Is HVAC a Good Career Choice for Women?

Job opportunities in the field of HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, are at an all-time high. At the same time, more and more women are becoming interested in working in technical and engineering fields, such as HVAC. Currently, female HVAC technicians comprise about 9 percent of techs in the United States. This has encouraged many HVAC companies to actively recruit women interested in entering the field.

As a woman-owned business, John Betlem Heating & Cooling, Inc. believes that the HVAC field is a great career choice for women, and encourages them to apply for positions within the company. You may be wondering what types of career opportunities are available in the HVAC field, and what may be the best fit for you.

What are some of the different career choices available to women in HVAC?

• HVAC Associate: An HVAC associate is an entry-level person who works with technicians in the repair, replacement, and maintenance of heating and cooling equipment. Usually, associates begin as apprentices and learn the trade from the skilled craftspeople they work with.
• HVAC Technician: This is a person who handles all aspects of the repair and maintenance of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Most of the time, HVAC technicians have earned an HVAC diploma or certificate at a trade school or college.
• HVAC Engineer: Engineers understand the more intrinsic workings of HVAC systems, and often have engineering degrees in the HVAC field. They often oversee the work performed by technicians and can perform audits and design system frameworks as well.
• HVAC Installer: HVAC installers are responsible for the installation of heating and cooling equipment in homes and businesses. This career choice requires mechanical skills and often the ability to carry heavy equipment and machinery.
• HVAC Salesperson: An HVAC salesperson is responsible for selling systems to homeowners and businesses. This is more of an educational role, as they can help people learn about the different types of heating, cooling, ventilation, and air quality products available, and can help them choose the best system for their home or business.
• HVAC Manager: An HVAC manager oversees the business operations of the company they work for. They often handle job assignments and follow up with customers on job outcomes and satisfaction. They are often responsible for hiring and interviewing employees as well.
• HVAC Business Owner: As the name suggests, this is a person who owns an HVAC company. According to Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA, about 7% of women in the U.S. are HVAC company owners – including our very own Kathy Betlem.

Kathy encourages women to consider HVAC as a career choice. In fact, she was recently named one of the 2022 Top Women in HVAC by ACHR News. In the article, Kathy gives this advice to women interested in entering the field: “When deciding to pursue a career as a woman, the best advice one can receive is to be patient and know that this trade takes time to learn. Thick skin helps, but also commitment. If you can stick it out, it will be worth however long you want to dedicate it to your career.”

If you’re interested in an HVAC career at John Betlem, contact us today.

At John Betlem Heating & Cooling, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage all people interested in working in the HVAC field to contact us. To learn more about current employment opportunities available, please visit our careers page or give us a call at (585) 326-4767.