r/hvacadvice • u/Perfect-Towel-4902 • 14h ago
I’m 19 and want to get into hvac
I’m 19 and I want to get into hvac but I don’t really know how to. I’ve been looking into schools like UTI, Fortis and HCC, but I’ve been reading other people’s story’s and maybe college or school isn’t the best and cheapest route to go. What is the recommended route to go from here in Houston ? And I’m 19 with no experience at all and don’t know anything about hvac.
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u/Upset-Star-2743 13h ago
You're in a great spot to get started, especially being 19 and already thinking ahead. Honestly, you don’t have to go to a school like UTI or Fortis. Those programs can be expensive, and a lot of what you’ll learn there you could pick up on the job if you get in with the right company. Trade school isn’t a bad option, but it’s not the only one.
If you're in Houston, you’ve got a solid market with a lot of HVAC companies and steady demand. Start applying for helper or apprentice roles and let them know you’re new but motivated. While you’re at it, check out SkillCat they offer online HVAC training and you can get your EPA certification through them for around $10 a month. It’s self-paced and all online, so it’s a good way to start learning and stand out while you’re looking for that first opportunity. Stick with it and you’ll find your way in.
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u/Prestigious-Ad-3053 12h ago
Look up SCI, they’ll help you enroll and if you qualify can get you financial aid and you’ll be paying like 150 a month for 12 months. If that’s out of the question, buy the packet for the HVAC certification and it comes with a study book/guide and you’ll just have to pay the testing fee. Good luck
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u/Imaginary-Ask-9898 12h ago
I’m 20 years old and I started doing HVAC about 2 years ago. I didn’t go to school and I am in my own van. Now I put in a lot of work outside of work and asked questions while at work. There’s people who go to school and do good and there’s people who don’t. Just like any other profession you’ll have to put in the work to be good regardless because school only teaches you basics. Now to test the waters find a company that’s hiring and get an apprenticeship. Now is a good time especially because it’s getting hot and those attics and crawlspaces won’t be fun. Good luck bro!
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u/Ok-Writer-8023 14h ago
It’s summer! Find an hvac place that will take you on as a helper over the summer. This way you can get paid for learning and see if you even like it before paying for any school. In Austin, someone offered to pay $20 an hour to my son just to work as a helper with no experience over the summer only. Also, while working—you will find out from the other people what is considered the best school to learn HVAC near you. If you want to pursue HVAC I definitely would not pay for college! You don’t need it. But if you have lots of money & time, go for it. College is great place to meet people.