Are you looking to start a career as an HVAC technician or a Refrigeration technician? If so, spring is the best time to look for HVAC helper jobs, which are the entry point into the industry. April is when most HVAC service companies begin to build their staff for the busy summer season ahead.
But what does an HVAC helper do, exactly? Keep reading to learn more about HVAC helper jobs, including the rewards you might not expect, and a few challenges you should be aware of.
HVAC helper jobs: what will you be doing?
HVAC “Helper” jobs (also called Junior Technicians or Apprentices) are entry-level positions for people who aspire to become service technicians. It takes 4-5 years to become a fully qualified HVAC technician, and each year you will learn more, do more, and earn more.
As a first-year helper, you will assist more experienced technicians and learn important skills on the job. In most cases, you’ll also attend some type of classroom training to learn HVAC theory and how systems work, safety rules and procedures, diagnostics, and proper tool use. And you will have a chance to practice the skills you’ll need in the field.
Your company will expose you to different types of work so you can learn which aspects of the work you’re best suited for and interest you most. You may be involved in repairs, installations, and preventative maintenance visits. As you progress through the first year, you’ll take on more tasks on your own.
Learn more>
HVAC Technician Apprenticeship: What to Expect in the First Year
HVAC helper jobs & careers: the PROs
If you’re planning to become an HVAC service technician, you already know that the pay and benefits are great, especially for union members. And that’s important. But, your career should bring you more rewards besides money. After all, you’ll be doing it for many years.
Here’s what HVAC technicians report as being the most rewarding aspects of their careers.
1. The satisfaction of helping others
In HVAC service, you spend your days helping your customers and solving their problems.
When you arrive, they are unhappy, uncomfortable, and inconvenienced by their HVAC problems. If it’s a commercial customer (such as a restaurant), they might be losing money for every hour that their HVAC equipment is down. When you are able to fix the problem and get their day (or their business) back on track, they are often very grateful.
That’s a wonderful feeling for you.
2. Diverse work opportunities
One thing is for sure: HVAC work is NOT boring. You’re not stuck sitting at the same desk day after day, staring at a computer screen. You’re out and about, visiting different types of businesses and homes. You see something new and do something different every day.
Especially for people who like to be active and have variety in their lives, HVAC helper jobs (and HVAC careers in general) are a great fit.
3. The challenge of solving complex technical problems
Technology is FUN. There’s always something new to learn. There are many types of HVAC systems out there in the world (and new ones being installed every day), and you never know what you’ll be called upon to repair.
Figuring out what’s wrong is like a puzzle. It’s very rewarding to spend your day getting to the bottom of what’s wrong and making things work properly again.
Learn more> Entry-Level HVAC Jobs: 5 Ways to Land One
A few CONs you should be prepared for
You should walk into a new HVAC helper position with your eyes wide open. Here are a few of the less popular aspects of the work that you might not be aware of.
Actually, these can be either pros and cons, depending on your point of view.
1. Time off is discouraged in the summer
Summer is the super busy season for HVAC companies. For a few reasons, there is always more air conditioning work than heating work. So… you will probably be discouraged from taking time off during the summer. Some employers will tell you right off the bat that you can’t take vacation in the summer. Others may offer bonuses for employees that don’t take days off during the busiest time of the year.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t take vacations. In fact, traveling during other times of the year can be less expensive and crowded. And as a union member, you earn paid vacation time.
2. Overtime
Just about every HVAC company has overtime work (work outside normal hours and above 40 hours per week), although policies differ. Some may make some overtime mandatory, while others give you the choice to do overtime or not.
Again, this is a double-edged sword. You can make A LOT of extra money when you do overtime work (especially at a union shop with mandated time and a half for overtime), and many employees jump at the chance to boost their earnings. But if you would rather stick to your regular schedule, make sure you choose an employer with a policy that works for you.
3. Physically demanding work
HVAC service work can be physically challenging. You may work in conditions that are very hot or very cold. You need to lift and move heavy objects. You may need to squeeze into tight spaces. And you’re on your feet for much of the day.
This is no desk job! Make sure you are prepared for that. Although that’s a plus for many people in HVAC careers.
Get more advice to help you become a successful HVAC technician
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HVACR Career Connect NY was created to promote the exceptional quality-of-life benefits of a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and also to provide a clear path for getting started in the profession. In doing so, we serve as a resource for employers in the New York City metro area to find and hire smart and capable new technicians. We also serve as an educational resource to support business growth and to help service technicians succeed in their chosen profession.
Learn about technical careers in the HVAC & Refrigeration industry, how to get hired and tips to build your career.