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Are you interested in becoming an HVAC technician but not sure if you have all the skills to be successful? Well, the good news is that skills can be learned. All of us continue to learn and improve our skills throughout our education and career. With an HVAC program at a technical school, you can build upon your skill set to thrive in your new career. So, what skills do you need to work in the HVAC field?
There are many skills that help an HVAC technician be successful at their job. From communication to time management and everything in between, building the right skills with an HVAC technician education is a great way to break into the industry.
Skill #1: Communication
HVAC technicians spend a lot of time communicating with customers and coworkers. Having good customer service skills is key to being a successful HVAC technician. Customers look to you to learn about their heating and cooling options. They also expect that you treat them with respect and communicate all the technical issues that may be going on with their equipment.
As an HVAC technician, you will also need to communicate with team members including coworkers, dispatchers, and direct supervisors. HVAC technicians work in a team and need to keep everyone up to date so that customers get the best possible service.
Skill #2: Active Listening
In addition to communication, a good HVAC technician will have solid active listening skills. It is important to listen to the customer before responding. The customer has experience with their HVAC system and can tell you things they noticed that may help you diagnose and fix their HVAC system. You will first listen and then respond appropriately. Consider the customers body language and non-verbal cues. They will help you better understand what they are saying and how they feel about the situation.
Skill #3: Problem Solving
Every HVAC system will have a different problem. As an HVAC technician, it is up to you to methodically review the heating and cooling system to diagnose and repair it back to original specifications. You will review your checklist and determine the cause of the problem. You will then way the options and identify the best solution for the problem.
Skill #4: Attention to Detail
HVAC systems are made up of intricate parts and safety is always a concern. Make sure to take precautions before performing maintenance as safety is always the first priority. Even small details may be of importance as the HVAC system must work safely for the customer. If you pay closer attention when diagnosing an HVAC system, you will identify errors in the process. Catching errors can stop catastrophic problems from happening.
Skill #5: Adaptability
As an HVAC technician, you will need to think on your feet. As you start working on an HVAC system, you will find that you need to quickly adjust to signs of wear. You will come in to fix one issue but must quickly pivot when you complete the diagnosis. You may also run into a situation with an HVAC system that you are unable to repair. It is important to handle unexpected situations with poise and resilience. If a coworker helps you come up with an alternate solution, you must be open to it. This way you can offer your customer the best possible service.
Skill #6: Organizational Skills
As an HVAC technician, you must manage your time efficiently as you will work with multiple customers in any given day. You must simultaneously plan, prioritize, and stay focused when diagnosing an HVAC system.
You will also need to keep your tools and equipment organized so you can find the right tool when needed. This will help you be efficient and manage jobs effectively. You may even need to plan ahead, so you have the right HVAC tools and equipment for each job.
Skill #7: Time Management
Proper time management takes planning, organizing, prioritizing, and execution. You will undoubtably have multiple jobs to perform in your daily HVAC role. You must prioritize and organize your time, so you get the most out of each day. When something comes up unexpectedly, you must be able to fit the emergency into you schedule, while still completing the required work.
Skill #8: Self-Starter
Most HVAC technicians work on their own, driving to HVAC jobs, meeting the customers, and reporting back to dispatch. As a solo HVAC technician, you must be a self-starter. There won’t be a supervisor to micromanage you, so you must take the initiative and manage HVAC jobs appropriately and in a timely fashion.
A great way to become an HVAC technician is by attending a technical school’s HVAC program. Interactive College of Technology provides you with the classroom knowledge and hands-on experience you will need to master your HVAC skills. With small class sizes, taught by experienced instructors, you get the personal attention you deserve. Our instructors know what you need to succeed and supply you with the HVAC skills that prepare you for your first day on the job.
Interactive College of Technology also offers career services to graduates so they can find the job they are passionate about. We help you build a solid resume that stands out from the crowd. The employment office also will prepare you for interviews and match you with jobs that fit your passion and skill set. Interactive College of Technology prides itself in finding our graduates the jobs they deserve.
Ready to build your HVAC skills? It is time to learn more about Interactive College of Technology. Take the first step in the educational journey and Interactive College of Technology will be with you every step of the way.
The HVAC residential training program at our Pasadena, TX, Chamblee, GA, and Newport, KY campuses offer training in all phases of repair and maintenance of residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This program prepares you for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification in the management of refrigerants and North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) Certification.
An externship is a part of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning residential training program and assigns you to a partnering company for 135 hours, giving you the opportunity to put your new skills to use and gain real-life experience. Plus, after you graduate, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will be there to help you find work whenever you need it.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.