Do You Need to Be in Good Shape to Pursue an HVAC Career

In short: yes. But you don’t need the fitness of Lebron James to be a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician. You just need to be fit and willing to take on a job that will give you a bit of a workout every day. As an HVAC Technician, you’ll install heavy-duty systems that provide comfort and cleanliness to a lot of people and you’ll spend your days on your feet and moving.

So get ready to put those muscles to use! Here are installation and maintenance tasks you’ll do with an HVAC career:

The Demands of Heating and Cooling

Jobs in HVAC are not seasonal. You’ll work in the height of summer and the dead of winter and everywhere in between. Expect to get well acquainted with heating and air conditioner systems. These can be bulky and heavy, so even if you aren’t in tip-top shape you’ll want to learn techniques for lifting large objects without getting hurt. You’ll also set up the systems, clean ducts, change filters, and tweak them all for prime efficiency, so make sure your joints are ready to kneel, crouch, stand, and repeat.

What You Need to Know About Refrigeration

Knowledge of government regulations for the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants is required to handle and dispose of fluids and pressurized gases, some of which can be toxic. If you work in refrigeration, you need to pass an EPA exam to become certified. Refrigeration systems can also be massive so make sure you have someone to help and spot you. Handling fluids and gases may not be physically challenging, but they require focus and a steady hand.

Diagnostics: Using Your Hands and Your Head

In addition to installations, you may also need to diagnose problems and run fixes. Though this doesn’t require heavy lifting the way heating, cooling, and refrigeration does, you’ll spend a good chunk of time on your feet multitasking. With just a few tools, you can take some of the strain out of this part of the job. Carry around items like a temperature probe, multimeter, and even a basic screwdriver. These will make it quick and easy to read furnaces and cooler temperatures, as well as electrical currents. With your screwdriver, you can take a peek inside pieces of hardware and use your eye, your brain and your HVAC skills to make a diagnosis.

There are no physical fitness requirements in the HVAC field, but it will help if you’re in good shape. The HVAC program at Charter College will give you a good idea of the physical demands of the job. It’ll prepare you for an entry-level position as an HVAC mechanic. In less than a year you’ll learn installation, maintenance, repairs, environmental systems, system troubleshooting, and more. For more information about HVAC training and careers, fill out the form and we’ll answer any questions you may have.