Trade Schools
HVAC Technicians are skilled tradespeople who provide integral mechanical services and support to help heat and cool America’s homes, residences, public facilities, and schools.
The role of an HVAC tech involves installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems according to their formal training and specialized industry standards.
Learn about some of the top alternative careers for HVAC Technicians in the comprehensive career guide below.
Alternative Careers for HVAC Technicians
The following roles represent alternative careers that allow working HVAC technicians to easily transfer their existing skills.
Some careers offer lateral moves while others represent career boosts with higher salaries, bonuses, and benefits packages.
Dive in to learn about top alternatives!
1. Energy Auditor
Energy Auditors are top-paid professionals who conduct routine inspections of homes, businesses, and industrial facilities to analyze critical building systems and HVAC systems for energy efficiency and optimized performance.
Job Description
Highly trained Energy Auditors identify problems and provide solutions for high energy consumption and related issues.
Auditors review utility bills, historical energy consumption data, and placement of systems.
These auditors are trained to identify problems that can lead commercial and residential buildings to generate soaring energy bills that indicate performance issues or energy loss in heating, cooling, lighting, and electrical systems.
Transferable Skills
HVAC techs thinking about becoming Energy Auditors bring their extensive knowledge of HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance to their higher-paying roles.
Potential Energy Auditors are already well-versed in discovering leaks in ductwork, and poor insulation, and making recommendations for the replacement of outdated heating and cooling systems.
Potential Requirements
Prospective Energy Auditors who have previously worked as HVAC installers and maintenance technicians can expect to take formal education and training which can include industry-recommended certifications like the Building Analyst Certification or completing the required coursework and on-the-job training to gain certification as Energy Auditors.
Benefits
Green Energy Initiatives make well-trained and certified Energy Auditors in high demand across a variety of residential and commercial industries.
Independent auditors can set their schedules and potentially work from a home office.
These highly sought-after energy professionals earn high salaries which begin at over $50,000.00 per year.
2. Home Inspector
Today’s Home Inspectors are well-respected real estate professionals who make it possible for home buyers and sellers to finalize home-buying deals.
The primary role of Home Inspectors is to ensure the structural integrity and adherence to local rules and regulations for local home buyers and sellers who seek their services.
Job Description
Home Inspectors assess the structural integrity of residential homes and commercial properties using tools like flashlights, cameras, and even ladders to inspect every nook and cranny of the buildings they are assigned to assess.
They identify potential safety hazards in HVAC systems, electrical systems, and building foundations to help buyers and sellers make more informed choices about pending real estate transactions.
Transferable Skills
In-depth knowledge of the inner and outer workings of HVAC systems, troubleshooting structural-related problems, attention to detail, and communicating results of structural reports to clients are all transferable skills that Building Systems Technicians can bring to this role.
Potential Requirements
Incoming Home Inspectors will typically be required to meet the minimum educational standards and requirements of HVAC techs.
They may also need to apply for a Home Inspector license and take a short-term certification course to learn key industry skills.
Benefits
Most Home Inspectors enjoy a flexible work schedule where they set their own hours and schedule their appointments around their personal schedules.
Home Inspectors can work for top real estate companies or they can work independently as freelancers who set their own rates.
3. HVAC Instructor or Trainer
Passing on your skills as an HVAC Instructor or Trainer is an excellent way for working HVAC techs to level up their careers while using their existing skills.
HVAC teachers work in manufacturing and production environments, trade schools, colleges, and universities to educate trainees on the tricks of the trade.
Job Description
HVAC instructors train their students on the hands-on, fundamental, and practical skills needed to excel as employed or independent technicians in the field.
A critical component of the trainer’s role is to educate enrollees on the safety standards and practices required by regulating authorities.
Transferable Skills
HVAC technicians can directly apply skills including HVAC maintenance, repair, installation, and troubleshooting to this profession.
Technicians with advanced certifications can also apply refrigeration and EPA Section 608 knowledge to their new roles.
Potential Requirements
The requirements for becoming an HVAC instructor are similar to those required to work as a technician.
However, trainers may be required to take formal training classes or certifications to teach in an official capacity.
Benefits
Working technicians who uplevel their hands-on role and become teachers spend less time in the field in uncomfortable weather situations and maneuver around small spaces.
Their existing knowledge makes training an ideal career for HVAC techs to take on with ease after completing the teaching component of their formal training.
4. Refrigeration Technician
Becoming a Certified Refrigeration Technician is an easy transition for existing HVAC techs with specialized knowledge of cooling and refrigerated systems.
Specialized HVAC techs can see a substantial boost in their salaries and increase their earning potential in this highly specialized role.
Job Description
Refrigeration Technicians spend the majority of their time working directly with refrigerants used in commercial and household air conditioning systems.
They are trained to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain cooling systems and their components.
Transferable Skills
HVAC technicians already have many of the skills needed to work as Refrigeration techs.
These skills include basic HVAC principles for heating and cooling.
EPA certification for refrigerant handling and repairing compressors, motors, and electrical wiring for failing refrigerated systems.
Potential Requirements
Refrigeration Technicians transitioning from HVAC roles bring many of the skills required for success in the role.
They may be required to renew or earn additional certifications related to handling refrigerants and chemicals used in the course of their everyday maintenance and repair duties.
Benefits
Making the career transition from working as an HVAC tech to a Refrigerator Technician is a relatively easy move.
Highly skilled Refrigeration Techs typically make higher paying salaries and can work for top-paying employers or set their own schedules as independent contractors providing their services for commercial and residential clients.
5. Plumbing Technician
HVAC experts seeking to make a career change while using their existing skills can take on a career as a Plumbing Technician.
Plumbing Technicians provide invaluable services like configuring water supply lines that keep area homes and businesses up and running.
Job Description
A Plumbing Technician is a maintenance professional who is tasked with pipe installation, repair, and maintenance.
They provide system troubleshooting services for water systems experiencing leaks or other issues that prevent them from functioning properly.
Transferable Skills
Many Plumbing Technicians provide maintenance, diagnosis, and repair services for plumbing equipment and HVAC systems which is a familiar area for former HVAC Technicians.
Additional transferable skills that can apply to this role include blueprint reading, and using common tools like pipe threaders, cutters, and sealants.
Potential Requirements
While many of the skills that HVAC Techs and Plumbing Technicians are the same, there will likely be additional educational and certification requirements that need to be completed before HVAC Techs can officially make the change into their new roles.
Benefits
Former HVAC specialists taking on the role of Plumbing Techs bring many transferable skills to the table.
They also have knowledge that makes it a breeze to complete short periods of formal education and training as they move into a higher-paying specialized role with opportunities for advancement.
6. Building Automation Systems Technician
HVAC Technicians interested in taking on more high-powered roles and increasing their income while retaining their existing skills can consider working as well-paid Building Automation Systems Technicians who work as the backbone in many residential and commercial environments.
Job Description
Building Automation Systems Technicians provide integral installation, maintenance, repair, and diagnostic support.
Their role revolves around ensuring that critical building systems like electrical systems, HVAC systems, security systems, and wiring controls remain stable and in good condition.
Transferable Skills
Blueprint reading, electrical wiring skills, problem-solving skills, and troubleshooting problems in non-working HVAC systems are just a few of the transferable skills that seasoned HVAC workers bring into this new high-powered role.
Potential Requirements
HVAC Technicians thinking about changing their careers and becoming Building Automation Systems Technicians likely already have many of the technical and professional skills required to take on this new career.
They will likely be required to earn industry-specific education and certifications in BAS technologies.
Benefits
Building Automation Systems Technicians are in high demand across commercial and residential industries.
Their knowledge of building systems and automated processes for security and appliance operations makes it possible for them to find work in a variety of different environments.
Tips for Transitioning Careers
- HVAC Technicians seeking to change careers should thoroughly research their desired new career role to learn about job duties, salaries, benefits, and potential career satisfaction.
- Prepare for transitioning into your new role by getting the required training, education, or certifications needed to work in the field.
- Take advantage of career information sessions and networking opportunities with professionals already working in your desired career.
- Consider the benefits of working as an independent contractor or freelancer as a means of transitioning into your new career.
Final Thoughts
Technicians who are serious about switching their careers should develop a roadmap that includes learning new skills, gaining certifications, and getting formal education from online or local training providers.
When you’re ready, take the next step to begin researching online and campus-based programs offering training and education for one of the top alternative careers for HVAC technicians above.
Sources
Energy Auditors – BLS
https://www.bls.gov/green/energy_auditors/energy_auditors.htm
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technicians and Installers – BLS
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
