Welding vs HVAC, Which is better?
Welding and HVAC are both common words among technicians and are related to maintenance work. If you want to build a carrier as a professional technician, a comparison of welding vs HVAC can bring you the solution.
In this guide, we will introduce you to both the job sector as well as compare them on different criteria. The intention is to help you make an informed decision so you can build a successful career in the most suitable field confidently.
Table of Contents
What does an HVAC/R Technician do?
HVAC/R stands for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration. The main responsibility of this technician is installing and maintaining the systems that keep our business and home comfortable and ensure safe and quality air. They work both in commercial and residential fields and their common duties are troubleshooting repairs, offering quality customer service, overseeing installations, and upgrading people to new technology.
Benefits of HVAC/R
The best advantage of being an HVAC/R technician is working in an inactive environment. Besides, it has strong job security while the demand is growing much faster.
What does a Welder do?
Welding is the high-heat method where welders often joint two materials. It’s a flexible job where welders have to work in different sectors in different places. The most common responsibilities are welding structure, studying blueprints, and monitoring the welding process to prevent overheating.
Benefits of Welding
Welders are required in a range of industries. From manufacturing to construction, welders can change the industries without changing careers. Besides, it brings travel and adventure.
Differences between welder and HVAC technicians in several factors
Work Environment and Tools
Welding
The greatest area of a welder is the manufacturing industry. Besides shipbuilding, construction, and aerospace industries are also working areas of a welder.
Working as a welder necessitates the use of defensive gear to prevent injuries. Welding carts, cable reels, heated cutting equipment, solderers, welding machines, and grinders are examples of common welding equipment.
HVACR
As an HVACR technician, you may need to work in the same area or travel to a different area to deliver services. So you should be prepared to travel often. HVAC technicians also require safety tools to ensure safe operation while handling heavy items like refrigerators.
Pay Scales and Industry Outlook
Welding
Following the American Welding Society (AWS), the availability of welders is expected to reach 40000 by 2024. Of course, a welder with a professional certificate will have better job prospects due to the lack of expert welders. Besides, a welder earns a median annual wage of $38,150 on average, according to the 2015 statistics.
HVAC
HVACR is another fastest-growing industry. The jobs related to HVACR are more stable and consistent and the median wage of technicians stood at $45,110 in 2015.
Read More: Is Welding A Good Career Option?
Certification and Licensing Requirements
Welding
The American Welding Society (AWS) provides advanced welding certificates. A welder with additional certificates gets priority for any kind of welding job. So the more you have a certificate, the better you will have the opportunity of securing a job and welding task.
HVAC
However, it’s not compulsory to have an HVAC certificate. Many states ask for proper licensing before allowing for the project. Likewise with welding, the more you will have a certificate, the better you will have change for HVAC jobs. To work for large companies or agencies, it is recommended to have HVAC-related certificates.
Skills and Training
Welding
To weld professionally, one must first complete a course in chemistry, mechanical drawing, blueprint reading, metallurgy, and mathematics. The majority of companies hire welders who have a certificate from a training institute. However, you can handle welding without formal training, but it will increase the quality of the project, whether it is long or short.
To improve the skill, one should have concentration, accuracy, and the ability to follow instructions. Besides, learning new welding techniques increases the demand for a welder.
HVAC
Because HVACR units are being upgraded and maintenance work is becoming more complex, a technician should pursue formal training to improve his or her skills. Some of the must-have skills for the job are reading blueprints, connecting HVACR systems to respective fuel lines, checking and installing electrical wiring, and advising the client to improve overall efficiency.
Final words: Who’s the Winner?
The debate between welding and HVAC is unnecessary while both are different and essential for living comfortably. Moreover, it depends on the individual’s preference for what he is interested in. If you want to work outside most of the time, then build a carrier in welding. Conversely, if you want to satisfy helping people, then HVAC/R will offer you peace of mind.
Read More: 10 Best Work Light For Welding Reviews Guide