HVAC Jobs: The Timeline for Seasonal Hiring

While HVAC and Refrigeration service technicians work year round, the industry does have a peak season when HVAC jobs are more plentiful. If you’re looking to start your career with an entry level job as a junior service tech, it’s helpful to understand the typical timeline for seasonal hiring. 

In this article, we’ll explain the seasonal nature of HVAC work, when most companies are likely to be hiring, and how you can prepare to increase your chances of landing a position.

When is the busy season for HVAC & Refrigeration companies?

Late spring through early fall (May – September) is by far the busiest time of year for HVACR service companies that repair and maintain climate control and refrigeration equipment.

That might come as a surprise, since heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment is used throughout the year. However, air conditioning systems require much more regular service and repair work than heating or ventilation systems do, for a couple of reasons.

Especially in large cities like New York, there are many more individual air conditioning systems than heating systems. That’s because large buildings often have “base building” heating systems that serve the entire building. On the other hand, large buildings typically have many smaller air conditioning systems that serve only a single tenant. 

That means there are many more AC systems than heating systems that need service and repair. 

Heating systems such as furnaces and boilers tend to be “always on” during the cold weather months. Air conditioners, on the other hand, are turned on and off frequently depending on the temperature and occupancy of the space. That creates wear and tear on the equipment that leads to more frequent failures. Also, AC units are often located outdoors and on rooftops, where they are exposed to the elements. 

Refrigeration work, which often involves servicing food service and retail refrigeration equipment, is also busiest in the summer, since hot weather requires refrigerators and freezers to run longer and work harder. 

The timeline for a typical hiring season

HVACR employers tend to hire more workers in the months leading up to their busiest season. Most service companies begin planning for seasonal hiring in the late winter and early spring. 

If you’re planning to apply for an HVAC job in the coming year, you can expect to see an increase in job listings in March and April. 

Of course, companies do hire all year long when they need to replace someone or have an unexpected uptick in business. And some of the larger service companies are always on the lookout for new talent. So it’s smart to keep an eye out for openings even during the winter.

In the meantime, here’s how to get yourself prepared so you have the best chance to land an HVAC job.

HVAC jobs: 3 ways to get ready for seasonal hiring

1. Learn about the industry

HVACR service companies usually don’t expect entry-level applicants to have any industry experience. However, you can make a great first impression if you can demonstrate that you’ve done your homework.

Take the time to read industry publications, talk to people you know in the business, and otherwise learn everything you can about HVAC and Refrigeration.

We’ve got some great articles to get you started.

2. Research employers and learn about their requirements 

Learn about the companies in your city that do HVAC and Refrigeration service. Take a look at their websites and social media activity. You can also look up their reviews on sites like Yelp. That alone can tell you quite a bit about potential employers.

Next, start reaching out to companies that you might like to work for. Ask about their specific requirements and what they look for in an entry level technician. You might find out that they prioritize applicants who have already completed some training, such as EPA 608 certification. Knowing that ahead of time can give you a chance to boost your resume.

3. Boost your skills

Although you don’t need industry experience to get hired as a junior HVAC technician, there are certain skills and qualities that companies do look for, such as customer service skills and reliability. 

Now is the time to do everything you can to hone those skills. A part time job or volunteer work can help you do that, and also help you gain a useful reference who can speak for you when you begin your HVAC job search.

Here’s an article that can help you focus your efforts: ​​HVAC Professional Careers: How to Prepare Now.

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.