by christheacman | Apr 29, 2022 | HVAC Career, HVAC Education, HVAC Technician, Technical Career
HVAC technicians are the backbone of the industry. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings. However, there are a number of different paths that a person can take after entering the HVAC field. This article will cover some of these paths, as well as the expected salaries.
HVAC technicians are in high demand and the job market is booming. With the growing population and the ever-increasing demand for heating and cooling systems, HVAC technicians are needed in every corner of the world. At the time of this writing, there are thousands of openings for HVAC Techs in Texas and the national estimate is 161,488 HVAC Mechanic Jobs available. Some of the best-paying HVAC-related jobs can pay up to $145,500 per year.
There are all types of positions and opportunities in this industry that can match a person’s strengths and personality. For instance, HVAC-related jobs can be in Sales, Communications, Technical, Mechanical, Parts plus Engineering, Marketing, and R&D.
What HVAC Jobs Exist and What are the Expected Salaries?
HVAC Technician
Salary – up to $56,500 per year
HVAC Mechanic
Salary – up to $84,000 per year
HVAC Estimator Salary
Salary – up to $81,000 per year
Air Conditioning Mechanic
Salary – up to $84,000 per year
Commercial HVAC Service Tech
Salary – up to $66,000 per year
HVAC Residential Tech
Salary – up to $66,000 per year
Heating Tech
Salary – up to $54,000 per year
HVAC Maintenance Tech
Salary – up to $47,000 per year
HVAC Sales Rep.
Salary – up to $81,000 per year
Salary Source – ZipRecruiter
Salaries will vary by location
This is just a sampling of the HVAC related job categories
Getting Started as a HVAC Technician
Becoming an HVAC technician is a great career choice for people who like to work with their hands, enjoy working with people, and want to make a living in the field of heating and cooling. The pay and job security are also excellent.
The first step is to start your education in the field of HVAC. The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating offer the fastest and most comprehensive classroom and hands on training available using the Chris Walters’ Method. The program is 10 weeks covering 16 subjects that are taught in small class settings to allow for more interaction and one-on-one instructor time. View out FAQ for more detailed information. Please see our upcoming classes for class schedules, holidays, and a breakdown of class content. For more information, please contact us. We will be happy to answer all of your questions.
by christheacman | Mar 7, 2022 | HVAC Career, HVAC Education, HVAC Technician, Technical Career
Graduating from the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating is an exciting time! You’ve just completed the first major step on your path to beginning a successful and fulfilling HVAC career, but what’s next? Now comes the time to find your first HVAC job.
Job hunting can be intimidating, but with the training and expertise you’ve received at the Training Center, you should have the competence to take on any new challenges, even at the beginning of your career.
As important as it is to land your first HVAC job and start putting your education into practice, it is just as important to find the right fit. Getting the right job starts your career on the right foot in an environment where you don’t just have the potential to succeed in but that you also enjoy!
As you begin your job search, use these 6 simple tips to help you find the right environment for your first successful job in HVAC.
START WITH A GREAT EDUCATION
If you haven’t done so already, your search for a job in the HVAC industry should start with a solid foundation of knowledge gained through a training course. And what better place to look than the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating?
When you enroll in our training course in Houston, Texas, you can expect to learn the skills and techniques required for entry-level employment in the residential and light commercial HVAC field. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be able to install, service, and maintain typical air conditioning and heating systems found in the southern environment of the United States.
To learn more about our comprehensive HVAC training program, just visit our FAQ page here!
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
In addition to furthering your education, building your professional network can be another great step to take before you even start applying for open positions! There are many ways of going about this.
Many resources such as this can guide you towards HVAC associations to join. These associations are a great way to connect with other professionals in the industry, stay on top of trends, and continue building your references for that big opportunity that’ll eventually come along.
Additionally, the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating also has a Facebook page dedicated to keeping our community informed about everything happening in our world. Students and Alumni of our training program are also invited to join an exclusive Facebook group where we stay in touch and share industry knowledge.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE PICKY
While it’s certainly important to get your first job under your belt, that doesn’t mean you have to rush into the first opportunity that presents itself. HVAC technicians and many other careers in skilled trades are in extremely high demand as businesses fill their job openings with a limited pool of qualified professionals.
That high demand means that you’ll likely have very little trouble finding available work, so you can take your time and be a little picky about the company you choose. You can take the time to ensure that your career is getting started in the right environment. Don’t be afraid to take on multiple interviews and weigh your options as you narrow in on the right choice.
CHECK THEIR REVIEWS
When you join a company, their reputation becomes your reputation. As you’re researching potential companies to join, it’s essential to know in advance how they do business and make sure they do things the right way.
One of the best ways to get an idea of the quality of work an HVAC company does and how it treats its customers is to check its online reviews. Check out their social media sites and their profile on Google to read what their customers are saying about their experience working with the company.
Obviously, not every review for every business will provide a glowing assessment, but look for trends in the comments on the quality of their work and the work ethic of their technicians.
If there is a consistent pattern of less than stellar work, that is a sign of a company lacking accountability. However, if the opposite is true, that is a sign that the company has a deep passion for its work and would likely make a great first HVAC employer.
VISIT THEIR LOCATION
As you’re submitting resumes, remember that HVAC remains a very nuts and bolts kind of business even in the very digital world we live in. Showing up to a business’ location to hand-deliver your resume, shake hands with your potential employer, and introduce yourself in person can make a great first impression on a prospective employer.
However, visiting an HVAC business is a great way to give you a leg up on the competition as they are making their hiring decisions, but it is also a great opportunity for you to get a lay of the land.
You can use this opportunity to impress and get an evaluation of the office environment, potential coworkers, and culture to determine if it is indeed a company you would like to work for.
ASK YOUR TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Not sure where to begin your search? Unsure of which companies in your area may be the best fit for you to start your HVAC career?
Your training instructor can be a fantastic resource! Their experience in the field and in the local community should make them a wealth of information as to what you’re looking for in a great first HVAC job, and which companies in your area may be best to apply to.
Your instructor can also be a valuable resource in the application process. You may consider asking them to write you a letter of recommendation as you narrow down your choices and go in for interviews.
Chris Walters of the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating has 38 years of experience in the HVAC industry and is a state subject matter expert on heating and cooling in the Texas and Houston area.
The education you receive here and the advice Chris can pass along from his vast experiences will give you a huge leg up on the competition as you begin the search for your first HVAC job.
Additionally, we’re always sure to provide our students with a list of contractors who are currently hiring, and many contractors show up in the last week of class to pitch their company! We are very proactive in helping our students find the right places to interview.
Learn more about beginning your HVAC career at the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating! And – once you land your first interview, be sure to use these tips to make sure you land your dream job!
by christheacman | Sep 6, 2021 | HVAC Career, HVAC Classes, HVAC Education, Technical Career
It’s back to school season for everyone from elementary school kids to seniors at your local university. Why aren’t you joining them?
You might be too old for elementary school and a four-year college might not have been the right fit for you, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity for you to continue to apply yourself and continue your education in an area that can be incredibly rewarding. If you are a person who is motivated, ready and willing to learn, and interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills to help you develop a rewarding career, now is the perfect time for you to go back to school too: start your HVAC career at The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating.
The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating is Houston, Texas’ premier school for HVAC training and education. Chris Walters, our director and an instructor, teaches true-to-life skills that will enable graduates to find work in the HVAC industry. Every class mimics real-world experiences based on Walters’ extensive HVAC career and encourages active participation with each student.
Why here and why now? There truly has never been a better time to start your training for a career in the HVAC industry and there isn’t a better place in the world to start it. Here’s why it’s time to get back to school and start your HVAC career.
There is a need for skilled labor
For years there has been a lack of skilled labor available to fill the many opportunities available for many different trade careers, particularly HVAC. However, this labor shortage has only gotten worse and worse in the fallout of the global pandemic and economic decline. HVAC businesses are hiring and desperate for workers but no one is answering the call. Now is your opportunity!
The labor shortage is showing no sign of improving in the immediate future, so now is the time to take advantage and start your career. Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating classes only take 10 weeks and upon graduation you will have all the skills and certifications necessary to land your first job soon after graduation.
Learn on the best schedule for you
For most schools, back to school season only comes once a year. That isn’t the case here, making going back to school easier and more convenient than ever. The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating offers four classes throughout the year! Within each of these classes we also offer three different sessions in the morning, afternoon, and evening. No matter when “back to school” is for you, there will be a class just getting ready to start for you.
We understand that many of our students are working, have family to take care of, and other obligations outside the classroom. That is why we structured our class schedule in this way to provide multiple opportunities for our students to learn in the time and manner that best fits their lives.
Try for free
Not sure if a career in HVAC is right for you? The beauty of Chris Walters’ Method here at the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating is that anyone who has a good work ethic and the desire to learn an important and valuable skill has what it takes to get started. No previous experience in HVAC is required to start your career.
Still unsure? We provide the opportunity to sit in on a class session for free! Sitting in on one of our classes gives you the chance to meet the instructors, see how the classes are structured, and to get a better idea of what our school and an HVAC career is all about, all for free. All sitting in on a free HVAC class is a few hours of your time, no obligation required!
If you’ve ever considered beginning your HVAC career, what is stopping you? Here at The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer the training and education you will need to start your rewarding HVAC career right away. There is a need for labor, there are jobs available, all you need is the training.
Let us help you start the career you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to learn more or check out our upcoming training opportunities and start getting ready to go back to school!
by christheacman | Aug 19, 2021 | HVAC Career, HVAC Classes, HVAC Education, HVAC Services, HVAC Technician, Technical Career
A career in HVAC repair and installation is a great career path for any person who is looking for a rewarding, challenging, and valuable career with an education that can be achieved in a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional four-year college. Not only that but there is no better place in the United States to start your HVAC career than right here in Texas.
It’s not just our Texas pride showing, a Texas HVAC career is truthfully one of the best paths you can take. Working in the HVAC industry in Texas requires you to be at your best, be the most knowledgeable about your craft, and gives you an opportunity to not just provide a valuable service but to be so much more than just that.
If you have thought about starting your career as a heating and cooling technician or installer but aren’t sure if it is right for you, let us help inspire you by telling you exactly why starting your career in Texas is the best way to start your career.
There is a demand for HVAC professionals
A combination of a long-standing labor shortage in the skilled trades workforce along with the labor shortage created in part by the coronavirus pandemic means there is a need for HVAC professionals across the United States now more than ever.
That demand is particularly being felt right here in Texas especially as we hit the peak of summer. Folks in Texas need their cooling equipment cared for, but there is a lack of skilled labor to serve them.
Coupled with the large amounts of job opportunities, the demand for labor in Texas means that once you complete your necessary training you have a good chance of securing a good-paying job right out of the gate. There are jobs available in Texas, and heating and cooling companies are willing to pay. Enough said!
Cooling is particularly valuable in Texas
Don’t get us wrong: properly working cooling systems are greatly appreciated all across the country. However, no one appreciates them quite as much as Texans. During summers in Texas, we can average highs in the upper 90’s every single day for months at a time. It gets so hot in Texas that the design temperature of HVAC systems has to be set for the 100’s in many of our state’s counties.
In some parts of the country, HVAC companies are at the mercy of the weather. Mild summers mean people can get by with what they have, which can affect their bottom lines significantly. Not here in Texas. Even a mild Texas summer can be brutally hot, meaning there will be plenty of work available each year.
We love Texas, but boy can it get hot! However, that means that Texans are especially appreciative of their HVAC service professionals. When it gets really, really hot lives are literally at stake. People won’t overlook the value of the service you provide to them.
Expert training available
Because of how important HVAC professionals are here in Texas, getting the proper training is of the utmost importance. This is why here at The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating we are proud to provide the best HVAC training in Texas to best prepare students for the demands they will face.
Our school’s founder, Chris Walters, has been in the heating and cooling industry right here in Texas for over 30 years. He understands the importance of the servicemen and women in the industry provide and has dedicated his career as an educator to sharing everything he has learned over the course of his career.
When you start your career by getting your education here at The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating, you know you are taking the best first step towards a Texas HVAC career.
Want to learn more about Chris Walters’ method or about opportunities to join our next session of classes? Click here to learn more.
by christheacman | Jul 20, 2021 | HVAC Education, Technical Career
Let’s face it: college isn’t for everyone. Nor should it be. Many people don’t have the time or financial means to dedicate the next four years (at least) to attend a “regular” college or university. Luckily, there are lots of educational options available for those who wish to find a rewarding career without attending a four-year college or university.
A career in a skilled trade, like heating and cooling repair and installation, can be achieved faster and with a lower tuition through a non-four-year school and will give you the opportunity to learn a valued and valuable skill. But where do you turn for an education in a skilled trade? The answer has caused some amount of confusion.
When seeking an education in the trades, there are several different names for schools that get used: technical school, trade school, and vocational school. If you are one of the many people considering continuing your education and pursuing a career in a skilled trade, you have probably run into all of these terms and may be confused as to what the difference is between technical school, trade school, and vocational school.
In many ways, all of these names mean the same thing and are used interchangeably. However, there are a few subtle differences that are worth noting, especially if an education at one of these schools is in your future. Here are the important things you should know about each of these options for education.
What is a technical school?
A technical school, also called a technical college, is a one to two-year educational institution that offers degrees and certifications for a specific career or trade. Technical schools run the gamut from culinary arts, computer technology, cosmetology, automotive technology, HVAC, and many other fields.
Unlike a traditional four-year college, no prerequisite or general education classes are required and all your classes are focused on the specific field. Technical schools also tend to provide a blend of classroom education and hands-on learning.
What is a trade school?
By and large, trade schools and technical schools are very similar. Like a technical school, a trade school is a program that can be completed in a year or less, focusing on a specific career path or trade. The primary difference you’ll find between trade schools and technical schools is the exact career education they provide.
By definition trade schools typically focus on more hands-on careers and fields such as HVAC, automotive, plumbing, electricians training, carpentry, and the like whereas technical schools can offer education for more technical fields. As a result, trade schools spend more time doing hands-on education than classroom work. Trade schools will provide the appropriate certification necessary to immediately work in the chosen field after graduation.
What is a vocational school?
A vocational school can be thought of as somewhat of an umbrella term for both technical schools and trade schools. A vocation is simply a trade or profession, so this term is often used interchangeably when referring to both of these kinds of schools. Completing your education at a “vocational school” will provide you with the certification or degree you need to enter your chosen field.
The Training Center for Air Conditioning and Heating
So in the end, while each of these different names refers to slightly different institutions, each of them has the same goal: help you get the education and training you need to start the next chapter of your career.
That is what we strive for here at The Training Center of Heating and Air Conditioning. Call us a trade school, call us a technical school, call us a vocational school, we don’t care. We only care about one thing: helping prepare you for your future in heating and air conditioning.
Our 10-week program will provide you with the classroom education and hands-on training you’ll need to prepare for the necessary certifications, begin your new rewarding career, and ultimately find success in the industry. Not to mention, you’ll complete all of this in a fraction of the time and cost you would attending a four-year university.
If you are ready to begin your career in HVAC, learn more about our upcoming schedule of classes or ask us how you can sit in on a class for free to see if The Training Center of Heating and Air Conditioning and a career in HVAC is right for you.
by christheacman | May 4, 2021 | HVAC Career, HVAC Classes, HVAC Education
Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating director and instructor Chris Walters has joined forces with the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) of Greater Houston to offer a new curriculum of HVAC contractor education and training classes.
While Chris and the rest of the instructors at The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating offer education, hands-on-training, and certification for those beginning their careers in the HVAC industry, the new classes offered through TACCA have been designed to provide ongoing HVAC contractor education, updates, and hands-on training to current HVAC professionals.
Through these classes, HVAC contractors can stay up-to-date with the latest news, techniques, and training they need to be an effective and valuable member of the HVAC industry.
Over his 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry, working for many years as a contractor before becoming an instructor, Chris has identified many of the common shortcomings and issues that practicing HVAC contractors run up against over their careers. Chiefly among those include falling behind on the latest techniques, industry news, and falling out of practice on certain tasks they might not be regularly performing.
The core schedule of classes that Chris will be leading as part of TACCA’s offerings will cover topics meant to address these common issues and important areas. These classes will feature both classroom sessions and hands-on training, depending on the topic.
Jennifer Barta, executive director of TACCA, said that she is very excited about having Chris’ knowledge and experience available to TACCA members.
If you are a practicing HVAC professional and want to learn more about the new classes taught by Chris Walters through TACCA, head over to the TACCAGH website or contact or call the Training Center at (281) 580-4239.
The TACCAGH website also features information about becoming a TACCA member and enrolling in their job placement program for recent graduates here at the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating.
