These days economy is quite unstable. Thankfully, there are careers out there that are recession proof. Meet HVAC, or Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This is one industry that can withstand the test of time.  This year alone 1 out of 3 houses reported an air conditioner problem. As you can see, there is a yearly demand for HVAC services. It doesn’t matter if the economy is good or bad. The consumer cannot live without its air conditioner. In the US, there is a wide range of temperate. From Hot Summers to Freezing winters, all its citizens require air conditioners to survive. In certain cities, the air quality is so bad that the ACs is the only reason why humans can thrive there. More than anything, AC is something that we have gotten used to. And like cars, it is something that we cannot live without. It doesn’t matter if it is a home or a hospital, your role as a HVAC repair person is essential. In hospitals, HVAC systems keep the environment sterile. The cool temperatures slow down the spread of germs and keep the instruments as sterile as possible. Server rooms need air conditioners to keep the computers from overheating and exploding. Grocery markets need ACs to keep the food fresh. This means that during any crisis, recession or even a hurricane, HVAC professionals have a job to do. They are among the first people they call to keep hospitals and supermarkets running. As we all know, we cannot survive without first aid and food. As a HVAC Professional, you are indispensable to the infrastructure of this country. You never have to fear unemployment if you follow this career path. Like food, citizens have gotten used to living with an AC unit. They can cut back on trips, and other luxuries. However, they cannot ignore a broken furnace, or a dead AC unit. Emergency repairs and routine maintenance are always on demand. This makes HVAC services recession proof. Older technicians have started to retire. There is a growing need for the next generation of HVAC professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC jobs are estimated to grow faster than any other technical profession. Even as we speak, there are thousands of position openings. There is a skill gap ready to be filled by YOU. Once certified and they acquire working experience, HVAC technicians can move onto specialized roles. These new roles include management, or they can open their own HVAC companies. Annually, there are 2500 new HVAC companies opening in the US. This career path is a lucrative business that allows technicians to eventually become their own bosses. Unlike other technical jobs, this career has upward mobility and the potential for financial independence, regardless of the state of the economy. In Florida Education Institute, you can get your degree in year or less. This means faster entry into the workforce. This helps you avoid financial risk. The school also has scholarship programs. So, you can graduate without or with very little debt. HVAC careers are one of the most recession resistant fields in the market. It combines hands-on work, with technical skills. This fulfills a purpose that is required by both communities and businesses. It doesn’t matter how the economy is doing. We all need an AC to survive. So, what are you waiting for? Here at FEI, we have the tools and tutors needed to make you the best HVAC technician in the entire state of Florida. We hope to see you soon in the next semester.

Yes. You can do HVAC work, even if you are Claustrophobic. First Thoughts There are a lot of misconceptions regarding HVAC careers. When folks hear the word HVAC, they imagine Bruce Willis crawling through an airduct. They also think of sneezing through a haunted, dusty attic. Yes, this is part of the day-to-day life of many residential technicians. This doesn’t illustrate all the options that you will have as a HVAC Technician. The reality is that the HVAC field offers a wide range of career paths. This includes a variety of roles that can keep you out of the crawlspace. These technicians work with large scale systems. These systems are usually found in skyscrapers, factories, malls and schools. Their units can usually be found in the roof, mechanical rooms or sometimes in the basement. So, there won’t be any attic excursions for you. Since you are dealing with larger systems, you get bigger pay. The environments where the systems are located are usually clean. Bigger units malfunction more often. Since they are in core industries, you get called to work more often. So, the profit margin of this path is bigger than just servicing residential Air conditioner units. This technical job deals with installing and programming the software in charge of ventilation. This includes programing the temperature and making the AC unit energy efficient. It combines both the software and hardware aspect of your career path. This is ideal for tech-literate fellows. There is also a growing demand for smart buildings. By sharpening your programming skills, you can cater to this niche group of technophiles who wish to automate every aspect of their AC experience. Believe it or not, you can make a good living by specializing in repairing refrigerators. Groceries are highly dependent on their cold storage to keep their meat and vegetables produce from spoiling.  Technicians often work indoors, in temperature-controlled areas. The best part about this job is that you won’t have to crawl through attics to get the refrigerator fixed. Cold storage is also found in hospitals and restaurants. So, you can expect a high demand for your services in these core industries. This position performs routine service and inspection of HVAC system. It doesn’t involve emergency breakdowns. All you will have to do is check the filters, gauges, belts and electronic components. It won’t require crawling through airducts or crawlspace. The best part about it is that this job has a predictable schedule. It is ideal for entry level workers, who require a job with less physical strain. HVAC Technicians are not required to perform much physical labor. It will be your job to also design the systems that cater to each customer’s needs. After you finish your assessment and calculations, it will be your job to coordinate the effort of the crawl that will do the heavy lifting for you. This job is perfect for workers who prefer a management position. This role often includes commissions, a laptop and a company Car. One Last Thing Not all HVAC jobs are the same. Some do involve getting into tight spaces. There are other roles that allow you to work in a clean environment. In the HVAC industry, you don’t need to work in a dusty attic forever. If you are looking for a stable, roomy workspace, the HVAC career does have roles, just for you. What does HVAC mean? Answer: HVAC letters stand for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. What is SEER rating, and why you should care? Answer: SEER is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The greater the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC unit. Can I install an HVAC system by myself? Answer: The short answer is No.  The long answer is that HVAC installation requires permits, EPA certification, and expert knowledge. Improper installation often voids your warranties and cause safety hazards. Why did the HVAC tech break up with the thermostat? Answer: Because it just wasn’t giving him the right signals!

HVAC training isn’t the same everywhere—where you train plays a role in the challenges you’ll be prepared to handle. Florida’s unique climate creates specific tasks that HVAC technicians don’t encounter as frequently in other parts of the country. From intense humidity to hurricane preparedness, students training in Florida gain specialized knowledge that sets them apart in the industry. Here’s what makes HVAC work in Florida different and why it’s an exciting place to start your career. 1. Managing High Humidity Florida is one of the most humid states in the U.S., and that means HVAC systems work harder to maintain indoor air quality. High moisture levels can lead to mold, mildew, and even damage to HVAC components if not properly managed. HVAC technician responsibilities in high humidity: Size and install dehumidifiers to reduce moisture buildup Ensure proper ventilation to prevent indoor air quality issues Maintain and replace air filters to combat mold growth 2. Heavy AC Usage & Energy Efficiency In many parts of the country, air conditioning is only needed for part of the year. In Florida, it’s a necessity nearly year-round. This means Florida HVAC technicians stay busy with repairs, maintenance, and system upgrades. Students training at Florida Education Institute gain expertise in: Energy-efficient solutions like variable-speed compressors and smart thermostats. Troubleshooting overworked systems that run constantly in extreme heat. Refrigerant management to ensure systems run efficiently and comply with environmental regulations. 3. Salt Air & Coastal Corrosion For HVAC technicians working near the coast, salt air poses an additional challenge. Salt can corrode outdoor AC units, causing them to break down faster than in inland areas. Florida HVAC techs are prepared to: Use corrosion-resistant materials, such as coated coils and stainless-steel components. Adjust placement of outdoor units to minimize exposure to salt air. Implement preventative maintenance techniques to extend the life of HVAC systems in coastal environments. 4. Preparing for Hurricanes & Storms Florida is hit by hurricanes and tropical storms regularly, which means HVAC technicians must be prepared to help homeowners and businesses before and after severe weather. HVAC students at FEI learn: How to secure outdoor HVAC units to prevent storm damage. The best practices for installing hurricane brackets and tie-downs. How to assess and repair storm-damaged HVAC systems. 5. Florida-Specific Licensing & Certification Unlike some states, Florida requires HVAC professionals to meet specific licensing requirements before working in the field. This includes EPA certification for handling refrigerants, as well as state licensing exams for different levels of HVAC work. Florida Education Institute’s HVAC training program prepares students by: Earning the Florida recognized certifications: EPA and R-410A Offering coursework aligned with state licensing requirements. Providing hands-on training in refrigerant handling, installation, and repair. Florida’s climate presents unique challenges, but that also means job opportunities for skilled HVAC technicians are in high demand. Training in Florida ensures you gain the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in a growing industry. Whether you’re working on residential AC systems, commercial refrigeration, or energy-efficient solutions, the skills you learn here will set you apart in the HVAC field. Begin your HVAC career in Florida! Contact us to get started with training!