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As we all know, HVAC simply stands for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning. These HVAC systems help in controlling and maintaining the temperature, humidity and air quality within a closed space to provide an environment conducive to the people within. In simple terms, the main heating part of an HVAC system is produced by using radiators or supply air systems within the same commercial building.
The main ventilation is achieved by extracting contaminated air out of the building while maintaining fresh clean air. It also takes care of circulating the internal air and removing humidity. Fans are some mechanical items that can be used for ventilation. Cooling systems main purpose is to lower the temperature and help in maintaining the levels of humidity in a commercial space.
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Who is a Residential HVAC Tech?
A Residential HVAC Technician deals with problems in customer homes. Their work is usually less time consuming with multiple projects coming in hand around peak seasons. Usually, they are called when an AC or heating system stops working properly or when there is some work related to assembling and installing a new unit that the resident cannot handle on their own. Residential jobs don’t generally require more than 1-2 people to complete.
Residential HVAC systems are generally placed on the ground and are easy to install. They are single, self-contained units that cannot be modified or expanded, which is different from commercial HVAC systems as they are modular, and modules can be added or removed in order to expand or reduce the amount of heating and cooling that the system supplies to a building.
Who is a Commercial HVAC Tech?
A Commercial HVAC Technician deals with projects for businesses and bigger properties. Therefore, they encounter bigger, more complex HVAC systems. Each project has a larger time frame and may take longer to complete as compared to residential systems. As a commercial Tech, you will be expected to work as part of a team with several other technicians. The work includes installations, routine maintenance, or consultation on a construction or renovation project. Commercial HVAC systems typically found on the roof of commercial buildings. This keeps them from taking up too much space, and also protects the system from vandalism.
If you wish to dive deeper into Residential and Commercial HVAC, you can do our free HVAC certificate courses here!
Before moving forward, let us establish One Golden Fact.
No HVAC technician is locked into one path. Both the categories i.e. Residential and Commercial HVAC are interlinked and interchangeable. However, knowing the key differences between both careers can help you make a better decision and understand what’s right for you.
We've tabulated the key difference for you below:
| Residential HVAC | Commercial HVAC |
Certifications | No federal requirement in the US to obtain a particular license or certification. Can start with basic knowledge under a professional technician. | No federal requirement in the US to obtain a particular license or certification but need to get abide by state regulations. Commercial HVAC technicians work with larger and often more complex heating and cooling equipment, therefore, commercial HVAC often requires more education through professional institutions. |
Salary | Residential HVAC workers get paid less than commercial techs. This is often because commercial workers are generally more qualified. Residential work is somewhat seasonal in nature. | Commercial HVAC professionals earn more than residential HVAC technicians. They have the advantage of staying on a company’s continuous payroll. You’re never out of work in the commercial sector as long as you’re working at a company. |
Working Conditions | Residential HVAC technicians might experience unreliable work hours. These HVAC systems are located within or beside houses. Therefore, a residential HVAC professional’s job demands indoor working conditions in and around residences, attics and crawl spaces, house related maintenance and repair. A residential HVAC technician finds work in a relatively protected environment. | Commercial HVAC is more predictable in terms of working hours than residential HVAC, because working hours typically resemble a traditional business. There will be designated shifts assigned and the work culture is more organized. Commercial HVAC systems are often located in commercial buildings on the top. As such, commercial HVAC professionals will often find themselves working outdoors, and exposed to the harsher working conditions. |
Skills Required | Working as a residential HVAC tech, requires a good understanding of communication and interpersonal skills as it is a much more customer oriented role. Unlike in commercial HVAC, residential HVAC professionals often directly contact the clients, communicate and negotiate services. They need to maintain good connections with clients in order to get called again. Networking with other professionals is very necessary for a residential HVAC technician as it helps in getting new clients. | Commercial HVAC systems are often larger and more complex than residential systems. Although the two have almost similar skill sets, they have different approaches and HVAC needs. Commercial HVAC requires specialized education and certifications around particular systems. Most companies before hiring require HVAC techs to have prior work experience. Due to the fact that Commercial techs are more qualified, they get great salary packages and benefits like paid leave, healthcare etc. |
Market Growth | Ever since the pandemic hit, there has been a slight dip in the overall market. As of 2021, the market is seeing a new rise in demand for new ventilation systems that is leading to an increase in residential HVAC services and sales. The pandemic has shifted work cultures all around the world forcing people to work from home, therefore there’s a rise in consumption and investment to upgrade their current HVAC systems. | According to a research report by MRFR, the market commercial HVAC was valued at USD 97.31 billion in 2020. In 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak created a negative effect on the commercial HVAC market. Now that the world economy is recovering, all industries are going back to working at full capacity, especially the construction industry. Because of this, many companies have started hiring commercial technicians at good salaries and great benefits like healthcare, salary increments and stable work hours. |
To learn more about the differences between residential HVAC and commercial HVAC in detail, check out our blog!
5 Reasons to shift to Commercial HVAC
There can be various reasons for an individual to shift to commercial HVAC roles. These roles are more competitive and with the right skills and licenses, commercial HVAC jobs have a lot to give. Commercial HVAC roles are a little more flexible as compared to industrial HVAC roles.
Below are top 5 reasons that we think are good reasons to shift to commercial HVAC:
Fixed work hours? YES YES YES
A residential technician's work differs based on the type of customers they work for, and the kind of equipment as well. On the other hand, commercial HVAC technicians majorly serve business spaces in locations that normally have a very typical standard working hours from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday work weeks. As the customers would be available around the standard working hours, a commercial HVAC technician’s working hours would be around the same time. Generally, these technicians don’t have to handle after-hours emergencies. There is comfort knowing that there is a structured working schedule. A good work-life balance can be maintained. As a commercial HVAC technician picks up more work, he/she will begin to progress in their career, the appeal of a more structured workweek is often very tempting.
Commercial HVAC roles tend to be more stable in terms of work hours. There will definitely be times when you receive an emergency service call from residential customers asking you to come right away. But that's rarely the case with commercial establishments. Many don't operate after designated work hours and some don’t even notice if their system goes down after business hours! But that doesn’t mean that all commercial jobs are cake walks. They're just more structured compared to residential HVAC.
Cha-ching! The Money is Yours
Commercial HVAC roles are commonly seen as the place where the most money can be made and it is true that the hourly salaries offered tend to be higher. But the reason behind this is because there is a demand for more experienced, qualified and talented technicians. As the technicians hired have the required skills and experience, they will be paid higher than other HVAC roles.
The high pay rates in commercial HVAC roles might not be seen in the case of a fresher for years and years and getting hired in the first place is extremely difficult without experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for HVAC repair workers is more than $47,000 or higher than $22 an hour. This is more than some with a four-year degree earn each year. As it is the median amount, some technicians make much more than the disclosed amount per annum. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also states the jobs in this field are growing at a rate of 15%, much higher than jobs in other industries.
As there is a good chance that the commercial shops are more likely to be unionized, it shows that higher wages will be provided across the board. There won't be a shortage of work as the work is consistent. So, there is a good chance that more opportunities will turn up for you.
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Heathy, Wealthy and Wise
Sometimes old HVAC systems are often the main source of dirt and dust buildup. When this happens, these dust particles travel throughout the HVAC vents and mix into the air, contaminating it. This contaminated air can lead to increased illnesses, asthma symptoms, allergies, and more to the customers and the technicians who repair it. In Commercial HVAC, few healthcare schemes are provided according to the role of the technicians. This is one of the biggest attractions for many workers. Who wants to pay expensive hospital bills and put a dent in your bank account?
It is the technician’s role to make sure that the old HVAC systems are replaced with new ones. So that the customers enjoy clean and fresh air. This comes with a cost. That cost is taken by the company
Career Growth Opportunities
In the Commercial HVAC industry, there will not be a time when candidates will be stuck doing one job, unless that is their desire. There will be many opportunities to work the way up to a position best suited for the candidate’s talents and interests. You have the opportunity to start off with an entry level position and climb up the ladder to become the boss or even better, become a contractor and start your own HVAC business!
This is where HVAC project managers come into picture. HVAC project managers have a very essential role of overseeing projects while at the same time making sure the clients are happy and satisfied. Blueprints will be planned right from the starting stage to the completion stage covering all aspects and loopholes will be addressed.
In this role, analysis is a very important aspect right from inspecting the site itself, to safety, budget etc. HVAC installers do more than just install. They are mainly problem solvers. They also take care of repair and provide maintenance services to those who have heating, cooling and refrigeration needs.
HVAC engineers handle design systems as well as work with different installers to improve how the work is done within the industry. In addition, technicians will be trained to not just negotiate contracts, but also to supervise work teams, conduct site surveys, and select the right equipment for the job.
Every job within the commercial HVAC industry can be in high demand at any point during the year and in the coming years, by providing you with options, we are trying our best to help find you the right job that you desire.
SkillCat does an awesome job in helping skilled workers find commercial HVAC jobs. Companies like Trane, Carrier, CoolSys etc hire technicians on the website for great salaries. Click here to learn more about it!
No Student Debt? Not too shabby
One of the reasons why learning any new HVAC skill or learning a new skill is a great option due to the reduced debt which is common in most universities and colleges. Many students have student debts that are accumulated through a four-year degree course. Once students graduate, they are found trying to pay off their loans in the first few years. It tales decades to pay off the student loads and actually enjoy life.
Technical training such as HVAC technician training takes a lot less time, making it less expensive. Even if you decide to take out a loan, the amount will still be significantly less, and there won't be much struggle in the repayment process. In some cases, there are various apprenticeship programs available where students can work while studying which is a great way to reduce your student debt.
Professional institutes like SkillCat provide 100% free online HVAC training. It’s devised to be educational and fun which is achieved through interactive simulations, games and videos. We have more than 30000 students who’ve been trained and are now doing great in the industry. You can click the link here to know more!
Have you decided?
We've covered top 5 reasons why you should shift to Commercial HVAC jobs Today! So which is the right fit for you? That's for you to decide! Although, we hope we've made things a little easier and that you found some great insights and if you did, please Like, Comment and Share this article!
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