Next Wednesday, June 22 is National HVAC Technician Day. With the official start of summer on June 21st, there’s no better time to celebrate these skilled tradespeople.
National HVAC Technician Day began in 2016. Initiated by ARS/Rescue Rooter, this annual awareness day seeks to give well-deserved appreciation to HVAC technicians. And we here at I Build America – Ohio feel extra grateful this month as our air conditioning systems have become all the more important. This June has already been a hot month all across Ohio. Heavy, muggy heat after rainy weather followed by days of dry heat have us all feeling incredibly thankful for what HVAC technicians do to keep our buildings cool.
HVAC technicians, which stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technicians, have been making our homes more comfortable since the early 1900s at the dawn of central heating and air. Once a luxury has now become a standard utility we all depend on.
While we hope National HVAC Technician Day sheds light on all the great work these skilled workers do day in and day out, it’s important to remember their impact all year long. Remember, HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. So their work on buildings’ cooling systems in the summer is only one piece of their expertise.
To get the job done in all months of the year, HVAC technicians must be comfortable in often uncomfortable situations. It’s common to work on the hottest or coldest days of the year, servicing systems when they’re in the greatest need. And, they must maneuver tight quarters to service various equipment, which is oftentimes hidden deep in crawl spaces or high in attics.
HVAC technicians’ efforts are incredibly impactful. In addition to improving individuals’ comfort level in our homes, offices, schools and more, when HVAC technicians are called to complete routine maintenance, they also provide additional benefits, including:
- Homeowners and building owners save money. With the care provided by HVAC technicians, heating, ventilation and cooling systems’ effectiveness improves, which lowers monthly bills.
- With this proper ongoing care, overall energy usage decreases. By reducing our individual carbon footprint, we make a positive impact on our environment.
- HVAC equipment lasts longer. When heating, ventilation and cooling systems run most efficiently, the longer the lifespan of HVAC equipment.
Given the important role HVAC technicians play in our everyday lives, it’s no wonder that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 15% growth for this specialty through 2026. If you are contemplating a career in construction, becoming an HVAC technician is a great skilled trade to consider. After training, whether through a technical school or an apprenticeship, HVAC technician hopefuls must earn one of four HVAC certifications:
- Type I Certification, which certifies a technician to service small appliances.
- Type II Certification, which certifies a technician to service and dispose of equipment with high-pressure refrigerants.
- Type III Certification, which certifies a technician to handle low-pressure refrigerants.
- Universal Certification, which certifies a technician to work with all systems, units and refrigerants.
HVAC technicians are in their busiest time of year right now, so let’s give them thanks! Show your gratitude on social with #NationalHVACTechDay. Don’t forget to tag your trusted HVAC technicians, local businesses and @ibuildamerica_ohio.
To learn more about working as an HVAC technician, click here.
