HVAC Service Tech Job Outlook? And Is 40 Too Late?
Asked by Doubting Thomas
I just turned 40 and am looking at switching careers. Been self-employeed for 15 years and am burned out. The type of work I do has kept me in good physical condition. It involves me working outside year round and being at several different locations during the day, both of which I enjoy...despite Cleveland winters. That part of the HVAC Service field attracts me since I enjoy being "out and about", interacting with new people, etc. I'm also fairly handy with a multimeter, having a basic knowledge of electronics, and can troubleshoot sensors/etc on vehicles, along with decent mechanical skills. I enjoy troubleshooting things. For all the above reasons I think I'd like the HVAC field. Few questions: If I only want to be a service tech (not do installs), and would prefer residential work with some light commercial thrown in maybe, would I be considered too old? I can't see that involving too much physical labor. I hear the market is good? Trade Schools In Cleveland? Etc. Thanks!

Best Answer:
be ready to spend some bread to get your certification. get an EPA type III certification and get some NATE certification too. most companies wont hire a service guy off the street. the company i work for tried it twice with terrible results. i was install forman for a year before i moved up to service...and i only was moved up to replace a guy who quit. service man jobs are cushy and coveted. to me, being 40 is a plus...not a minus. most 40 year old men have their lives strait, ain't on dope and show up for work at least 4 days a week.........big pluses id say go for it..you'll make install forman fast....and who knows....service may be in your future Possum, hvac guy

Unfortunately, I don't know much about the Cleveland area but I do have experience in the HVAC world (administrative) and you're certainly not too old. But you are limiting yourself if you only want to do service work. No matter what kind of company you're applying to, they want diversity in your skills. Besides if you do service work, you're setting yourself up for off-hour call. Good luck.
Answered by MARY N