Category: HVAC
The phrase ‘drive it like you stole it’ comes to mind when you consider spending time in a hotel room. While most people won’t go crazy, it’s fair to suggest that our normal energy use habits are slightly adapted when we’re away from home. The room has already been paid for, so we might stick on the heating for a lot longer during a winter stay, or leave the air conditioning unit humming for an increased amount of time in the summer.
HVAC technicians need to consider this added strain when fitting necessary equipment to large hotel developments. Here’s a quick primer on what to look out for when working on hotel HVAC projects.
The Unique Challenges Posed by a Hotel Development
Hotels are a mixture of rooms and facilities of all shapes and sizes. As well as conventional bedrooms, you also have kitchens, restaurants, bathrooms, swimming pools and fitness centres. Many others have underground car parks and larger penthouse suites in their blueprints. Professionals with HVAC certificationtherefore have to introduce a variety of different ventilation systems to suit these different environments.
A typical hotel air conditioning unit
Occupants expect the same ventilation standards in all rooms, and this can be difficult given the vast scale of normal hotel developments. Some rooms will be south-facing and naturally cooler as a result. Others will be north-facing and may require an increased emphasis on ventilation to reduce temperatures. Demand on HVAC systems is also significantly higher in the evenings and nighttime when visitors are more likely to be in their rooms. This means that professionals are continually trying to devise systems which are effective at times of low and high demand.
Natural Ventilation Should be Used Where Possible after HVAC School
Cost efficiency is always a consideration for clients, and it’s especially pertinent when discussing a vast HVAC system with a hotel developer or manager. Natural ventilation from outside air carries many benefits, including its cost-effectiveness and lack of noise pollution. Of course, it does have limitations due to its limited temperature range.
Students at HVAC college should always consider the ‘Stack Effect’ when considering high-rise development such as hotels. This phenomenon finds that air gradually warms up and rises through the floors, eventually escaping through vents or other openings at the top of the building. This is replaced by cold air at the bottom and the cycle continues. Rooms at the top of the building are therefore likely to maintain better warmth, so mechanical systems must be introduced to create a constant temperature throughout the building.
Mechanical Ventilation Systems Bring Lots of Comfort to Hotel Occupants
Natural ventilation is particularly limited in hotel areas of high air flow, including swimming pools and kitchens. HVAC technicians therefore commonly use a hybrid of natural and mechanical ventilation to make sure occupants are always happy. A balance often has to be struck between the high costs of a very powerful HVAC system and the demands of hotel visitors who want to treat themselves to the most pleasurable experience.
Swimming pools pose unique challenges because of high humidity levels
As well as maintaining pleasant temperatures in the hotel rooms, extractor fans need to be introduced in kitchens to remove odours, water vapour and heat. Specialized ventilation is also required in the swimming pool facilities because of increased air humidity, which runs the risk of developing mould in confined areas.
Choose to study at a highly acclaimed HVAC school.
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Pets bring a lot of joy to our lives, but they can cause their fair share of annoyance. As well as dragging dirt into the home, they can also leave behind plenty of hair and dander for the owner to clean up. Unfortunately, HVAC systems can also easily accumulate such materials, meaning precautionary measures and ongoing maintenance is often needed to prevent the need for expensive repairs.
HVAC professionals are quite likely to encounter clients who have one or more pets at home. The latest figures from the Canadian Animal Health Institute show there were 8.8 million pet cats in households in 2016, and a further 7.6 million pet dogs. So what sort of advice should professionals pass on to pet owners when discussing HVAC equipment? Read on to find out.
Dander Can Clog Up Important HVAC Components
Pets throw off lots of small pieces of skin called dander. This is very difficult to spot, but it can be quite obstructive if it’s allowed to build up in enclosed spaces, such as heating and ventilation components. Professionals with HVAC training recommend a couple of ongoing maintenance tasks to make sure that this equipment continues carrying out its job effectively.
For instance, pet owners can install air filters that are specifically designed to catch pet dander, and replace them periodically. Dander can also build up in HVAC ducts, so these should be cleaned regularly too.
Clients should have the right air filter to deal with dander
Owners Should Take Precautions with Pet Hair
Pet hair is a much more obvious source of frustration for owners, because it can easily become stuck on couches or carpets. This hair can also get sucked into air filters and air ducts, so make sure that clients take precautions to ensure this can’t happen.
Cats and dogs should be brushed and washed outside regularly, with the excess hair discarded away from any HVAC equipment. It’s inevitable, however, that some traces of hair may end up within the house, so pet owners should give the place a rigorous vacuuming.
Consider the Pet When Altering HVAC Settings
Our pets may display some of the same traits as humans at times, but remember that their physiology is different. Generally, animals are content within a wider temperature range than humans, so clients should adjust their HVAC settings accordingly.
Cats and dogs are better at dealing with the winter cold and summer heat, so there is no need to build up excessive heating or air conditioning bills when they are at home alone. Birds are also a common pet, but remember they are usually from tropical backgrounds. They should therefore be kept away from close contact with air conditioning systems.
Trade School Grads Know That HVAC Components Must be Protected
HVAC college grads recognize that pets don’t only pose problems within the home. HVAC units are often stored outside, and should be protected at all times. Dogs or cats could become curious about some of the components and before you know it, some cabling can become exposed and damaged.
They can also make a mess by urinating on important electrical components. Guard against such problems by encouraging clients to fence off their HVAC units. It’s a short-term pain with plenty of long-term gains.
HVAC units are often exposed to potential damage from pets
Trade school training can open up a range of interesting career opportunities.
Find out more about our dedicated HVAC technician program at NATS.
When it’s scalding 25 degree weather out, the last thing someone needs is for their air conditioner to stop working. If this does happen, however, an overall lack of maintenance on the unit could be to blame. Properly maintaining an A/C unit is vital to helping it last longer, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring it provides cool high quality air all summer long.
As a result, many clients call on the help of HVAC technicians to get their air-conditioning systems summer-ready. Here are a few of the things you can do to make sure that an A/C unit is in working order to last the summer.
HVAC Technicians Must Clean the Condenser Coils on an Air-Conditioning Unit
When maintaining a central air conditioner, you will need to clean its condenser unit, which is located outside. Unless the condenser unit is protected by a special cover, keeping out dirt and snow, you’re likely to have plenty of debris trapped inside. This can clog the coils, which means they need to be cleaned too, otherwise it obstructs air flow and prevents the condenser from running as it should.
Air-conditioning units should be maintained regularly to keep them summer-ready
HVAC grads can clean the condenser coils by using a screwdriver to remove any panels and grilles covering the unit. Once the side panels and top of the condenser have been removed, you can use either a refrigerator coil brush or a soft vacuum brush to carefully clean off the coils on both the inside and outside of the unit. You may also want to use a commercial coil cleaner for any dirt that you cannot remove with the vacuum. Be sure to turn off the power to the unit before beginning any type of maintenance, and be careful not to bend or damage any of the more delicate pieces, such as the fins.
Pros with HVAC Training Will Check if the A/C is Cooling Properly
Another important maintenance tip for students in HVAC trainingis to make sure that the unit is cooling effectively. One way to do this is by comparing the temperature that the air conditioner provides to the temperature of the air that flows back into the return air vent. Normally, the difference would be around 27 to 32˚C (15 to 18˚F), but if there is a wider gap then it’s an indication that your A/C unit has a problem.
You can also check the air conditioner’s coolant lines to see if they’re running properly. The coolant lines, or pipes, bring air from the evaporator to the condenser, and will usually be covered with foam insulation. You will need to replace the insulation with either foam insulation sleeves or foam insulation tape if there are any rips, tears, or pieces missing. With maintenance, it’s often good to be thorough, so make sure to check the unit’s wiring to see if it’s in good shape as well.
Check for Filters on an HVAC Unit That Need to be Cleaned or Replaced
Another good suggestion is to check the filters on an air-conditioning unit every month, or more if it is being used often. An air filter is responsible for pulling in dust and allergens from out of the air before it starts to cool it. Like condensers, the build up of dirt and debris in the filter can prevent air from passing freely to and from the unit, and that could reduce its effectiveness. You can clean and replace filters by taking off the grill covering the register. If the filter is clogged beyond repair, remove it and make sure to clean off the grill, and then install a new filter.
While all of these tips can be helpful for keeping A/C units in good shape, enrolling in a good HVAC school can give you even more skills, so that you can keep your customers cool and satisfied throughout the hot summer months!
HVAC technicians get skills and know-how from great HVAC schools
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Whether it’s a house or apartment, a home is a place for relaxation away from the stresses of everyday life. But could your home be making you unhealthy? Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a relatively new phenomenon used to describe issues with building features which could be causing harm to your health.
Poor HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) is a crucial component of SBS, with improper systems posing a number of risks. Fortunately, there are many ways in which HVAC technicians can fight the problem and create a more pleasant home environment for customers. Read on to find out what they are.
The Origin of SBS and the Impact Buildings Have on Health
SBS is usually a result of a change in construction methods in the 1970s. Buildings were being made increasingly airtight, as the worldwide energy crisis forced planners to create houses and apartments which could better retain heat. This came at the cost of decreased ventilation, with dangerous toxins in the air unable to escape.
Students in HVAC training should be aware of some of the symptoms of SBS, which include sinus or skin irritation, aches in different parts of the body, and tiredness. These problems will usually only occur while spending time in the building, but may affect many of the people living there. Seasonal changes in the use of heating or air conditioning equipment mean that these symptoms can also come and go throughout any given year.
HVAC School Will Help You Discover Common Ways of Tackling Sick Building Syndrome
A trained occupational health or industrial expert will often carry out official tests to determine whether a building is ‘sick’ and in need of action. Where these problems exist, proper maintenance of HVAC equipment is vital. Air conditioning filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly in order to catch bacteria, molds, pollen and viruses. Those living in the building may not see the results of this regular maintenance, but they will feel it in their standard of health.
Properly maintained HVAC units can make a living space much more pleasant
Graduates of HVAC school can also improve conditions by installing the latest equipment which meets current environmental codes, and service and repair existing systems which may need to be updated in order to prevent SBS. Other possible solutions include fitting whole-home air cleaners into the air ducts, while purifiers are also useful in capturing and killing air contaminants.
Copper as Part of HVAC Solutions to Sick Building Syndrome
The health benefits of copper have been known for many centuries, but the substance may still be an underused option when tackling Sick Building Syndrome. Copper has antimicrobial properties and is used in antiseptics, medical devices and oral hygiene products among other things.
Copper therefore could be a used as an alternative to biologically inert materials in HVAC products such as heat exchanger tubes, fins, and filters. The European Copper Institute has described it as a cost-effective way of preventing fungal and bacterial growth which can thrive in dark and damp components of HVAC systems.
Copper could be an underused solution to Sick Building Syndrome
Trained HVAC technicians therefore have a vital role in preventing SBS, and the ability to improve a person’s wellbeing is a rewarding aspect of this career.
HVAC technician courses are an excellent way to learn all you need to get started in the trade.
Check out what’s on offer at North American Trade Schools in London and Brampton.
Working with HVAC equipment isn’t dangerous when you know what you’re doing. Good training programs instill in graduates a healthy respect for the risks that are present in the HVAC industry and teach foolproof habits to help avoid them.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in HVAC maintenance, it’s never too early to start getting in the safety-first mindset that is common among the top professionals in the field. Here’s an overview of some of the most important safety habits that are taught to students in HVAC training programs.
HVAC Training Teaches the Value of Checking & Maintaining Equipment
One of the most important things an HVAC repair student will learn is that it’s important to have the tools necessary for the job. This means ensuring all the standard tools are transported to the job site, and that work is postponed if a necessary tool is missing. Attempting to improvise with tools that are unintended for a given task is, at best, ill-advised. At worst, it could lead to a serious accident that damages the HVAC system or even hurts someone.
Maintenance is another important consideration in HVAC repair. Broken, worn down, or otherwise substandard tools should not be used, as they make it more likely that something could go wrong. Taking preventative action and regularly inspecting your toolkit for flaws is considered good practice among HVAC professionals.
Safety in Working With Chemicals is a Critical Lesson in HVAC Technician Training
One of the most important things taught in HVAC training is that coolants and other chemicals must be handled appropriately. This means, among other things, not leaving open chemicals in confined spaces, not mixing chemicals, and always wearing protective gloves when handling them. Maintaining the attitude that chemicals should be treated with respect and caution is one of the best ways to avoid accidental misuse that could have unfortunate consequences.
Training programs like the one offered at North American Trades Schools ensure students get plenty of practice working on real HVAC systems in a supervised environment, so that expert guidance is always at hand while this important habit is still being formed. Given time and practice, you can expect chemical safety planning to become second nature.
HVAC Technicians Take Measures to Avoid Getting Shocked
It’s not impossible to get an electrical shock while working on HVAC equipment, which is why the smartest graduates of HVAC technician training don’t leave things to chance. As a first step, they cut off the breaker for the unit they are going to be working on.
As a second step, they use a multimeter to double-check that the wires are not live. This is because any professional who works with or around electrical devices knows that wiring is sometimes done differently than expected, meaning disabling the “right” breaker might not actually eliminate the current. Taking both steps can help HVAC repair technicians be sure that there’s no chance that they’ll get shocked.
Thanks to their access to instructors with many years of professional HVAC maintenance experience, students in HVAC repair training can learn about these and many other useful safety practices that can help prevent harm. This is a good way to begin your career with wisdom far beyond your years, and stay safe in working with HVAC systems.
Do you want to learn more about how to work safely with HVAC systems?
Contact North American Trade Schools about our HVAC diploma program!
Gas heating is an effective way to keep a building warm, and though the technology behind it has gotten a little more elaborate over time, the core concept is pretty basic: introduce gas, strike a spark, and enjoy the warmth generated by the ongoing flame.
Of course, a problem with the ignition in this type of system can leave building occupants shivering, so it’s important to be proactive in finding and fixing these kinds of issues.
Curious about how you can spot ignition problems during your HVAC career? Here are some steps that you ought to follow.
Pros in HVAC Careers Know Frequent Cycling Can Point to Ignition Issues
When an HVAC system is working correctly, it won’t draw much attention from a building’s occupants. If the system detects the building is colder than it should be, the heat will kick in to raise the temperature to the necessary level. Once the correct temperature is reached, the system will shut itself off until it is needed again.
A faulty ignition reduces the amount of heat that the system can provide, and often leads to a much more frequent engagement and disengagement of the heating system. This is the kind of thing that people notice, so if you or the building’s occupants know that the system has been cycling much more frequently than normal, it’s a sign that something is probably wrong. It could just be a relatively minor issue, like a dirty air filter, but it’s also possible that the ignition is in need of service.
You Don’t Need an HVAC Diploma to Know a Pilot Light Going Out is a Bad Sign
Older gas heating systems have a pilot light, which is a flame that is left burning even when the heat isn’t properly engaged. These sometimes go out, and while reigniting them isn’t usually a problem, it does sometimes happen that a system just can’t keep its light going. Needless to say, this is a pretty important and obvious sign that something’s wrong with the ignition.
There are many reasons a pilot light might not be able to keep a flame. During your HVAC diploma, you will learn how everything from grime to malfunctioning regulators can create all kinds of issues that cause pilot lights to go out quickly.
That said, don’t forget that there can be simple, non-technical factors at play. One common problem is that there’s a draft blowing out the flame. Be ready to think outside the box when you approach these kinds of issues, and you’ll be able to handle pretty much anything you encounter.
HVAC skills and a healthy dose of common sense can help you solve most ignition problems
If the Blower Won’t Stop Running, Odds are Good That There’s an Ignition Problem
The blower in an HVAC system is basically just a fan that runs to deliver hot air through the system. It gets especially active when the upper heat limit is reached, engaging to flush the hot air and keep the system safe. If the blower does not stop running, it could be a sign that something has gone wrong with the ignition’s limiting switch and made the system think it is constantly overheating.
When you become an HVAC technician, you’ll likely find that it’s often little issues like these causing problems within HVAC systems. It may not always be clear what is at fault, however, which is part of why your education is so valuable.
The expert instructors running the program have years of experience dealing with just about every issue you can think of, and know the little tricks that can be used to sort out precisely what is going wrong in a system. Learn from them and you, too, can become capable of finding and fixing all kinds of HVAC problems.
A blower that won’t stop running could signal an ignition problem
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Turning on the heat to banish the winter cold from a building is a nice feeling. Discovering that the heat doesn’t work when the temperature dips below -10 is not. To professionals working in the world of HVAC installation and repair, the best policy for keeping your clients’ toes toasty warm throughout the bitterest cold of winter is to plan ahead. That means completing sensible maintenance steps on heating equipment before it gets too cold out.
Curious about what goes into a good winter maintenance routine for heating equipment? Here are a few steps that HVAC pros recommend.
Change the Air Filters on Heating Equipment Before Winter Arrives
Heating systems basically heat air and disperse it throughout a room. To be able to do that, it needs to be possible for air to actually move around. This relies heavily on the condition of the air filters in the system.
An air filter that is clogged up with dust, animal hair, pollutants, or other matter will not be able to intake cool air or expel warm air properly. Not only does this stop heat from circulating, but it can also lead to a malfunction. A buildup of hot air within the system could result in components breaking down, causing a cascade of issues that can cripple the heating system.
A dirty air filter can lead to big problems for HVAC equipment
As a general rule, air filters should be replaced about once every three months, but every building is slightly different. For peace of mind in the coldest months, a professional HVAC technician might do well to recommend to clients that they plan on swapping out their filter right around the beginning of December.
For Energy Efficiency, Make Sure the Fan Motor & Blades Work Correctly
Moving pieces are more prone to wear and tear, and with fans serving as integral components of many HVAC systems, it’s important to ensure they’re in good condition heading into the winter season. A malfunctioning fan could mean worse circulation of air, perhaps leading to inconsistent heating or energy inefficiency as the system heats up more to try and compensate.
Moving parts require a delicate touch and a knowledgeable worker, which is why they really should be attended to by a graduate of HVAC college. Completing training can help you approach all manner of mechanical issues with comfort and ease, thanks to the skills you learn from instructors with many years of professional experience.
HVAC College Graduates Should Ensure System Sensors Are Functional
Many modern HVAC systems are programmed to operate according to a particular schedule. Different levels of heating can be established for particular times of day on particular days of the week, or even based on whether the system detects that people are inside of the building.
While these kinds of features can allow for a fair amount of control over cost, they only work if the sensors and schedules are properly maintained. Otherwise, they might activate at the wrong time, or in the wrong situations. As such, maintenance of system sensors and controls is an important part of the pre-winter process.
Verifying that HVAC control systems work correctly is an important part of pre-winter maintenance
Getting to know the sensors, thermometers, and control consoles common in HVAC systems can take a bit of time and practice. However, a good training program will allow you to quickly pick up the know-how necessary for maintaining even the most complex systems, and help you keep clients and their buildings from getting too cold in winter throughout your HVAC career.
Do you want to get a great, practical education in HVAC systems?
Contact North American Trade Schools about our HVAC diploma program!
As an aspiring HVAC technician, you want to be ready to start your new career as quickly as possible. This can make the prospect of going back to school somewhat daunting – will you be using your time well? Is it worth delaying your entry into the workforce?
These are good questions to ask, and, fortunately, there is an encouraging answer. By pursuing a HVAC Technician Diploma, students are able to develop the skills they need in order to succeed on the job very efficiently, making this the ideal path forward for a quick career launch. Keep reading to learn more about how you can develop your professional skills faster.
Learning from Experienced Instructors Gives HVAC College an Edge
One of the most valuable assets of a good HVAC program is experienced course instructors. These professionals have many years of experience in the trades, and have the specialized HVAC expertise required to shape you into a qualified professional.
Instructors at NATS, for instance, are all experienced professionals who are experts not only in the HVAC field, but also in instructing new tradespeople in a manner that makes learning fast and easy. In relatively small class and workshop sizes, students get ample instructor attention during HVAC college. This means that they can be confident that their skills will be closely observed and corrected, allowing them to improve at a quick pace.
Experienced instructors will help you develop your skills quickly as an HVAC student
HVAC College Helps Students Learn Faster Than They Would on the Job
Some students worry that learning at a trade school will make it harder for them to develop practical skills quickly. After all, isn’t on-the-job training the best preparation for your career? In fact, earning your HVAC certification can help you learn at a faster pace than workplace training alone.
For one thing, your instructors are there with one purpose: to teach you. This means they do not have to divide their attention between training you and meeting their own work demands. Additionally, learning at a trade school does not mean that you will be spending all of your time in a classroom. Students have many opportunities to practice their skills in hands-on, realistic workshop environments.
That way, you get the practical hands-on learning opportunities that you would get from on-the-job training with the additional benefits of full-time instruction. It is simply the most efficient way to develop your professional skills.
Students gain hands-on experience during their HVAC training
Develop Construction Trades Connections Through Your College
Finally, attending a trade school will give you the opportunity to develop the ‘soft skills’ you need for career success alongside your HVAC competencies. At NATS, for example, the college’s Career Services representatives work alongside students to help them improve their resumes, develop interview skills, and master the job search process.
This allows students to complete their training with the skills and confidence they will need to land their first job as a HVAC technician, rather than learning these skills themselves through trial and error. Further, the college’s many industry connections make it easier for new graduates to form relationships with potential employers and find suitable job opportunities. Overall, if you choose to pursue HVAC training, you can be sure that you will be career-ready in no time.
Do you want to know more about how you can kick-start your HVAC career?
Contact NATS to learn more about our HVAC diploma programs!
HVAC professionals, along with others who work in people’s homes, understand that some clients feel a level of stress and worry when engaging their services. Horror stories about home “improvement” gone wrong abound, and the emotional stakes are high when you need to live with the work that has been done.
Connecting with clients is an important route to establishing trust, building good relationships, and possibly getting regular business from members of your community. Through a few key strategies, it’s possible for you to make great connections and develop a top-class reputation.
Curious about how you can do so? Here are a few useful strategies to help you connect with clients after finishing HVAC training.
Acquire the Resources You Need to Connect With All Kinds of Clients
Professionals working in HVAC services occupy an interesting territory, in that people of all ages and walks of life could conceivably be customers — everybody likes good heating and cooling in their home. This means that in your future career, your clients might be young and tech-savvy, or they might be a bit older and less comfortable with computers and the internet. Most likely, your client roster will be a mix of both.
In order to connect with all age demographics, it’s important to acquire a few of the most common tools for communication. If you are self-employed, creating a website for yourself and your business is important, and something you should make an effort to do early on. Business cards are also critical. They can help you connect with older demographics, and are also useful for pointing younger potential clients toward your web presence.
Resources such as these are not particularly expensive to acquire, so there’s no reason not to do so after completing your HVAC technician courses. They are an investment in yourself that can quickly pay off.
Business cards are an effective tool, so be sure to get some when you start your HVAC career
When You Become an HVAC Technician, Be a Friendly & Open Communicator
One of the simplest tips for client relations is also one of the most critical: be friendly. Clients will be more receptive to you, and more likely to recommend you to friends or relatives, if they find you polite and pleasant to be around. Be quick with a smile, make sure your manners are exceptionally polished, and you will please most of the people you meet.
It is also important to be open and honest with clients. In the course of doing HVAC work, you may find that clients have questions that are difficult to answer, or that an accident – perhaps coolant is leaking – must be brought to their attention. Being direct and honest can help you establish yourself as the kind of person clients will want to deal with.
Pursuing your HVAC diploma at a school like North American Trade Schools will allow you to learn from experienced professionals who know a thing or two about client relations. Pick their brains for some insight from their years of industry work and you could get some valuable tips about the best ways to maintain open communication around difficult subjects — a valuable skill to bring to your career.
A Good HVAC Technician Responds to Compliments & Complaints Alike
It isn’t the best idea to focus on good comments and ignore the bad when working as an HVAC professional. If a client isn’t totally satisfied with their heating or air conditioning, it’s likely that they will let people know it, potentially denying you more connections and opportunities in the future. Reach out to people who are complaining, offer a quick apology, and attempt to correct the problem. This can often be enough to turn a complaint into a compliment about your exceptional customer service.
As a rule, it’s also a good idea to consider complaints and see if they point to something that you can change to improve your service going forward. Sometimes, a complaint might even result from a misunderstanding, and a quick conversation can set everything right.
Handling complaints well can help set upset customers at ease
Of course, it’s important to handle compliments properly, too. When clients offer you praise, be sure to thank them for their business, and state your interest in working with them again if ever the opportunity arises. You might consider taking this a step further and send them a written note thanking them for their business, and tell them to contact you if they have any questions or comments. This can go a long way to making clients feel extra special, and likely to recommend your services in future.
Do you want to become an HVAC technician who is well-liked and talented?
Contact North American Trade Schools to learn about our training program.
Keeping Cool: Handy Interview Tips to Help You Score Your First Job After HVAC School
September 26, 2017
Completing your HVAC technician training is an exciting achievement that should be celebrated! However, when the dust has settled, you will be faced with the next challenge of your up-and-coming career: landing your first job.
With a solid training program under your belt, you have the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as an HVAC technician. These interview tips will put you in an excellent position to demonstrate this fact to potential employers and get your career started!
Dress Professionally When Attending Interviews After HVAC School
As we all know, first impressions can count for a lot. One of the best ways that you can make a sharp first impression at a job interview is by dressing professionally. Generally speaking, business attire is a safe bet. Although most HVAC technicians wear casual clothes to work, being slightly overdressed is better than being underdressed, and showing that you put time and effort into your appearance will demonstrate to the interviewer that you take the job opportunity seriously.
Professional attire can help you make a positive first impression at your job interview
Prepare in Advance for Common Interview Questions
While there is no cheat sheet for a job interview and the ability to think on the spot is important, there are a few very common questions that you should prepare good answers to before being interviewed. These questions may cover topics like:
- Your professional background – previous work positions held, as well as the skills you acquired and your duties and responsibilities
- What you learned during your HVAC training
- What your career ambitions are and why you want to work for the company
- Your strengths and weaknesses, both in general and in relation to HVAC work
Having answers ready for these questions will help you make sure you don’t forget key pieces of information, and will show the interviewer that you are thoughtful and well-prepared.
Emphasize the Experience You Have Gained During Your HVAC Training
When you are just beginning your career, you may not have a lot of work experience to draw on in your interview. That is okay! Questions related to on-the-job scenarios or HVAC skills can easily be answered with the knowledge you will gain during your time at college.
The hands-on training you receive during HVAC school will allow you to discuss common job responsibilities like installing new air conditioning systems, performing scheduled preventative maintenance, and fixing specific heating and ventilation problems confidently during your interview, and show that you have the practical knowhow it takes to succeed on the job.
Highlighting the skills you learned at HVAC school can help you land a job
Have Questions for Your Interviewer to Demonstrate Your Interest
Finally, it is important to research the company or employer who is interviewing you before the big event. Not only will this allow you to be confident that the position would be a good fit for you and to anticipate what some of the interviewer’s questions might be, but it will also give you the chance to ask them good questions, too.
Having prepared questions to ask your interviewer about topics like the company culture, a typical workday, or the management structure is a great way to demonstrate that you have done your research, and that you are thinking seriously about the job and how to do it well.
Thinking about the best way to land your first HVAC job?
Contact NATS to learn more about the career services we offer on our HVAC technician courses.
