Household appliances bring our lives such comfort and convenience, it's hard to imagine a world without them.
Most of the self-contained electric and gas-powered appliances that we rely on each day were invented in just the last century. They have done wonders to increase our recreation time and make our lives so much easier.
Darren Fearnley is a 40-year veteran of the HVAC industry. He teaches the HVAC and Gas Technician program at Herzing College.
Are you thinking of becoming an HVAC mechanic? No matter which part of the industry you’re aiming for, your path begins with a solid pre-apprenticeship program. Students with a good grounding in HVAC fundamentals have a much better chance of landing an apprenticeship—which you’ll need to get certified.
Updated January 2024
Why should you choose an HVAC career above all other trades?
Well, for starters, you're probably genuinely interested in the kind of work HVAC mechanics do.
This trade involves challenging diagnostics and problem-solving, technical installation and maintenance skills, and deep heating/cooling product knowledge.
HVAC mechanics play a vital role in our everyday lives. Where would we be without warm homes during the brutal Ontario winters? And cool spaces to retreat to during our short but notoriously intense summers?
Quality HVAC systems keep our air fresh indoors, help sanitize our hospitals, and even help preserve our natural environment.
And of course, cooling technology is essential for the food industry, where reliable refrigeration is the backbone of safe storage and shipping.
From homes to public buildings to businesses to factories—HVAC mechanics have a key part to play across many sectors of the Canadian economy.
So, what else should motivate you to seize the day and start an HVAC career this year? Take a look at four big advantages to making this trade your own.
HVAC technicians monitor the refrigeration weight and pressure of a chiller in order to correctly recharge the unit (Source: Flikr)
If a client calls complaining about an air conditioner or heat pump not working properly, a refrigerant leak is one possible source of the problem.
Not only do refrigerant leaks impair system performance, waste money, and hurt the environment, they're also poisonous to humans.
Photo: An HVAC technician checks the temperature gauges on an a/c unit (image source: KOMUnews)
Updated December 2022
Are you considering becoming an HVAC technician? Your first step is to find a well-respected training program that will help you get hired as an apprentice.
Before you can challenge the certification exam, you must complete an apprenticeship. HVAC companies don't usually hire apprentices right off the street, so you'll need some sharp skills to get your foot in the door.
What skills do employers look for?
In this post, we break down the skills and qualities that matter most to HVAC employers.
You will start building these skills in pre-apprenticeship HVAC training, and continue honing them throughout your HVAC career.
Updated January 2023
What exactly is network cabling?
Cabling specialists install and repair telecommunications lines. They work in homes and businesses, setting up and troubleshooting internet, cable and satellite TV, and phone lines. This trade requires a unique combination of customer service skills, technical aptitude, adaptiveness to emerging technology, and exceptional problem-solving.
Wondering if a network cabling program is right for you? Start by answering these five questions.
