Are you tired of the fierce competition for engineering jobs?
Civil engineers who know how HVAC systems work are getting hired every day. They easily snag the coolest projects and highest paying positions because they possess skills most engineers don’t.
Let’s face it:
The construction industry is crumbling around us.
The Associated General Contractors of America found that 92% of construction companies have openings they can’t fill with qualified workers. Yikes.
But here’s the thing…
Civil engineers can avoid that problem by learning HVAC skills.
You’ll learn:
- HVAC Skills Every Engineer Needs
- How Buildings and HVAC Systems Relate
- Ways HVAC Contractor Licensing Helps You
- How to Gain HVAC Skills as a Civil Engineer
Ready?
Let’s grow your career.
HVAC Skills Every Engineer Needs
When civil engineers draft the blueprint for buildings, they have to make sure mechanical systems can be installed.
Think about how useless a structurally sound building would be without proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
To confidently assure these systems will work, civil engineers should know how HVAC systems work.
They should know HVAC contractor licensing requirements and pass with flying colors.
By gaining skills outside of your civil engineering education, you make yourself useful to a wider range of employers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers will grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034. Much faster than average!
By taking an HVAC training program, you put yourself miles ahead of the competition.
Trust me, your career will take off.
How Buildings and HVAC Systems Relate
Think about everything your design touches…
HVAC systems impact everything about a building. From curb appeal to the number of stairs inside, here are some important ways HVAC affects your job as a civil engineer:
- Foundation needs: The size and type of HVAC system impacts the bearing capacity needed from your foundation.
- Structural calculations: Heating and cooling add weight to your structure. Don’t forget to account for that when designing!
- Electrical layout: HVAC systems need power. Plan ahead where that equipment will go and what it’ll need to operate efficiently.
- Building codes: HVAC systems have their own set of rules and regulations which will overlap with your work.
Because every facet of construction is so interconnected, engineers can’t afford to know about just one topic. Employers need workers who can see the full picture.
When they can’t, projects get delayed.
Months of planning go out the window when unexpected problems come up that multiple teams didn’t account for.
You can save your company time and money by knowing how to design or install HVAC systems.
Ways HVAC Contractor Licensing Helps You
You don’t have to be certified as an HVAC technician to benefit from knowing about these licenses.
Engineering professionals who understand what HVAC contractors need to do to get licensed can help anticipate potential snags in the process.
Here are some licenses HVAC contractors are usually required to earn:
- State contractor license: Most states require HVAC contractors have a state license if the job exceeds a certain dollar amount.
- EPA Section 608 certification: If your HVAC work involves refrigerants, you’ll need to be certified by the EPA.
- Journeyman or master certifications: HVAC mechanics can choose to get certified at multiple competency levels.
- Specialty licenses: Some states require additional licenses for specific HVAC systems.
Some of these licenses have test components and will take time to get. However, knowing they exist will help you lead as a civil engineer.
You’ll know what your subcontractors should already know. That allows you to focus on larger picture items instead of getting caught up in things you know your team will handle.
Plus, it never hurts to learn a little something about your teammate’s job.
How to Gain HVAC Skills As a Civil Engineer
As a civil engineer, you can use your current job to learn more about HVAC systems.
Spend time with the installation team when they arrive on site. Ask questions and learn about the systems they install.
Use your down time to learn about the licenses HVAC technicians need. Even better, find out how you can help them pass those tests!
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Take HVAC Courses
Community colleges offer HVAC courses that cover the basics. You can even find HVAC online courses if you don’t want to leave home.
Become HVAC Certified
Become NATE certified or get your HVAC Excellence certification. While these options require an investment of time and money, they go a long way.
Understand HVAC Techs’ Licensing Needs
Keep reading this article to find out what licenses HVAC technicians need to pull their own weight on a job.
Read About It
Visit trade publications like Thanks HVAC to learn about new installation techniques.
You’ll Get More Out of Your Career
Don’t take my word for it…
Here are some of the benefits you’ll see by adding HVAC skills to your engineering resume:
- Get paid more. The more you know, the more you can charge.
- Land cooler projects. Employers will give you the best jobs when you can handle multiple aspects of a build.
- Receive promotions faster. You’ll be management material in no time.
- Build stronger relationships. Your clients will appreciate your well rounded knowledge.
- Never get laid off. Again, the more you know, the more you’re needed.
Picture this…
You’re working on a large commercial building project. The general contractor needs someone on site to help facilitate better communication between structural, mechanical, and electrical teams.
Who do you think they will call?
That civil engineer who knows how HVAC systems work, of course.
Now who will the general contractor remember when his or her next project comes along?
This is What Construction Needs Right Now
The construction industry can’t fix it’s labor shortage by itself.
Companies are begging for employees, but most can’t find ones that go above and beyond their required education.
Civil engineers who know a thing or two about HVAC technology can change that.
You’ll fit that bill AND so many more.
Building design isn’t what it used to be.
More technicians are specializing in different areas of HVAC systems than ever before.
As energy codes continue to become more strict, engineers who understand these mechanical systems will thrive.
The demand for workers who can communicate between teams is at an all time high.
And you can be that person.
Closing Thoughts
There is a war for construction talent going on right now.
But that war can’t be won by hiring solely civil engineers.
Companies need to hire engineers who have diversified their education. Employers need engineers who can see the big picture like you.
Branch out when you can. Learn about your fellow contractors’ trades.
They will appreciate you for it and you’ll learn how to avoid setbacks at work.
The construction industry needs HVAC technicians, refrigeration technicians, and electricians who know how buildings are designed.
You can be that engineer who knows how all of these systems work together.
Put yourself out there and learn new skills.
The engineers who don’t won’t make it far in this career.