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As society acknowledges the labor shortage in the trades, more young individuals are exploring traditional careers like HVAC. Due to misconceptions about the value of trade careers there's a significant generational gap that exists. As highly skilled tradespeople retire with no one to fill their shoes, this wealth of knowledge and passion risk being lost.
Recently, more young people have shown interest in HVAC careers. Nate, the owner of Greene's Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical in Tiffin, Ohio, has worked in large industrial settings, fast-paced commercial projects, and residential service. He’s shared insights into the different “flavors” of HVAC service to help newcomers navigate the industry.
Residential vs Commercial vs Industrial
Residential HVAC is the most people-focused area of the industry. Technicians often work directly with homeowners, who personally cover service costs. This means emotional intelligence, patience, and strong soft skills are essential. Projects typically range from an hour to a few days, offering a high variety of tasks and projects. For those who get bored with repetition and enjoy problem-solving, residential HVAC is a great fit. At Greene’s, we’ve found residential service particularly rewarding because it allows technicians to take pride in delivering quality work and ensuring homeowners are comfortable and safe.
Commercial HVAC serves small businesses to large corporations. Our experience includes restaurants, commercial kitchens, and laundromats. This field offers a balance between variety and repetition, as projects can last from several days to several months. While technicians might not interact directly with the end-user, there’s a focus on efficiency and teamwork. The environment can feel more task-oriented, though it’s an excellent fit for those who prefer structured projects and steady workflows. Opportunities to specialize and advance into roles like system design or project management are also more common.
Industrial HVAC involves large-scale systems in factories and plants. This area requires specific certifications and strict adherence to safety standards due to complex environments. Technicians often work on heavy-duty equipment, and while there’s less focus on the end-user, the scale and technical challenges can be highly rewarding. Industrial HVAC is perfect for those who enjoy working with complex systems and want to develop niche expertise.
Job Security of HVAC Service Technicians
Job security in HVAC is strong across all sectors, though it does vary slightly.
Residential HVAC offers high job security. Homeowners consistently need climate control, regardless of economic shifts, due to health and safety concerns. While demand can fluctuate seasonally, there’s always work to be done.
Commercial HVAC can be more sensitive to economic changes. New construction and large projects may slow during downturns, but maintenance and repairs continue to offer steady work. For those who enjoy larger-scale projects that allow for a more repetitive and predictable work day, commercial offers stability with room for growth.
Industrial HVAC is often the most stable, especially when working with large factories or plants that require constant climate control (though it can be more susceptible to major economic movement than residential). While economic downturns can impact this sector, many industrial facilities maintain their HVAC systems year-round, providing consistent work.
Finding Your Fit
Each area of HVAC offers unique challenges and rewards. Residential is ideal for those passionate about quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Commercial provides a fast-paced environment with opportunities to specialize. Industrial offers complex, large-scale projects for those who love technical challenges.
At Greene’s, we’ve found residential HVAC to be the most fulfilling for technicians who take pride in their work and enjoy creating a positive experience for homeowners. But every path has value, and finding the right fit depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals.
No matter which direction you choose, HVAC is a stable, rewarding career with plenty of opportunities to grow and make a difference.
Interested in pursuing a career in residential HVAC Service with Greene's? Apply Here.
Please feel free to leave your opinions in the comments.
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