Are you interested in a career as a heating contractor in Centennial, CO? This can easily become a lucrative career. After all, who doesn’t want to heat their homes and businesses in the winter?
Colorado isn’t exactly known for its mild and balmy winters. Temperatures are often hovering at or below freezing and don’t forget about the snow. Your work isn’t going to dry up in the summer. You may be a heating contractor but this doesn’t mean you’re not going to work on air conditioning units.
If you’re interested in getting your HVAC license, congratulations. However, before joining an outfit as an apprentice it’s a good idea to have a general idea of what to expect from an average day at work. This way you can get a better idea if this is the right career path for you.
What Are the Duties of a Heating and Cooling Contractor?
Your typical job duties don’t really change regardless of the state. The primary difference is usually which part of the HVAC system you spend the most time dealing with. HVAC contractors in Colorado tend to work more on heaters. If you live in the Deep South, you’re probably spending more time repairing and replacing air conditioners. With that being said, here’s a look at what you should expect from an average day as a heating contractor.
Working on Air Conditioners
Pretty much from the spring through fall, air conditioners are going to be your primary concern. You’ll have customers calling to schedule routine maintenance, this is something you want to encourage everyone to do at least once a year.
AC repairs and replacements are also going to take up much of your work time in the warmer months. You should also expect to work on a wide variety of air conditioner makes and models. You’re even going to run across different types of AC units. Even though installation steps will differ depending on the model, maintenance, and repair stay about the same. For example, all ACs eventually need their filters replaced whether it’s an HVAC system or heat pump.
Provide Necessary Heating Services
When temperatures start falling, expect AC calls to drop off. Chances are, you’re probably not going to work on an AC again until the spring once winter hits. Now, get ready for a ton of heating service calls. No one wants to freeze inside their home or business. Sometimes, a faulty heater is more of an emergency for your clients than a non-functioning air conditioner.
Just like with ACs, you’re probably going to run into several types of heaters. This means staying updated on the various maintenance, repair, and installation techniques. Some of the jobs you should expect to tackle during an average day can include:
- Changing filters
- Removing blockages
- Installing replacement furnace or boiler parts
- Furnace, boiler, or duct inspection
- Testing motors
- Inspecting and replacing electronic components
- Fixing the blower mechanism
- Installing furnaces or boilers
- Replacing belts and capacitors
- Fixing or replacing the ignition
- Installing ducts
You’re probably also going to find yourself calibrating thermostats. Even programmable thermostats occasionally need to be recalibrated. While we’re talking about thermostats, this is going to be an almost daily part of your job. The thermostat plays a huge role in an HVAC system’s efficiency. Along with calibrating thermostats, you’re also going to be replacing old ones.
Is It Worth the Time To Become a Heating Contractor?
Deciding on a career takes a ton of thought and planning. Something that typically comes up is salary. If you can’t make a living, there really isn’t a reason to go into the profession. So, can you make a living as a heating contractor? The answer is yes. You’re probably wondering what the average salary is, and we’re getting to that.
A few things determine what you make as an HVAC contractor. Your location plays a key role, along with your experience. On average, heating contractors earn around $52,863 annually. Keep in mind this is the national average. You may start off making a little more or less. Senior HVAC contractors average around $70,545 annually. So, you can increase your earnings over time.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts the demand for heating contractors is only going up and is expected to increase by 5% over the next few years. This may be the perfect time to get started in your career as a licensed heating contractor in Colorado.