To sustain a HVAC career beyond the routine installation phase you need some education. Like most jobs, HVAC combines skills, technical industry specific knowledge and problem solving. A good HVAC education will address all these areas. You do not necessarily have to go to a technical school. Learning from veterans of the industry can be more effective in teaching practical knowledge. At some point you will want to get some certifications that require training.
Even the professionals need to keep up with changes in the field. As new technologies are introduced, I like to send my Denver HVAC techs out to master them before anyone else. This gives us a cutting edge in Denver furnace repairs and sales.
Basic electrical knowledge is the foundation of air conditioning services Denver. All HVAC units use electricity in some capacity. Even pure gas heaters still need electricity to monitor flame output and manage use. Professionals that want to get and manage jobs need business, math, customer service and computer skills as well. Math is used every day on the job to determine what sized part is needed, whether that part is a whole air handler or just a replacement capacitor. It is also useful for bookkeeping - determining prices, wages and profit margins. Public speaking and customer service helps you get jobs and become respected in the community.
The premise is that you need many well rounded skills, but none of it matters if you do not have the knowledge to do your job effectively. Even a basic filter replacer or furnace repair man needs to know common problems and the science behind why the equipment does - or isn't doing what is should. With a good foundation you can work your way up to being an engineer or running your own business. However be leery of online schools. These are considered sham schools by some agencies. Completing online quizzes can never replace technical schools where you learn on the job training with your own two hands.
Local building codes can change dramatically depending on the location, but it is important to be familiar with them otherwise your construction will not pass inspection. Sometimes manufacturers have their own guidelines and it is important to receive their education because each piece of equipment operates slightly differently. Some organizations are pushing for more standardization in the industry but that has not come to full fruition yet.
While you are working your way through education, many companies would love to hire you because they know you are interested and knowledgeable in the subject. Those who cannot afford education can still start as an apprentice and have a jump on the practical knowledge side of the business. Often knowing how things work in the real world makes the concepts easier to understand once you get to the classroom.
