8hrs is the base but days can run long for
As we said, the type of air conditioner you have is going to determine how often it should be running throughout the day. Typically, you can expect the following: Central air systems: Eight to 14 hours. Window units: 12 to 18 hours.
HVAC Techs are Often On-Call
As an HVAC technician, you may not have a typical 9-to-5 schedule. Depending on the job, the weather, and the emergency, you might be called into work early in the morning or late in the evening. You may be on-call for occasional weekends or holidays.
As an apprentice or intern, you need to work between 15 and 30 hours a week. However, experienced technicians working full-time amass 40 or more hours every week. You could also take part-time opportunities, which are usually plentiful. In addition, be ready for emergencies and sometimes working overtime.
In conclusion, HVAC technicians typically work a 40-hour week, but their schedule can vary depending on factors such as extreme temperatures or peak seasons. They may work longer hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet high demand or project timelines.
HVAC can be a stressful job at times, especially during the peak demand season from May through to September. The HVAC industry can require you to work evenings and weekends at times to meet the extra demand of broken down air conditioning systems during the summer months.
8hrs is the base but days can run long for service techs with little notice. It's not unheard of in peak seasons to hit 50-80hrs in a week especially if your on call. Some sectors of the industry are more structured and 8hrs and going home is possible even in the peak seasons.
Program your thermostat to pre-cool your home to a lower temperature up to three hours before 4pm. At the start of the 4pm on-peak period, program your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. Program your thermostat to return to your normal evening temperature after 9pm.
As an HVAC system maintenance technician, you will typically work alone, have the freedom to work at your own pace, and move between multiple jobs in a single day. It will be up to you to troubleshoot system issues and determine the correct course of action for repairs.
For example, if you search for jobs in the HVAC industry on HVACJobsCenter.com, you'll see that companies such as Baker Home Energy in Escondido, California are hiring candidates with a salary starting at $100k and above, if you meet qualifications.
Additionally, HVAC technicians may be required to work long hours, especially during the summer which is typically the busiest season. Being an HVAC technician can be hard, physically demanding work.
A breakdown in heating or air conditioning can occur at any time, so schedules vary a lot when you work on repairs and maintenance. You may even be expected to work some evening and weekend hours. HVAC workers often put in extra hours during the starts of summer and winter, peak cooling and heating seasons.
The average cost of an HVAC service call is about $100 to $250, depending on the problem. The total hourly rate for an HVAC technician ranges from $65 to $150+ per hour, with additional parts costing anywhere from $40 to over $1000.
On an average summer day, a general guideline is that your AC should operate between 12 and 16 hours. However, several factors can influence this, including the outdoor temperature, desired indoor temperature, the size and type of your unit, and your home's energy efficiency.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
In general, an air conditioner runs for about 20 to 25 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature, then turns off and recycles throughout the day and night. An air conditioner should run for 10 to 15 hours a day on typical summer days.
This means an AC unit could cost you from $5.17 to $5.94 per day to run. Or about $155-$178 per month you're running it. Let's say you still have an ideal home setup, but a home that's a little bit less than the size of the average home – around 1900 square feet.
According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling. But in reality, this is a question that doesn't have a “one size fits all” answer.
There is no set schedule for an HVAC Technician. The schedule for an HVAC technician truly depends on the company they work for and the type of equipment they work on. Most maintenance work or installations are done during regular business hours. Repairs to systems may be needed at any time, even after hours.
Yes, HVAC technicians can earn $100K a year, especially in the highest paying states or specialized fields such as commercial HVAC or system design. As service techs gain experience and move into higher positions or own their businesses, their annual pay can reach or exceed this threshold.
Is HVAC a Hard Career? While HVAC can be physically demanding, it can also be very rewarding. As a technician you'll need to be able to: Work in unpleasant settings, such as tight or messy spaces.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is a complex and multifaceted field that can be challenging for beginners to learn. However, with dedication, persistence, and the right resources, anyone can develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this industry.
Both HVAC technicians and electricians earn similar compensation, though the average annual salary for electricians is about $5,000 higher than that of HVAC techs.