It is currently estimated that there are between 65,000 and 85,000 technical professionals employed in the HVAC&R-related industries. Approximately one third of these professionals are 55 years of age or older and expected to retire from active practice over the next 10 years. This spells opportunity for students with an interest in the HVAC&R field! Projections show a significant and constant demand for HVAC&R technical professionals through the year 2004 to fill the vacancies created by these retirements.

While perceived as "low tech," the HVAC&R industry is facing numerous technical challenges in the 21st Century. The need to replace ozone-depleting CFC refrigerants with environmentally safe alternatives is driving technological advancement in equipment design and retrofit. The constant demand for energy conservation invites technological innovation to improve system efficiencies and to find ways of using alternative energy resources. Indoor air quality is a major concern. HVAC&R engineers are working closely with health professionals to develop systems for removing harmful chemicals and biological agents from building air systems.

Advances in the "high tech" super computing and super-conductivity fields will require equally "high tech" advances in the HVAC&R technologies to efficiently and cost-effectively remove heat from complex systems. New energy management systems are needed that can use state-of-the-art digital computer controls to maintain comfort while minimizing operating costs.

Technical challenge and opportunity in the HVAC&R industry is limited only by your imagination.

The development of heating and air conditioning systems along with refrigeration is one of the most important technological advances of the 20^th century. At first, heating and air conditioning was considered a luxury in many homes and offices. In this new millenium, it is considered a necessity and commonly taken for granted.

While it is often difficult to accurately predict the future, it is a safe bet that people will continue to build and occupy buildings. In fact, it is estimated that people spend over half of their entire lives in the interior spaces of one type of building or another. Throughout the United States and most industrialized nations, the building sector consumes approximately 30% of the total energy used each year at a cost of about $90 billion annually. As issues with energy supply and concerns over worldwide energy/environmental continue to grow, there will be an increasing need for proficient technical personnel. Most importantly, a steady demand will exist for new technical personnel to replace those professionals who retire.

For years to come, all job sectors in the HVAC&R industry will be seeking to hire qualified candidates. Design firms will recruit graduates familiar with computer-aided drafting (CAD) and who possess the specific skills required to function in all aspects of the field. Contractors will look for individuals with increased hands-on training to supervise the installation and start-up of major systems. There will also be a steady demand for individuals to operate and manage the building systems.

As a wide variety of computer technologies are used throughout the HVAC&R industry, individuals who are familiar with computers will have a high potential for job placement in HVAC&R related jobs. Technical sales will serve as a positive career choice for individuals having the personality, motivation and interpersonal skills to survive in a high-pressure environment. Furthermore, as the utility industry continues down the path towards deregulation exciting career challenges will follow.

Hot Spots

As of today, there are some current hot spots in the HVAC&R industry. The utilization of computers in buildings is probably the hottest topic presenting interesting career opportunities. This field is known by many different names – BACnet, Direct Digital Control (DDC), Energy Management and Control Systems (EMCS), Intelligent Building, and Building Automation. Having the ability to link together all the mechanical, electrical, security, life safety, and service components within a building is a skill that will be in demand for quite some time. Knowledge of new hardware and software currently available, computer networks, and an understanding of how building systems operate will be necessary in order to succeed in this field.

The deregulation of the electric utility industry has prompted owners and building managers to re-examine their complete energy package. Some facilities are installing new co-generation packages to ease their dependence on purchased electricity. Other technologies ranging from fuel cells to alternative vehicular fuels like electricity, propane and natural gas offer career opportunities for individuals with the right blend of technology and business acumen.

The design and operation of building systems is becoming increasingly integrated. Today, some buildings make hot water from their air-conditioning system and use the fire sprinkler pipes to help cool the building. This increased level of complexity will require a better-trained workforce. Designers will have to be able to communicate the subtle features of the design to the field, and the operators will have to recognize the interaction that can occur. Making a seemingly small adjustment in one part of the building can have a much larger impact elsewhere.

Another change that could affect the HVAC&R design and construction industry is the new integrated design/build process being used. Owners can save money by shortening the time between the start and completion of a project. Designers and construction engineers need to be well-versed in cost and schedule issues to work in this environment.

Our concern with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the environment in general will create a demand for graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interaction between individuals and the built environment. To be successful, a good sense of the economic impact of design alternatives is also necessary. The concept of implementing sustainable design features in new buildings, sometimes referred to as "Green Design", is another specialty that will enjoy growth over the next several years.

For further information on careers in the HVAC Industry or to view a list of accredited engineering programs, log on to one of the following sites:

http://www.graduatingengineer.com/

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

http://www.ashrae.org/STUDENT/employ.htm

http://www.abet.org/accredited_prgs.html

http://www.asee.org/publications/colleges/default.cfm

Revision Date: May 12, 2003

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