Archive for December, 2011

Thinking of Changing Careers?

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Are you looking for a job that will be around in the future? Consider the HVAC industry. People will always be living in homes and homes will always need to be heated in the winter and in the Atlanta area, cooled in the summer. Below are some compelling reasons to consider a career in the heating and air conditioning field.

The current demand for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) specialists has been growing over the past couple of years and is expected to continue to grow for the next several years. This is according to current U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (or BLS stats).

Current industry trends indicate a future growth rate of nearly 28% nationwide – this trend is predicted to continue until 2018, a total period of researching and studying 10-year industry trends beginning in 2008. Studies have revealed that once the results of that research and those studies are complete, there will be nearly 395,000 individuals who make their living in the HVAC industry, and choose to make this their lifelong career.

Ironically, there are those who feel that the HVAC industry is not recession-proof. Whether or not this is true, we can tell you that there are no statistics of current career trends in the HVAC industry that prove this. So, saying that the HVAC industry is recession-proof or not is purely speculative. However, on a more positive note, here is why the demand for top notch HVAC techs is going to be worth looking into:

Going Green – Numerous HVAC companies have put their efforts into green technology. Many technicians are educated in energy-efficient systems because the industry demands that they keep up with HVAC market and technological trends.

Maintenance and repair – Even if you do not need to replace your current HVAC system, it will always need preventative maintenance and repairs. Just like electricity, natural gas, and water, air conditioning and heating is something that no homeowner or business owner wants to do without.

Replacing your system – Even well-maintained heating and cooling systems eventually need replacing, considering the average lifespan of a HVAC system is 10 to 12 years. This is the case whether the economy is good or bad.

Upgrading older systems – Most home and business owners realize that maintaining HVAC systems involves keeping up with energy efficiency and technology. By upgrading or replacing your current system, you will save money on your monthly utility bills.

Here is another great reason to consider a career in the HVAC industry. When you are a certified HVAC tech, you can earn from $40,000 to over $100,000 per year in the metro Atlanta area!

Winterizing Your Home on a Budget

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Are you looking for inexpensive ways to save money on energy bills this  winter? Now is a great time to tackle these home projects and each of them is very affordable.

1. Add weather stripping to your doors and windows. Keeping warm air from escaping and drafts from blowing in can make a 5% to 10% difference in your energy use.

2. Seal exposed ductwork in attics and basements. Check for gaps in seams and joints, holes, or other places where warm air can escape. Use high quality mastic, rather then silver or duct tape that won’t hold as well or be efficient. Experts say that as much as 20% of warm air can escape through leaky ducts, so this is a great way to save money!

3. Put an insulation blanket on your water heater. The water tank warms up 30 or 40 gallons of water and then it starts to cool off, wasting money. An insulating blanket will slow down the heat loss substantially.

4. Program your thermostat so that the system runs less when you are nott there. Let the temperature fall 10 degrees or so when the house is empty, and you can program it to warm back up before you get home

5. Run full loads of laundry instead of several small loads. You’ll reduce your water use and your overall electrical use.

6. Add insulation to the attic. In winter, heated air escapes through the ceiling into the attic and out of the house. In summer, the attic gets hot and that air pushes down into the house, causing the air conditioner to work harder. A layer of insulation (minimum R19) in the attic will help year-round.

7. Have your furnace or heat pump cleaned and tuned up for winter. A dirty furnace or heat pump coil can waste 20% or more of the energy it uses. Having your entire HVAC system serviced before winter is a cost that might pay you back very quickly.

These are very good ways to reduce energy use on a limited budget. They are easy to accomplish and you will notice immediate results — lower energy bills every month going forward!