Job Related: HVAC Industry question: Install vs. Service

[evolvedbullet2]

Hey folks, I'm very confused on what these two terms mean: 'Install' and 'Service' work when it comes to installing or running power engineering equipment (or any equipment like furnaces, or anything related to heating and air conditioning).

I'm a prospective tradesmen who wishes to either join a HVAC union or other company/contractor/vendor in the hopes of having a promising future. I'm currently enrolled at the MATC campus in Wisconsin and about to graduate with a Power Engineering and Sustainable Facilities degree within a matter of a year. It was my intention to apply to a union and be in a waiting list, however someone who is in one of these unions have told me that the demand for people who can do "Service" work has never been higher than in the "Install" working field.

I think "install" work is having to do with construction and installation work, and "service" being a guy who runs the machines that are installed by the people who do the install work. I get the idea that "install" work is what most (or all) of the unions in Wisconsin handle. How does one get experience doing "Service" work when all the HVAC firms within 70 mile radius of Milwaukee are looking for 10+ yr. employees? My professors tell me that I need 'luck' to get experience. I'm waiting for Job Fairs to happen so that I can inquire about obtaining experience with local firms and companys. It seems to me that unions are the only way to go. On this notion of experience, what do you guys think about obtain experience working with operating equipment?

Thanks for your input and time folks. 😎

 

[evolvedbullet2]

Bump

 

[jupiter57]

30+ years in Construction here.

An "Installer" will typically work at a Construction Site or Home under construction installing the ductwork, the evaporator & condensor, coolant piping, thermostats, grills & registers, etc.

A Service Man" would go from home to home, jobsite to jobsite, & institution to institution performing troubleshooting & repairs on systems already in place.

It has been my observation that you would most likely need to start in the Installation end of the business, build up a knowledge base & experience in the different facets of the trade before even being considered for Service Work.

Most all HVAC Craftsmen are required to complete at least some Apprenticeship Training as it is a highly skilled area. Unions have a 4 year Apprentice program, though you may find an Open Shop willing to train you also.

But, things are changing quickly in the trades, so there may be a Company willing to hire you, send you to the various Manufacturers training, then let you do Service work. Service work requires a broad knowledge of ALL systems, brands, etc. from the Thermostat to the Grills & Registers.

Most of the HVAC guys I know dislike Service Work as it is dirtier & typically requires you being On-call, available 24/7, though the pay can be better than Installation, as you typically need to be more knowledgeable than most Installers.

 

[evolvedbullet2]

Thanks for the insight friend. Noted.

 

[iGas]

HVAC service/install is an in demand field for residential, commercial, and industrial setting. It is quite a bit more challenging in the industrial setting than simple residential work, but also more rewarding (higher salary than residential). With a background of power engineering you might also want to look into instrumentation mechanic as another option.

Instrumentation is a bit more technical if that what you are looking for, or work as a control installer/service person in HVAC that is not as involved as an industrial/air craft instrumentation mechanic.