Top 6 skills that will make you a valuable HVAC technician
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- In this video, I'll cover the top 6 tips that I found effective, when I started off as a residential HVAC service tech.
If you're serious about your career in the HVAC industry and are prepared to make an investment in time, tools and knowledge, you can quickly work your way up in the industry - with a virtually unlimited earning potential.
Don't forget to like and subscribe and thanks for watching!
Feel free to use the affiliate links below if you’d like to help support the channel. I make a very small commission if you purchase through the links - Thanks!
TOOLS I USE
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My #1 rule is stay off auto pilot. Always be aware of what you're doing every minute you're on the job.
Definitely my number one rule as well! Can't stress enough how important it is whenever I'm training people to not get too comfortable or relaxed around this stuff. I'm constantly having to remind myself just because I'm more comfortable around it than I was the first day I started doesn't make it any less dangerous. Great point! I appreciate you expressing this.
Funny you mention about customers watching you. I had a customer follow me into the attic. It was my last call of the day and it was 104° outside. She was 78 years old. I explained to her that it was going to be around 130° - 140° in the attic she tells me she doesn't care. Then she asks me if I had something to hide. I said no I'm just looking out for your safety and well being. She said thanks but I'm still going up their and watch you. True fucking story!
Yeah are people weird, I once had a customer question my competence because I was using the manual to diagnose his system. Like I said in the video, I usually I don't have issues with customers. I find as long as you over explain the process they tend to just leave you to it.
I found being a critical thinker is the biggest difference between someone who is going to succeed and someone who will struggle. So many technicians I have seen who get anxious and stop thinking critically and start getting frantic and end up making things worse. Being able to handle the stress of not knowing what's going on and slow down and think the problems through, make a list of what could cause the problem, and systematically rule in or rule out each problem based on a priority and probability. I don't do residential and havent for many years as I have done commercial and industrial where the equipment is large and complicated and very old with no schematics and all that. Your spot on about being someone who will research things while on the job, the internet is a resource and I have used it countless times to find schematics and advice many times I haven't been able to get THE schematic but one that's close enough and you can deduce the rest or I have gotten a generic schematic and used it as a guide to simply remove all wiring and start over . One thing companies and bosses like the most, someone who just works, doesn't whine and complain or give excuses or pass blame, but just does the job. That person, even if they do not know a whole lot, will be successful.
Very good points totally agree with turn all thanks for the insight!
I just got out of the military and was trying to get into HVAC/R. Didn’t work out right away and have been plumbing for a month and a half. Been enjoying that, but I’m finally getting an opportunity to do HVAC installs and start next week! Found your videos and will be binging! Keep it up!
Nice! Well if you enjoyed Plumbing your going to love HVAC.
Definitely hard as an installer, I just got let go from a new construction job of supervision of 65k average, NOW I just want to be a full on service tech, especially in commercial. They can easily with good knowledge make 30$ plus
that is all solid advice one thing i would add that made me better faster than anything else. when you get stuck and we all get stuck. stop walk away for a second. come back look at the diagram and try to figure it out on your on before calling for help.
Nice! very good tip. Thanks for the feedback.
I just got out of prison got my tech certification EPA OSHA 10 & like 5 more certifications now I'm ready to get out there! Preciate the video
Love to hear that keep pushing forward man! Really sounds like you're in the right direction to get the most out of this industry. Appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching!
LETS FUCKING GO BIG DOG !
Best of luck to you, hope all is going well.
Goddamn. I'm coming back from a foreign country (which is a little like being in prison), so this is giving me inspiration to start a new life!
Ran across your channel. Well spoken advice. You have worked on my systems actually in the past. Always liked your approach and not rushing thru a call.
That's awesome! Definitely appreciate the feedback: ) thanks for watching!
Back when I use to run service, (I am a refrigeration mechanic know). No matter what the call was after my repairs I would sit and watch what ever it was for 25 mins and make sure it was working. I might have a call back 1 in every 50 jobs and that was usually because something else failed. You know when shit is fixed right and not half ass. We use to have meetings every monday, first I would get why are you not selling equipment, I would say did you hire me to be a salesman or service tech? Their jaws would just drop. Then it was you have a 98% closed call rate how's that possible, I go I sit their and make sure it works before I leave easy peesy! Their jaws would drop. I am not worried about how many calls I can bang out. Makes no difference if you have to go back one.
Nice! I totally get where you're coming from. I've had this conversation before about numbers not meeting previous year numbers. But like you say, we're hired as technicians not salesman so sometimes we might not meet sales expectations if we're doing our jobs right. It's a tough line to straddle but good to know I'm not the only one. Thanks for the feedback!
Glad they put me in a truck fast as hell and it’s like which one to focus on like bro I only trained for4 months I did go to school though .
As long as you’re turning wrenches you’re gonna have callbacks. No way around it
I am in prison right now. 3 years left. I work hvac here. 8 walk in freezers. 125 pounds of refrigerant. I worked on finding a leak on one of them today and tomorrow should be brazing in ball valves to isolate and narrow donw where the leak may be
Your in the state or fed?
Very solid information Man. People in the field can be what I like to call "Helicopter customers", but doesn't bother me. I just explain what I'm doing and most of the time they leave and let me work. I downloaded the app Manuals library on my phone. This app will help you find any manual either by model number or name.
Thanks a lot man! I just downloaded that app, looks pretty sweet so far appreciate the heads-up.
I just got done with HVAC trade school and I'm about to start looking for a job and I'm nervous as I have never done anything like this.
How’s it been? Update story
starting a service tech apprenticeship in 2 weeks while i’m in hvac school at night. nervous but excited
You can do it!
*_There’s room for everybody. In Refrig, there’s Domestic Refrig/Appliances (not too many companies or jobs around since replace usually comes before repair), LC Refrig/CKE, Commercial Refrig, Industrial Refrig, and Refrig EMS Controls. In HVAC, Residential HVAC, LC HVAC, Applied/Engineered HVAC, and HVAC BAS Controls. And in some of those jobs, you can be an In-House Engineer, instead of being Tech working at a For-Hire Contractor._*
Nice! I appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching!
Im 2 years into hvac and id have to agree with all of it, but especially expanding your knowledge on both the field and the tools.
Appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching!
Nowadays is a learning process all the time. Units are constantly been upgraded with something new that it was not on previous equipment.
What's up Guy!
Thanks for the gem's 💎. In VA and trying to make my way into the HVAC industry.
What's up! Glad to hear that it's definitely a great trade if you're the type of person that likes to keep learning new things. You looking to do trade school or just jump in and work for a company?
@@HVACTechKnowledgy
I just finished trade school
Lol I like how the very first tip is my number one character flaw.
Great tips I’m in nyc I haven’t started yet but definitely plan on starting.
Nice! Thanks a lot. You definitely should!
@@HVACTechKnowledgy I graduated in February now working for a company
Congrats! You'll do well as long as you just hang in there and don't be too proud to Google stuff when you get stuck
Have you made a new HVAC tech tool list? Maybe must have tools to begin, and then maybe the best tools (i.e. tools for more convenience or more advanced tools) to buy after getting the basics? Would love a good video with all this info packed in one place! Thanks for all the tips so far!
Thanks for the idea! Im definitely going to work on this concept.
@@HVACTechKnowledgy That would be awesome! I am new to the career and trying to slowly buy tools as I go and work with a buddy. It would be nice to buy the best tools the first time so I don’t waste money getting started. I can’t seem to find a video laying this out very well. Can’t wait to see the results!
I appreciate your advice bro a lot looking forward to seeing if my talents will help me start this trade
Oh yeah you'll be good just as long as your prepared to put in the hours studying after hours.
Good stuff we need more brothas in the field
Thanks!
Spoke with you in requards about the testo clamp meter ( 770-3) , I think ( my opinion) is a good meter... has everything, except, rotation ,,,, in which I have the fluke 9040 for that and no NCV , I have a ncv tester for that... No deal breaker... The supco idvm 550 last I heard from my friends ( late October, November) ... I like this one ,the testo.... You are right about meassurequick and the testo.... ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️... But, I improvise....
Nice yeah I've been using the 770 3 for about a month now and it serves me well so far
Fieldpiece… screw fluke
Why the Fluke hate?? Ive been running the 902FC for a couple years now and has been my favorite meter I've ever owned. Previous favorite was the Fieldpiece stick meter, I loved the flexibility of having different heads, but found I was having to send it off too frequently for it to be my primary meter.
I’m leaving plumbing im journeyman now start my apprenticeship in 2 days for HVAC now I’m excited I’m a brother as well
Nice! Wish you the best and thanks for watching
A new tech fresh out of school 4 months out already in a truck I watch a vid a day
Nice! How are you liking it so far?
@@HVACTechKnowledgy this week was better then last I had to get my professionalism up also I like what you guys said let it run for 10 mins before touching it . Nice advice
You finished trade school first then went to an apprenticeship?
@@antonioii8894 no I didn’t want to go union yet I’m at a commercial company now .
Good video man!
Thanks!
Could you do a video on training/ being a lead?
Will do! I actually have a few videos already uploaded covering a little bit of my process training new technicians. I can't copy links in the comments but search HVAC Apprentice in my videos and they should come up. Let me know what you think!
Good video. Thanks
Thank you. Glad you liked it!
Great advice
Thanks!
Good advice! Sir
Thanks for watching!
Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it thanks for watching!
Real shit
Yes sir, thanks for watching!
I'm studying for my 608 do you have any good PDFs that I can read I need some tips?
DUDE! Why are in your van with that BIG ASS LIGHT still strapped to your head! STEVE URKEL MOMENT!
Haha! Yeah I know, the customers usually get a laugh when they see it too.
❄🇺🇸💪👍 thanks for sharing
No problem! Glad you enjoyed the video
Fieldpiece SC 480 current measurement is shaky.....
Yea, I saw a video on that also, but I think they have since resolved the issue, because when I tested it, the current was rock solid. Thanks for watching!
How long have you been in the field?
About 5 years
A brah I got question , I got felony do you think it’s possible for me to enter this field , I will be attending a technical school soon
Absolutely! I’m sure there are many guys out there that are thriving that might not have the cleanest record. Like I always say, that’s the thing I love about this field. If you’re serious, and truly dedicated your skill set will completely overshadow all of the politics and things associated with other careers not to mention anything you might have done in the past. Only advise I can give is just stay focused and don’t get discouraged. There’s a pretty steep learning curve in the beginning, but as you start to wrap your head around everything it will get easier.
@@HVACTechKnowledgy thanks i appreciate that
True that. Ego is a b**ch
Yes it is, thanks for watching!
Good info but your meme videos are annoying...at least make them the same volume levels as your voice so it doesn't clip the audios.