HVAC

If you are considering a career in HVAC it just makes sense to learn as much as you can about the profession beforehand. After all, choosing a trade is a significant step in your life, and it can affect everything from your salary to what you will find yourself doing day-to-day. Fortunately, you can read all about the most convincing reasons to begin a career in HVAC in the post below. 

Great career progression

Do you have big dreams? Are you set on running or owning your own businesses one day? Then HVAC could be the perfect industry for you, the reason being that many of the most important and wealthy people in the field began their career path with an entry-level job. 

Indeed, unlike many industries where you need to have degree-level qualifications to even enter, HVAC is a trade that is perfectly set up to allow those with a good work ethic and dedication to prevail.  

It’s not only about the installation 

Many people are under the mistaken impression that HVAC is only about installing units. However, this could not be further from the truth. Indeed, the HVAC industry employs a wide range of people from sales experts, to logistics specialists as well as installation operatives. 

In fact, another major role that is always looking to be filled in within the HVAC industry is that of an engineer. After all, there are many successful businesses like HVAC Design and Construction Services that custom makes HVAC units for commercial clients. Of course, such companies will require folks to design and engineer these systems, as well as complete the install process. 

Problem-solving satisfaction 

Another solid reason to choose HVAC as a career is the satisfaction you can reap from the job on a daily basis. The reason for this is that HVAC work usually requires identifying and then solving a problem for your customer, something that means you get to see the difference you make directly in people’s lives. 

Indeed, HVAC specialists need to not only be up to date on the latest information and specification but also use their creative skills to find out-of-the-box solutions to their customer’s issues. Of course, having to innovate like this in your day-to-day job can be both very rewarding and very stimulating too.

HVAC is in demand 

Last, of all, HVAC is a great career choice because the market is booming, something that means there is plenty of demand for HVAC services. 

In fact, there is an important reason why HVAC services are so popular right now. It is that many businesses are assessing their energy usage, and so looking to replace old models and systems with more efficient ones. 

Indeed, as this reason isn’t likely to go away anytime soon, it is a good bet that the HVAC industry will remain robust, and so be a good bet for anyone looking for a stable and profitable career in the long term. 

Final thoughts 

HVAC offers a rewarding career for a range of people. It is also a stable industry with great potential for career progression, and so is more than worthy of your consideration. 

Acquisition means expanded service and building automation systems for customers throughout Idaho 

Harris, a leading mechanical contractor, today announced that it has acquired HVAC Controls & Specialties, a privately-held company based in Garden City, ID. With the acquisition, Harris will extend its workforce in Idaho – from Boise and the Treasure Valley, to Jerome, Burley, McCall, and Sun Valley.

Known for its work in service and building automation systems, HVAC Controls & Specialties will be incorporated by Harris and led by Executive Vice President of Service + Building Automation, Bob Swanger.

“This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to serve customers throughout Idaho,” says Swanger. “Specializing in automation, mechanical and energy solutions, we knew Todd’s business would merge well with ours and that his group of highly-trained workers would complement Harris’ team in serving new and existing customers. Our values align as well. Todd has operated his company as a close-knit family business with a culture that emphasizes loyalty, strong ethics, and a ‘do it right or don’t do it’ mentality.”

Over the past year, the companies partnered on a project for St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho. Working on the hospital’s new central utility plant, parking structure, and shipping and receiving building, crews provided a complete controls package, then integrated the new system into existing controls. Harris’ General Manager Jacob Mecham from the Blackfoot, Idaho office worked on the project and says, “without Todd’s team, we could not have gotten this project completed.”

Since 1994, HVAC Controls & Specialties has provided service and installation solutions for commercial buildings, including hospitals, schools, factories, government and high tech industries. The acquisition means greater access to skilled and trusted technicians, programmers, engineering specialists, and installers.

“It’s about delivering peace of mind and excellence to our customers,” Swanger continued. “Building owners know their facilities will be maintained with the highest level of quality and performance. This offers a great opportunity to grow and manage BAS and service at Harris and bring our expertise to more customers in this region.” HVAC service/installation, DDC controls and design, energy saving solutions, commissioning, air-balancing, DDC system integration and retrofits will remain key business components.

HVAC Controls & Specialties President Todd Petersen started his career working in general construction. After an injury, he went on to study electrical instrumentation. He worked in pneumatic and direct digital controls before starting his own company nearly 30 years ago.

“I’m very excited about this next stage of our business,” says Petersen. “As part of the Harris family, we will be able to maximize resources and capabilities for our customers and provide great opportunities for our team.”

Being your own boss in the plumbing sector has a lot to offer; when you’ve got the skills for it, and you know there’s a need for your services in the local area, you could make a very good profit here! However, there are quite a few things to get to grips with before you get started; being a business owner, especially in this industry, can get complicated, and it’s good to know what you’re walking into. And with that in mind, let’s go through three of the most important points below. 

It’s Not Just About Plumbing

Plumbing is what your business does well, of course, but it’s not the only thing your business will need to do well – you’re going to need to pick up a few other skills, to make sure the ends meet and the books are balanced and the right people are working alongside you. 

Indeed, the numbers issue alone is something you’ll have to face up to as soon as you get the idea to open a business. As a plumber, you’re already technically minded, and that should make taking on an accounting cpe entirely in your stride – a little bit of the right knowhow, and a bit of experience in paying taxes and cross examining your profits and loss margins, and you should be good to go. 

You’ll Probably Need to Pick a Side

When it comes to plumbing, there are two worlds you’ll have to fit yourself into: domestic and commercial. Both sides have their advantages and their drawbacks, of course, but when you’re just starting out, you’re going to need to pick a side for the time being. 

Most first time plumbers choose domestic, as it doesn’t take as much startup equipment. Similarly, domestic plumbing is much easier to cope with, as it’s smaller, far less used, and the jobs tend to be quick. However, working in the commercial world could open up quite a few more doors for you, in terms of contracts, and if you’re comfortable with industrial systems, why not go for it? 

Working Out Your Salary

Then you’ll need to work out how you’re going to price yourself. A good thing to do first is work out what the average salary for a plumber is in your area, and what the national average is as well. According to Indeed, the average hourly pay for a plumber in the US is $24.60 an hour – is this a rate you’ll be comfortable working for? 

Because if not, you can price yourself above it, but you’ll need to ensure the quality is reflected in your work. Of course, if there are few plumbers in the area, you’ve got a much better chance of creating your own salary, but if not, you’ll need to be more competitively priced. 

Opening a plumbing business of your own is about more than just the plumbing. Make sure you’re capable of counting the numbers, negotiating, and marketing yourself to the area. 

After a challenging year resulting from the global pandemic that hit full force in March 2020, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports that – one year later – there are signs that conditions are improving.

A contractor sentiment survey conducted by PHCC finds that 84% of respondents rank the continuing impact of COVID-19 on their businesses as having either a “low” or “medium” impact compared to 57% in spring 2020, when PHCC first began tracking trends during the pandemic. In addition, the number of people ranking impact as “medium high” to “high” has dropped to 9% from 43% in spring 2020.

“A year after COVID-19 hit, PHCC members indicate that they are cautiously optimistic that we are turning a corner toward better times ahead,” says PHCC President Hunter Botto. “Respondents also noted that their businesses have stabilized after several difficult months of disruption. They also see new business opportunities in the future, which is very good news for our industry.”

In fact, an annual environmental scan conducted by PHCC in January 2021 predicted an increased demand for home improvement spending; touchless products; upgraded and energy efficient equipment; smart technology; air and water filtration and purification; and IAQ markets, including UV and bipolar ionization.

While the overall outlook is positive, the plumbing and HVACR contractors responding to the sentiment survey cite several ongoing challenges, including maintaining a safe and fully operational staff; increased operating costs related to new safety requirements; addressing employee and customer health and safety concerns; customer delays on projects because of economic concerns; disruptions in the supply channel; and a fear of a potential recession.

Regarding manufacturers and suppliers’ responsiveness to supply chain issues, respondents noted many have been helpful by offering creative alternatives to products currently unavailable. There was an overall recognition that manufacturers and suppliers are also facing material cost increases and shortages, transportation challenges, workforce issues, etc. “They have been super helpful, but have had their own people issues, concerns and interruptions,” one contractor said.

Contractors indicate they have established many safety procedures to mitigate safety risks for employees and clients, including employee screening, social distancing, disinfection measures, increased communication about safety protocols and requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.

“As we look back on the last year, PHCC members – operating as essential businesses – illustrated time and time again that they are true professionals committed to keeping their employees, customers and communities healthy and safe,” Botto says. “As always, our members have shown they are extremely resilient in tough times.”

Another positive indicator is that – after recently completing its annual membership renewal process this spring – PHCC realized an increase in both renewing and new members.

“We are grateful for the loyalty demonstrated by our members throughout this crisis,” Botto says. “We are also excited to see growth in membership when business owners are assessing the ROI on every expenditure. Now more than ever, they can see the value of supporting and engaging with their association.”

To help navigate the many unexpected changes they faced, members relied on PHCC resources and videos via its COVID-19 Recovery Center, as well as monthly webinars, state and local support, advocacy, member discounts and access to Personal Protective Equipment.