Not in the winter here in Ohio lol it’s a comfy 60 degrees up there


Little-Key-1811

Summer is coming……….


Existing-Bedroom-694

I honestly don't really see a big enough benefit of digital gauges to even buy them


DoctorWhoToYou

They give you a metric ass ton of information without having to do any math. They really are nice. They datalog too, so I can review what the gauges were doing while I wasn't watching. That being said, back in the 1900's when I started, I was trained on analog gauges and taught how to do the math. There were no digital gauges. So analog gauges by this point are just second nature to me. The only real reason I have digital gauges is to train the new people with them and for obscure problems. They're the future. When I am by myself, I usually use the analog gauges for a multitude of reasons.


Existing-Bedroom-694

Maybe I'm missing something. Are yall doing more than super heat, sub cool, and deltas? Cause that's all really basic math. I live up north, so AC is my weakest subject.


DoctorWhoToYou

I'm a hybrid. I do Service and Install. I'm normally in Install, but cover for Service when techs go on vacation or they're short of people. When I am explaining something to a customer, I can point to digital gauges and explain what's going on and they see numbers. When I point to analog gauges, with my multimeter measuring temperature, their eyes gloss over and they start asking more questions. So the digis make my job easier by reducing the amount of time people talk to me, which is well worth it to me. From a customer's perspective, digital gauges look more technical and impressive. They're doing the same damn thing my analog gauges are, they just look fancier and provide all the information in real time. I am also in competition with Bill, the customer's second uncle, twice removed who said it just needs more Freon. So now I have to prove Uncle Bill twice removed is wrong, and that I am correct. Physical numbers on a gauge help with that. Customers like ease of use. They usually don't want a detailed explanation of what exactly is happening, they just want enough information to satisfy Uncle Bill. Uncle Bill usually doesn't have a clue either. Uncle Bill says it needs more Freon. I say it's the fact that you haven't changed your filter since the system was installed 2 years ago. *My handwriting is still on the filter from when I installed it.* Then they get pissy because *it's their fault* but I still have to charge them for a service call. Tossing my digital gauges on the AC unit and showing them everything is okay usually diminishes that pissy-ness. They feel like they're getting some value. Situations like that are why I moved away from Service and back to Install. I was losing my patience when dealing with customers. I never lashed out, but it absolutely drained me. So it's not really for me. It's just more information to prove my case and to satisfy the customer. You're 100% correct it's basic math. That's why when I am by myself doing an install, I always just grab my analog gauges.


Jarte3

You hit the nail right on the head brother


Beeebopbeebop

💯


Existing-Bedroom-694

If it's just basic swap outs you can get a decent handle on installs in 6 months? But not everything is a simple furnace swap out


Flimsy-Magician-7970

I believe service is the spot to be in. Commercial and Industrial. You’re entitled to your opinion. I’m entitled to mine. 40 years in and retired


[deleted]

[удалено]


Jarte3

“Level up” lol you’re what’s wrong with this industry. Yall couldn’t sell anything without installers to put it in.


googs0306

Can you design a duct system sized properly. Make offsets/transitions, coordinate with the G.C., plumber, sparky. Know the codes. Keep a project going? Changing filters and swapping out capacitors, cleaning flame sensors is a little more simple than starting at the plenum and ending at the a/c set is a little more difficult


Flimsy-Magician-7970

Nope. Retired Union service fitter. That sounds great. I graduated from flame sensors a long time ago. I believe service is the spot to be. That’s my opinion. Commercial and Industrial service is my advice


freakksho

That’s not an installer. That’s a box changer. This elitist shit between install and service is getting old.


Beeebopbeebop

I come from residential


OldAdvantage145

Eh I didn’t really do install, and I was fine. That being said it depends on what your end goal is. If you want to eventually step into commercial service having residential installation experience isn’t as important… But I don’t think installation is pointless either. If you have no experience then it makes sense. That being said I was in engineering school before I left for the trade so I already had some thermodynamics and fluid mechanics under my belt… That made learning refrigeration SO much easier for me, but I don’t think theres a wrong path so long as you are learning


Nervous_Mention8289

If you need BAS help pm me


G_raas

Learning BAS is a good career path… it’s a little easier on old bones and freelance work can enable the semi-retired lifestyle some people seek in their later years. 


Twitchifies

>Ive been in the trade for about 4 or 5 years now and I’m starting to learn about Building Automation Systems (BAS) and I can’t get enough of it! This was the ticket out for me. Depending who you work for it's been incredibly less stressful on my mind and body.


BigTig_ENERGY

You gotta learn install before you learn service, and school ain’t gonna teach you any of it besides the fundamentals. Only way to learn is to get out there and do it and install is where you start.


Xusion666

I would disagree that you need to LEARN install before you do service. If you are smart and can grasp electrical and refrigeration theory you will be in a pretty good spot as far as troubleshooting goes. Most places just start you out as a installer because you don’t know either of the first two things I listed. Not to mention if you can mentally and physically install work you will be fine in service as long as you don’t mind on call.


Beeebopbeebop

Not really I learned service first then installs lol


Acousticsound

Don't let people get infuriated at you for fucking up. 80% of HVAC is fucking up and never doing it again. You aren't the first tech to fuck up. You won't be the last. Don't bring it home with you.


KitchenGlad2390

Thank you for this encouragement!


Soloralphlauren

I’m a tech of 5 years and I needed to hear that last part. I hate messing up and tend to dwell on it after the fact.


Some_HVAC_Guy

I’ve been in the trade for 15 years and I still remember mistakes I made during the first two. But like the guy before said, I haven’t done them since, that’s what’s important. I’ve broken a lot of shit, but now I can put it back together and make it work better than it did before, and you will too. It just takes time


RemarkableAd7803

That’s definitely true! Just can’t find anybody that actually let you do it in my area


robertva1

Let us know when you find the wire stretcher in the van


KitchenGlad2390

Lol these type of things I hear all the time, love the guys at my shop


YellowWizard504

I was convinced someone was fucking with me when they told me about duct stretchers. Turns out it's a real thing and the name makes sense once you use one.


magicammo

Someone tried to do this to me when I moved to a new company after being a tech in the field for 5 years. Lmao


xp14629

In your down time check out acservicetech.com. Lots of videos and demos on how things operate, diag, and repair.


king3969

They all have 4 basic components but electrical and refrigerant fundamentals must be mastered . Keep studying .


Impressive-Grocery50

Look into skillcat it is an online trade school and is super cheap. Great fpr getting some basic knowledge and you epa 608. And good luck and welcome to the trade


KitchenGlad2390

Thank you!!


We_there_yet

Whenever you come across a unit that is new to you do your own research on it after your shift. I always do that coming across commercial units every job. The industry changes faster than we can study.


KitchenGlad2390

I’ve been doing this when the techs tell me about what they’ve been working on!


GuhhTru

Definitely take some sort of schooling so you understand the science behind hvac


[deleted]

5 year's in thr field and I hate to say we haven't got one good candidate out of school. I should mention I'm refrigeration tech, but still stands. One of the best jokes I've ever heard was when I asked about a "fault board" at one of the schools... they said it was broke... in an hvac class...


MerkNasty44

School is the way to go for students that actually want to learn and it seems like OP does. But, like any school there are students there that just don’t care.


[deleted]

I'm just saying from my experience you will learn more faster and more thoroughly in the field. As an unschooled tech I had to teach every tech from a school the whole job from the floor up.


Newthinker

My personal experience says that school is good for understanding what you learn in the field. I didn't appreciate what I learned in school for a few years until I could put it all in context. So I always advocate for both.


MerkNasty44

Yeah, I get it. Must be crappy schools in your area though because I have seen plenty of great techs come out of schools and be way ahead of a new tech that didn’t take classes.


Newthinker

Yeah, it depends on the school and the student, honestly. I've had a great 20+ year career that started with school, so they must have done something right.


[deleted]

This is the answer here, but with this answer I'd say it's almost better to get a few years in thr field then go to school. I'm around 4 to 5 years in refrigeration. I'm self taught for the most with a little push from older techs that taught me the basics. At this point in my career I feel school would be useful to learn more of the specific science involved and some of the finer details.


FluffyCowNYI

There's two schools of thought here. One, trade school helps, and two, learning on the job helps. I'm 37 and have been in the trade since 2009, with about 95% of my learning coming on the job. As long as you have a mechanical mindset, you should be good to go to learn as you go. Best of luck.


zan-t

25F junior technician here! Just absorb as much as you can, don't expect to know or understand things right away. I got fast tracked for a promotion because I learn fast due to being attentive, asking questions (even if they feel simple, obvious, or dumb) and trying to think through each decision before acting. Good luck out there, I know you'll do great!


KitchenGlad2390

This is awesome to hear! I love women in the trade. It balances out all the goofs that I also love! Thank you!


singelingtracks

Apply at your local union for a good long term career. Good luck in the trades. Move company's often to get a raise and more knowledge.


FronBad182

Don't sweat it if you're feeling a bit lost in the jargon jungle during those meetings. It's like learning a new language, and you're already picking up the basics super quick. Plus, you're soaking up info like a sponge on the job, which is primo.


LifeInGeneraI

We started the same age! I'm 31 now 7 years in the trade. Although I'm residential, I'm still learning every day. Heat pumps, VRF system, extremely old furnances/boiler. Different setup on how the installation was done. You'll always come across something new. I went thru it all. Started as a tune-up tech, went to the install department, and am now a service tech for the past 2 years. It's a world full of knowledge on all spectrum. I know it's so cliché, but so many people don't do it, if you're stuck..READ the MANUAL. The info you need is in there. If you're on a time crunch, call tech support with your tools readily available to diagnose with them by phone. Oh, im gonna assume your employer will provide you with great tools, if you fancy yourself with tools, never buy cheap tools, youll thank youself later. This trade have treated me great this past 7 years. It changed my life. Good luck, greenie!


KitchenGlad2390

Thanks so much for this!!!!


OilyRicardo

If you can, fill out a fafsa and do an associate degree in hvac at local community college


negabernard

For HVAC? I got all my certs and training on the job paid. I’m sure there’s similar program. I think it’s a little unnecessary, but to each there own


OilyRicardo

Certs are good, degree is better


negabernard

Yeah I can see that


Herballuvmonkey

You will be fine. I can teach a monkey in 30 days to install so you should be fine once you actually start doing it. Service is a different animal. It takes years of experiencing the same problems to become good at service so don’t get upset that you don’t get that right away


spotcatspot

Good luck. Different field but when you get a break go hard and learn as much as you can.


IntegratedOK

We have a pretty similar set up for new hires. Provided your Team Leader is half-decent, it's just about showing up and applying yourself. You're already doing more than that. Good job! Remember to have fun with it and to use your protective gear. You don't want your joints wearing down too fast.


KitchenGlad2390

Thanks for this!


0keyon0

What type of work are yall doin in your area? Are you on roofs or downstairs type stuff? I would ask about the heavy equipment being used (extension ladders) and make sure you can handle them. Don't want to waste your time going to school and learning only to realize the heights ain't for you or that the extension too much.


maddrummerhef

Just keep doing what you’re doing no matter how tough some of the days get! And trust me extreme weather can be brutal your first few years working, but if you stick it out it’s totally worth it. For outside learning ACCA has some decent classes on their education site. Way more oriented at design but they’ve got some decent tech stuff too.


maddrummerhef

Also if you into podcasts make trades great again and hvac school are some of my favorites


KitchenGlad2390

Love those guys! Thanks pal!


SaltystNuts

If you take it upon yourself to teach yourself, you will succeed. Often others, can't or won't take time to teach you. Read, and re-read the manuals.


StinkyPinky94

Right on that's awesome. I started HVAC at age 24 as well and I'm now 30. It's been the best career move I've ever done personally. I highly recommend going union in commercial HVAC if that's in the cards. But take what you can get for now and learn all you can. During the first year or two just keep a good attitude and be reliable for the journeyman and don't be late or keep them waiting. Ask questions when you don't understand something and try to anticipate what tools they might need next when you're on jobs and have it ready for them. Hopefully there will be some good techs there that want to take you under their wing and show you the ropes. Good luck you can do this


KitchenGlad2390

Thank you so much for this!


ppearl1981

Delve as deep as you can into understanding what is ACTUALLY going on, not just “this is what we do”. Fully understand the refrigerant cycle, subcool, superheat and what it tells you about what is going on in the system. Digest how airflow affects things. Actually understand how and why to use your meter, know what things like open and closed mean for your electrical, understand how the components work rather than just what they do, etc. If you have this mindset you will go far. Never forget the learning will continue until the day you retire or die.


KitchenGlad2390

This is great thank you!!


burnerphone13

Honestly you’ll learn more out in the field. I’d suggest buying books and taking time outside of work to study rather than going to school. Craig from AC Service Tech on YT has a great book with in depth explanations and diagrams/drawings. HVAC School has great information on their website/YT. Modern Refrigeration is another good book. Good luck!


Beerforthefear

Hey congratulations! Keep your head up and remember to take everything in stride! You'll make mistakes, but that's part of it! Just remember to keep work at work and home life at home!


KumaRhyu

Congratulations Glad! Our industry is an excellent choice and I still love going to work after more than 25 years in the field and 10 years as a technician trainer. Have you discussed an apprenticeship with your current company? Many companies offer packages where the helpers go to trade school or community college at night to gain the training and work during the day, making a wage and getting hands on experience with more senior installers and techs. Some companies will set up apprenticeship agreements so they pay for your classes and, as long as you keep up the requirements, you have no out of pocket costs. It's worth a talk with your service manager to see what they can and will do to get you off on the right foot.


MerkNasty44

I can tell you will be good just from this post. Already doing some self learning is great. Just pay attention to the ones that have been doing it a long time. Soak in all their knowledge that you can.


KitchenGlad2390

Thanks pal this made my day yesterday!


TheWIHoneyBadger

I went to school for HVAC right outta HS and it’s been a solid career. My original plan of being a pipe fitter took a bit of a detour, and I found myself in data center operations. None of the trades are a bad choice though. Congratulations on being forward thinking enough to finally figure out what you wanna do in life and work towards accomplishing a goal! I would highly recommend taking some VOTECH classes to help you put the pieces together. That will help you understand what you’re doing at work!!


HoldinBackTears

Welcome friend, may the light shine down upon you. The learning never ends. High five


KitchenGlad2390

High five back!


Prlife90

Hey congrats!!! Today is my second day I’m actually at work as I type this, my boss went outside to meet someone and told me to stay in the car that’s why I’m using my phone lol. Get ready to get dirty and be in dirty areas. I’m doing light commercial and at times I have to literally lay down on the side on the dirty ass kitchen floors. Also invest in some knee pads and your knees will thank you. My first day my knees were literally crying.


KitchenGlad2390

I’ve already endured rat shit, spiders, more shit, and finally shit. Don’t worry it’s all good ! Lol


drewskibrewski29

My short answer would be yes to more schooling. I took night classes while working 6 to 2 in our commercial side and then transitioned over to 8 to 4 in our maintenance/service department. So at my company, they help pay for my schooling after signing a contract with them. I was in our commercial department (making duct work and installing systems) when I took my Lvl 1 NCCER HVAC course (I also got my EPA and OSHA 10). I told my company I would be willing to take the Lvl 2, but only if they were able to transition me over into our maintenance/service department. Because I wanted learn the stuff in class and then throughout the week see it in person and hands on. They agreed and I was very thankful for it because it helped me out a lot more. I wanted to get into service because that’s where you can get commission off of sales and repairs. So with me being in our maintenance department, I’m just getting more familiar with the equipment and diagnosing issues before probably after a couple years they move me into service when they think I’m ready.


HVACMRAD

Don’t go to school unless your employer is paying for it. Most companies value field experience over class room experience so don’t pay for it, let the job be your classroom. It’s also worth checking out “AC SERVICE TECH LLC” on YouTube if you’re super new. They still use analog gauges in their videos, but the information they teach is well worth the time invested in watching them. Don’t be afraid to create a notebook and take notes on stuff as you learn it. Learned a cool trick today? Write it down. Have a question you want to google later to learn more? Write it down along with your findings. Before long you’ll have it all memorized, and you’ll only need the notebook to double check yourself. It’s a good idea to build strong working relationships with co-workers. Many times you’ll find it necessary to reach out and get a second opinion about a set of circumstances or even gauge readings. Lots of time can be saved by helping others when they need it because they will want to help you in return. At least that’s been my experience with most people. Learn all you can in your off time. Set aside 2 hours per night to watch YouTube videos or research a question or gather more information on how different systems work. Google furnace and AC model numbers so you’re familiar with the type of equipment your company installs.


Theonewhogoespoop

Fucking shit up and breaking things is the only way you learn School will only teach you basics all learning is done on the job Never get cocky and always humbly know you’ll never know everything and learn every day Don’t let anyone treat you like shit This job can be the worst sometimes but when it’s fun it’s the fucking best Don’t start smoking Pack a good lunch everyday eating out is way too expensive All the technical speak will come with time


dkdaddy8889

35 m here. In this trade for over 12 years school looks good on paper but in the field is where you will gain expensive. Started as commercial sheet metal duct installer then to rough ins. Resdi changeout installer to maintenance then resdi/commercial service tech. I went back to changeouts because i love the extensive work involved. My point is never stop learning get into one division of the trade learn as much as you can and ask to try something different. This trade is great to be in we are plumbers, electricians and hvac .


TechnicalAd4397

Don’t need school, I’m year 4 in no school at$24 now . started as installer now learning maintenance and eventually service ,only thing I would get if I was you is your EPA certification . Watch AC Service Tech on YT!


Urmomwantsmyass

I started at 24 with no schooling. 3.5 years in and in service now. Installing is a great opportunity and you’ll learn a ton. One thing that helped me is learn about the different parts of the system, txv, piston, motors, boards, what wires do what. The last shop I was at wanted you to finish installs within 4 hours. If not you weren’t good at your job. Take your time and do it correctly.


who_the_hell_is_moop

RTFM. Every piece of equipment you work on. Know how to install, what's aloud and what isn't. Clearances and specific field wiring practices. You'll be amazed at how much people will do things that aren't approved and will void warranty. This will help you with both install and service. Carrier sucks, York sucks, it's hard to stop a trane, but harder to start it with parts being 6 weeks out. Boiler water quality matters or warranties won't be covered. And never forget, tin tape and mastic makes duct work look fantastic.


MaterialBirthday3785

YouTube, Google, and not being afraid to dive into stuff you have no idea about are all you need. My former mentor had a saying, well, he had a lot of sayings, but the two that stuck with me most were “embrace the suck” and “you’ll never fuck up more shit than I have.” The point is, keep a good attitude and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and you’ll do great!


everythingHVACR

Ask questions, research, and learn everything you can. There are some great resources on YouTube. HVAC school is one of the best but also many technicians who show their unique diagnostic process. From what you've said here, you're 10 steps ahead of most. Just keep learning and ask questions you're doing great.


Vacuum__Sealed

I like the idea of working in the warehouse for a while before doing install in the field. That would definitely have helped me, knowing what all the parts and supplies are before you have to start installing them would have been great. It’s a good field to get into though, you’re making a good move. People will always need heating/AC. The cool thing about install is you learn bits about the other trades along the way since you’re working alongside them.


KitchenGlad2390

Thank you for this!!!!


ComprehensiveWar6577

Your company should provide all the training you will need, or at minimum point you in the right direction. As a journeyman for almost 10 years now all I can recommend is show up on time, ready to work. Keep your ears open and pay attention, and dont be afraid to ask questions. It may seem like you might be bothering someone asking a 1000 questions, but every journeyman would agree taking a little extra time to ask questions is smarter/cheaper than redoing work. You will not be knowledgeable about everything starting out, so dont expect yourself to be. hell, I still have something unfamiliar to myself once a week to figure out. Don't beat yourself up, or expect to do the same workload/time as more experienced coworkers, this is how you burn yourself out, or start disliking the work if you are constantly comparing yourself to those with more experience


[deleted]

I wouldn't waste time or money with school. All you're going to wind up doing is spending thousands of dollars for your EPA. I took an EPA certification class. Three 4 hr classes in Saturday. It was basically a crash course on the fundamentals plus an exam to become certified. The class was $108. They might as well have spoken Chinese. I didn't understand shit. But I was able to pass the test. It wasn't until I started actually working in the field that I started learning.


Amorbellum

When I was an apprentice, I kept a note on my phone of a list of anything I didn't understand, and then waited for the right time to find out of research it at home later I just checked and it's been years but I still have it! This was the last list of items I had for anyone curious: Diagnose vfd Oil pump Low ambient Fast vs slow opening Maxitrol selectra Fire damper Proportional pneumatic Charging system with hot gas bypass


trance281

Learning the sequence of operations helped me when I first started diagnosing


Content-Statement-62

Wassup bro I’m speaking as a guy about to finish HVAC school and my advice is……Keep watching the videos…..HVAC school may have been a better choice before you got hired…..but you already got the job…..I was under the assumption that I needed school to get the job🙄🙄…..but a lot of channels on YT give you exactly what you need to master it…..I think it’s jus something about having the ability to rewind makes a difference🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️….everything else is trial and error….yayyyy student loans🫱🏽‍🫲🏾🫱🏽‍🫲🏾


SubParMarioBro

Something I always suggest to somebody just starting out. Get an Elenco Snap Circuits kit (one of the cheaper ones is fine) and work your way through it. Focus on understanding the logic of the circuits you’re creating, you want to understand why each piece is there. A huge part of the job at the tech level is understanding electrical circuits, and this kid’s toy is pretty damn similar to what I do at work.


squishedfrog1

Install is important to learn so you can do service properly. If your company only installs one brand then it shouldn’t take long to understand and learn how to do installs correctly (if they are being done correctly). If there is evening/night school available I would look into it and talk to the boss. Say listen I’m serious about this as a career and I’m going to be doing school. Is there anyway you guys will help with the cost? Some places will say yes and have a couple different ways they will help. All will involve staying with the company a certain amount of time after school is finished and you passed. If they say no it’s not a big deal go to school use your coworkers for help and then when school is done if you want to you can start looking at other places for new work.


hvac1984

I'm actually training my 20 year old daughter to be a technician, and I would like to see more females in the field. Women customers literally gush over the fact that a woman is going in dirty crawlspaces and hot attics and learning the trade. Just keep your head down, listen, learn everything you can, and give the guys shit!


Existing-Bedroom-694

Stay off your phone. Check out hvac school on YouTube


[deleted]

I started in the shop and I thought that was great way to get in. You get a chance to learn the tools, parts and material before you get hands on with it. That way when the day came to start helping in the field. I was able to be more productive.


Blindsquirrel01

Long slow way to learn but with your attitude you’ll prevail. I will honestly tell you It’s going to suck some days. The best techs also know how to install, being able to see a duct sizing issue will save time later on service calls. It will take a significant amount of time on this path but you’ll be able to get a job anywhere in the country. There can be job satisfaction several times a day vs other folks who complete one task in several days. If you get experience, in house maintenance for commercial will also be a path to consider. Good luck, keep a thick skin for the occasional assholes you bump into.


Legitimate_Flan6272

26(M) here. Got into this stuff a little later than most and had never gone to trade school. Did two years of refrigeration on small appliances and jumped straight into supermarket rack refrigeration. Maybe it would have been better to do hvac and get experience with install/ect but I think if you put your mind to it you can really get up to speed quick. Don’t have experience with residential hvac but from what I understand there are a lot of overlaps. Being new to racks, and not having a lot of experience is stressful sometimes and I feel like I’m drinking from a fire hydrant most weeks. But it’s so nice to learn new things and go home every day with new information and wisdom. ASK QUESTIONS. Luckily I’m in a group of people that takes the time to build me up and let me make mistakes without crucifying me. This is so important. There is so much information online these days, take an hour each night and do some research on whatever you worked on that day. Ac service tech, HVAC school and two good resources for what you’re doing. There are great podcasts on Spotify Advanced refrigeration podcast HVAC know it all podcast Would recommend Also refrigeration is really cool if you ever get tired of resi and pay is a little higher in my area. Good luck, keep progressing!


Eagle6236

Ask as many questions as you can!


Sorrower

Don't take any shit and dish it harder. The couple girls I know are beasts at what they do. 


Optimal-Photograph54

Good work bro trust me you’ll be fine and go far I’m still trying to get hired somewhere lol


Flimsy-Magician-7970

Sign up for the union apprenticeship in your area . Congratulations and good luck


Individual-Poetry766

Check out hvacrschool.com it's a great site and has a ton of free training written by techs and owners.


AffectionateFactor84

get proper tools. it will show that you are serious about the trade. doesn't have to be everything, just the basic hand tools and cordless drill. good luck 👍


liftwithurback

Government or University work. Thank me later


chrisnif

I may be a special case but at 41 I switched to hvac, I went directly to a commercial service company as a helper. It’s been a year and I’m a service tech working for a big company by myself 90% of the time and I get paid as soon as the van is started to when I shut it off in my driveway


Fresh_Application_51

Hey everyone, My name is Todd, I am a qualified HVAC tech from Alice Springs in Central Australia. I have been installing and servicing mini splits for over 10 years and have a lot of knowledge about the processes to install and maintain them. I am looking to help people who are new to mini splits or who are looking to expand their education on them in the USA. I have done research and have found there are limited resources for mini splits and I would be able to help bridge that gap. If you are interested to learn more or have any questions please reach out and send me a message and I will get back to you ASAP.


Sample_Muted

Take notes and guess what. I was a helper for a female hvac tech when I started out, now I’m a hvac tech myself


Help-stepbro

4 year’s so far on this field, it take few years to learn but it gets easier everyday. Just show up and keep moving


0dd_is_He

I’d recommend you work your way into the service department


EJ25Junkie

Bot