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HVAC Forums => HVAC Help => Topic started by: sgwkerr on March 11, 2018, 10:17:30 AM

Title: Too old to start hvac?
Post by: sgwkerr on March 11, 2018, 10:17:30 AM
Hi everyone.  I am 45 and want a career change from recycling collector truck driver.  I am leaning toward hvac.  Am I too old to start learning this trade?  I am looking for a job that is normal day shift hours like 7-8 am start times compared to my 4:30 am right now with 50-66 hour weeks.  I hear hvac folks work mostly 40-50 hours a week most of the time.  Overtime now and then is ok and being on call once in a while is fine too. I want a better work life balance that's all. This is what I have seen online regarding hours in hvac. Is this true? I like a change of scene and environment, like different work sites and outside and inside work.  Also I would like doing different tasks, like working with electrics, mechanical work, sheet metal work etc.  There seems like a wide variety of tasks in hvac.

I am in Windsor and am ready to enroll at Mohawk in Hamilton to start in Sept.  I am in good shape and am used to working hard all day.  I have a lifelong dedication to working out and being in top shape. What do you guys think?

Thanks very much.
Title: Re: Too old to start hvac?
Post by: Admin on March 11, 2018, 10:18:54 AM
45 is the new 25.  You'll do fine.  You could spend the next 20 years in HVAC.
Title: Re: Too old to start hvac?
Post by: Porcupinepuffer on March 11, 2018, 04:51:35 PM
Where abouts are you located? If you do work out and take care of yourself, you're probably still ahead of a young guy who doesn't take good care of himself. The only thing with HVAC is that there can be slow periods and really busy periods. It wouldn't be as consistent as garbage being put to the curb.
Title: Re: Too old to start hvac?
Post by: sgwkerr on March 11, 2018, 05:16:43 PM
I am currently in Windsor but also have a place in Hamilton.  I have access to hvac job markets in Windsor, Hamilton, Halton, Guelph, Cambridge - 20-25 minute drive to each city.  My place is well situated.  Also not far from Kitchener or Toronto and Mississauga.
Title: Re: Too old to start hvac?
Post by: Porcupinepuffer on March 11, 2018, 06:40:23 PM
You'd want to start with getting the gas licenses first. The G3 and then the G2. The sheet metal is a separate trade by OCOT. Not highly policed outside out of new construction. The air conditioning side is also a separate trade by the OCOT and is a little more stringent from employers.
It takes a while to be a full HVAC guy. I was a little late myself in getting the licenses. If I could go back and kick myself in the rear, I would.
Title: Re: Too old to start hvac?
Post by: screech on March 16, 2018, 03:33:44 PM
Go for it ,I was 50 when I got my G2 .
Title: Re: Too old to start hvac?
Post by: wantboost on February 05, 2019, 04:48:01 PM
Are you guys working for others or alone ??
Title: Re: Too old to start hvac?
Post by: Lee Batchelor on February 05, 2019, 05:22:52 PM
I agree with the Admin guy. I used to think 45 was old until I hit 65!!! I still feel about 50 years old, having being blessed with decent health. I am still working hard at various things.

Look at it another way. In 5 years, you'll be 50 years old and fully licensed and very capable. If you continue to work as a recycling employee, in 5 years you'll still be 50 with no trade or hopes of advancement!!  Go for it!!!! Best of luck whatever your decision ;).