HVAC

Industry Overview

What does HVAC stand for? The acronym stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, representing the system that heats and cools buildings. The most appropriate HVAC definition comes from Davis Air Conditioning and Heating , which describes it as the term that classifies all equipment that controls a building's temperature and keeps indoor environments comfortable.

The U.S. NAICS industry code for HVAC Contractors working in construction is 238220, which also encompasses those operating as plumbers. This coded number allows the government to classify all the sector's business activities, helping workers and suppliers better understand the industry. Within this construction sub-industry, over 1.1 million , workers find employment; HVAC/Plumbing is one of construction's largest overall industries.

According to IBISWorld, HVAC contractors produce over $85 billion in economic activity each year. Over 111,000 HVAC businesses operate in the U.S., and these companies are responsible for keeping people cool in the summer and warm in the winter. One unique aspect of the industry is that no one company controls more than 5% of the market, which means small businesses thrive as HVAC contractors. Some of the largest companies operating in the industry are Comfort Systems, Emcor Group, and Trillium Facility .

System Types

What is a HVAC system? There are several different types of HVAC systems available. They accommodate different weather conditions and building sizes.

Here is a breakdown of the most common types you'll find operating:

Split System-As the name suggests, this approach breaks up the system into two units: the outdoor unit holds the condenser and compressor. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coils. This type of system allows indoor units to be shielded from outdoor weather.

Ductless-Designed to fit in all types of spaces , this system features a single condenser. It's our above image for this section.

Zoned System-For systems covering multiple areas of a building, this system allows for custom temperatures in numerous rooms.

Packaged Units-This system houses every component needed to both cool and heat a building in one unit, avoiding the need for both an outside unit and a furnace. These units save space, are easier to install, and are quieter to run.

Heat Pumps-These single units heat and cool a building. Our earlier example of how HVAC works is describing a single unit.

Dual Fuel Heat Pump-In especially cold environments, this system utilizes a natural gas furnace in combination with the heat pump when temperatures drop below 35 degrees.

What size HVAC system should I use? Due to limited space, smaller HVAC units are used mainly on buildings without a basement or crawl space. And, it's important to remember that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. If a unit is too big, it can produce increased condensation, lowering the overall comfort experience. There are selection tools that will help you determine the appropriate size unit based on the part of the country you live in and the heating/cooling needs of a particular space. Some parts of the country, such as southern states, will require a 2-ton system. Because moderate winter conditions are experienced in the south, larger units are often not needed as they do not have to heat as much. Those who live in colder areas will require a 5-ton system.

Useful websites for understanding and comparing different systems:

Certification

The HVAC industry is filled with career opportunities. However, before any individual can begin their rewarding career choice, they must finish school and become certified.

With the complexity of the technology being utilized in modern HVAC systems, becoming certified is no longer a choice. Certification shows that the HVAC tradesman is qualified and has the necessary knowledge to handle any HVAC-related problem thrown their way. A certificate is a strong indication of a worker's competency within the field.

Here is a list of standard HVAC certificates technicians may complete:

EPA Type I Certification-for working with and servicing small appliances requiring less than 5 lbs. of Refrigerant

EPA Type II Certification-required for servicing high-pressure appliances

EPA Type III Certification-indicates training for servicing low-pressure systems

EPA Certificate-focuses on correct refrigerant handling

North American Technician Excellence (NATE)-the most prominent certification organization for technicians

All contractors operating across every U.S. state require a license before performing heating and air-conditioning services. However, each state does have different licensing requirements. Some states require passing additional exams after the completion of trade school classes.

You can find information about the HVAC licensing requirements of each state using this link .

Useful websites for those exploring certification options:

Work Activities

You will find HVAC installers, mechanics and technicians performing a wide range of tasks. Here are some everyday activities HVAC occupations perform:

Materials

HVAC workers used a wide range of materials to keep systems up and going. Here is a brief look at the most common used.

Depending on the materials used, a HVAC contractor will need to change the type of PPE used. An example includes touching sharp objects, which shouldn't take place with disposable.

PPE

Now, let's illuminate what types of personal protection HVAC contractors and technicians require when installing and repairing systems. As the injury stats mentioned above show, workers face the risk of injury every time they perform work. Simply handling sheet metal can easily lacerate one's hands, which is why wearing appropriate cut protection is extremely important. Also, there is a concern when handling liquids and refrigerants, making chemical-resistant gloves necessary.

To combat potential injuries workers may suffer, they look to MCR Safety to protect them with high-quality PPE. Here is a broad list of various PPE that MCR Safety supplies to help workers avoid injury:

Workers want to stay safe but also be comfortable. Installing ductwork throughout hot attics during the summer is no joke, which is why we've introduced many lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking products in recent years.

598RJH Breathable Rainwear

We've highlighted a lot of HVAC information and provided a bunch of industry stats. Now, the remaining part of this page showcases some of the most common HVAC hazards, and the different PPE options workers should consider wearing while performing their work.If you prefer to return to the main Construction home page, click the image below. From the home page, you'll be able to access any of the numerous construction industries we cover.

MCR Safety's dedicated Construction Industry resource page.