Explore What Qualities Make a Great HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians.

We owe a lot to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning  (HVAC) technicians. From staying comfortable in our homes to safeguarding indoor air quality, HVAC technicians are always in demand. This demand translates to well-paid careers that enable upward mobility. Whether you’re going from school to the skilled trades, or wanting to change careers, there are […]

The Necessity of Improving HVAC Infrastructure

The necessity of improving HVAC infrastructure.

When you hear the word “infrastructure,” you probably think of roads, bridges, railways, and ports. Maybe you even think of bills in Congress. However, infrastructure, in a broad sense, refers to the basic underlying framework of a system. One of the most important systems in any home, office building, venue, or public gathering place is […]

Smart Homes Need Smart HVAC/R Technicians

Robot waving.

The human race has come a long way from fireplaces and stoves to keep warm and hand-held fans to cool off. For more than a century we have learned to harness the physical properties of air and water to keep us warm in winter and cool in summer. Doing so has required the use of […]

Preparing Your Home for Winter with HVAC

Preparing your home for winter with HVAC.

As you may know, and as we’ve written before, the importance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a home cannot be overstated. Responsible for the quality, temperature, and distribution of all the air in the building, a well-functioning HVAC system is one of the most important keys in a healthy and […]

How Safe Are The Trades?

Work safety announcement.

I’m sure most of you understand that the trades entail rugged working conditions with more hazards than you’ll find at a desk job. The good news is that deaths and injuries are steadily diminishing. A big reason is that insurance companies lead the way in compelling jobsite safety. It is in their interest to pay […]

What Is HVAC?

Man repairing an AC unit.

If you are a trades worker or even a homeowner, you have undoubtedly heard the term “HVAC.” While you might have known what the acronym stands for (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), you might be slightly less knowledgeable about the ins, outs, and intricacies of HVAC. Keep reading to unearth a crash course on what […]

What Does It Take To Start A Career In The Trades?

Graphic with the words "what does it take to start a career in the trades?"

Working in the trades is a rewarding experience. You closely interact with customers, playing both technical and customer service roles. You are also able to set flexible hours, and you aren’t stuck sitting behind a desk for the rest of your life. If this sounds like the lifestyle and work culture you are looking for, […]

STEM is HVAC

Man fixing wires.

STEM is HVAC (Heating and Cooling) Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are the essential building blocks of careers that cross industries and impact our daily lives in different ways. STEM is the foundation of technical careers that advances the next generation of a skilled workforce. STEM is the skilled trades of plumbing, heating, and […]

Tools of the HVAC Trade

February 20, 2015 Various electronic gauges and instruments are required. As with any other trade, an HVAC technician typically owns his personal set of hand tools that goes with him wherever he may be employed. At the most basic level these include hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, levels, files, tape measures, flashlights, caulkers, etc. Beyond that there […]

What Do HVAC Mechanics Do?

A large range of work leads to specialization. HVAC may be the most complex of the skilled trades. An HVAC mechanic can be responsible for the installation and maintenance of a wide range of commercial and residential heating and cooling equipment, including heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration units and other heating and cooling systems. […]