GEA's Global HVAC Technology Blog

Editor's Note: CR4 would like to thank Jean-Paul Thierion of GEA Consulting for contributing this blog entry.

Oftentimes young students are unsure or hesitant about their future. They wonder what their professional future will be and are not too excited about the idea of entering the professional arena only to do repetitive tasks. They are apprehensive they could be forced to engage in a boring activity if circumstances made it a personal necessity. This anxiety is normal and even positive as it reflects the willingness to be committed in their professional life, and the desire to lead their own destiny. For young people facing this life changing choice there is an industry which offers broad challenges and plenty of good opportunities: The HVAC Industry.

The HVAC industry is highly diverse with multiple competencies in a wide range of technical specialties such as:

• Manufacturing processes
• Mechanics (compressors, pumps, fans,)
• Electricity (power and controls)
• Chemistry (refrigerant, oils, absorption cycle,…)
• Thermodynamics
• Heat transfer (coils, shell and tubes heat exchangers, cooling towers, etc…)
• Hydraulics (piping, pumps, etc…)
• Refrigeration processes
• Air handling technologies (ducting, fans, balancing, etc…)
• Hygrometry
• Acoustics
• Welding and brazing techniques
• Insulation techniques
• Computers
• Safety regulations

In addition to these technical expertises, the HVAC industry requires good people skills in its Sales departments to deal with the various human comfort sensitivities, relationships with customers, partners, architects, subcontractors, administrations, regulating officers, etc… In the after sales service, the HVAC industry brings the excitement of becoming an expert field investigator when dealing with critical service issues.

HVAC is somewhat an unseen or unnoticed industry and hence not always well known by the public. A hidden industry by design because in modern buildings air conditioning is ideally not seen and when done correctly, not heard. The HVAC industry covers so many specialties that even after many years of activity and long experience, no one can claim to know everything. There is always something new and interesting to learn which can be a stimulating feeling for beginners and industry veterans alike.

For young individuals joining the HVAC industry there is the assurance of never be bored, the opportunity to keep learning day after day, to contribute to a noble green activity with the industry objective of reducing energy consumption in buildings, a chance to travel and meet different people in different sectors of activity and in different industries (HVAC is used everywhere) and a strong insurance against unemployment.

The HVAC industry, a dynamic sector of activity which is highly worth considering at your time of choice.

- Jean-Paul Thierion