From the hottest days of summer to the extreme cold of winter, HVAC mechanical contractors make sure we stay comfortable. After receiving specialized training, HVAC mechanical contractors find work across the country. An HVAC mechanical contractor's annual payment varies depending on their education, where they work, and how many years they have been in business. A mechanical HVAC contractor works with heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.
Mechanical contractors are responsible for the installation of these systems. When an HVAC system breaks down or needs annual maintenance, a mechanical contractor also performs these functions. Often, during installation, the contractor will provide a guarantee and, if something breaks, he is responsible for repairs under the terms of the warranty.
HVAC contractors
have the knowledge and experience to not only repair HVAC problems, but also to do so in a cost-effective manner.The contractor can also assume the role of an HVAC mechanical engineer, designing HVAC systems. Other tasks of a mechanical HVAC contractor include installing all the wiring and electrical components that accompany HVAC systems. Perform diagnostic tests and perform annual cleanings and system checks. Some HVAC mechanical contractors also specialize in certain products, such as radiant heating, solar panels, or commercial refrigeration.
The government has regulations on the disposal of materials, fluids and cooling gases, and the HVAC contractor must be up to date with current rules. After finishing high school, most HVAC contractors earn a post-secondary degree. Typically, these programs take six months to two years to complete and can be taken at vocational, commercial, or community colleges. Some high schools also offer vocational programs that give students an edge in learning about the field.
Once a degree finishes, the contractor moves on to an on-the-job training or apprenticeship. Both experiences allow the contractor to work alongside an experienced HVAC mechanic, using his newly acquired skills under the watchful eye of his mentor. The Environmental Protection Agency requires the license of anyone who purchases, handles, or works with refrigerant. Each state also sets its own rules regarding the HVAC contractor licenses needed in that state.
For example, in Florida, contractors need a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. This type of work brings mechanical HVAC contractors to private homes, schools, hospitals, business locations, and commercial buildings. They work for small family operations and large commercial companies. Contractors can work for larger HVAC companies or smaller, often family-owned companies.
Working as an HVAC mechanical contractor requires a high level of physical activity. The contractor has to lift heavy components, kneel constantly, or crouch and crawl in small spaces. HVAC contractors often work on parts of the HVAC system that are located outside, in an indoor space, or on a roof. They also have to work in all elements: rain, snow and high temperatures.
A contractor's job involves daily commutes, going to numerous job sites every day. Having a bachelor's degree means a 20 percent increase in salary and having specialty designations, such as a Commercial Refrigeration Certificate, can also increase salary. Benefits of Becoming an HVAC Technician in New York What is the average salary of an HVAC technician in New York? How Much Does It Cost to Become an HVAC Technician in New York? In New York City, Three HVAC Licenses Issued. The one you'll need depends on the type of system you're going to work with.
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issues two of them, and the New York Fire Department (FDNY) evaluates and issues a refrigeration license. Construction departments in other cities in the state have similar licensing or registration procedures for HVAC technicians or contractors. Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where you are in the licensing process, requires work. ServiceTitan's cloud-based all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the job efficiently and the data they need to do it intelligently.
Because there are no state licenses for HVAC, there is no minimum age required by the state to begin this career path. Through New York's Technical and Career Education (BOCES) programs (Board of Cooperative Education Services), some high schools offer vocational programs that combine professional education with high school curriculum. The HVACR program through Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES prepares students completing the program to work as entry-level electricians, HVAC technicians, HVAC installers and plumbers. The program serving the Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES (often known as Jefferson-Lewis BOCES) is also a two-year program for junior and senior students and provides students with the opportunity to earn their EPA 608 certification.
More information on this federally required certification later. Many employers hiring entry-level HVAC technicians follow an apprentice model that pairs new employees with others licensed in the jurisdiction to begin hands-on training while requiring the beginner to attend HVAC classes. You can simply search for an entry-level position on Indeed or Zip Recruiter or another job board and work for a licensed contractor. Employers will often pay for instruction if you maintain a certain grade point average, or they will reimburse you after a certain amount of time on the job.
Specialized examinations test your ability to install, manufacture, assemble, service, repair and maintain HVAC systems. Commercial organizations such as the Mechanical Contractors Association of America or Plumbing Heating & Cooling Contractors Association have local chapters that offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement to employees of member contractors. In cities where technicians must obtain their contractor license, you should expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the required insurance. In general, the central test requires knowledge of HVAC safety, tools, equipment, construction, and temperature measurements.
Department of Labor job search website CareerOneStop projects growth rate in New York to be 11% for HVAC mechanics and installers, and Associated General Contractors of America says contractors are hiring. For example, a residential HVAC installation should be priced differently than a commercial HVAC installation, and an HVAC service should be priced differently than duct cleaning. ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution created specifically to help service companies optimize their operations, increase revenues and achieve growth. UA Local 112, based in Binghamton, offers internships for plumbing, pipe fitting, mechanical equipment (HVAC) service and pipe welding.
If you want to own your own business in the HVAC field in New York after having accumulated significant experience and being a locally licensed contractor, you will need a state-issued business license, workers' compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and a deposit in cash or a guarantee bond. Most HVAC business owners decided to start their own business because they wanted an opportunity to make more money, they wanted to execute their own visions for HVAC, they were given the opportunity to acquire or grow a business, or some combination of these reasons. . .
