When it comes to commercial vs. residential HVAC, there are several key differences to be aware of in terms of size, location and manufacturing.
Let’s take a closer look at the difference between residential and commercial HVAC:
What is Residential HVAC?
Residential HVAC technicians deal with problems in customer homes. They are typically called when an AC or heating system stops working properly or when there is some work related to assembling and installing a new unit that the resident cannot handle on their own.
For residential purposes, we’re generally working with single, self-contained units that cannot be modified or expanded, which is a major difference from commercial HVAC systems. In commercial settings, modules can be added or removed in order to expand or reduce the amount of heating and cooling that the system supplies to a building.
What is Commercial HVAC?
For businesses and larger properties, commercial HVAC is the name of the game. This field calls for larger, more complex systems that take longer to install and repair.
While residential HVAC work is typically completed by one or two techs, commercial jobs usually rely on a team to install, repair or plan the systems needed for the property in question. This collaborative environment is an easily overlooked but key difference between residential and commercial HVAC.
Commercial vs Residential HVAC: Size & Complexity
Residential HVAC systems are typically singe units located in the backyard or against the side of a house. Commercial units, usually located on the roof of a building, are much larger – the bigger the building, the bigger the system (generally speaking, at least).
When you consider the various rooms and spaces within warehouses, offices and other large buildings, you can see why commercial systems need to be more intricate in their design and functionality. The need for multiple settings and thermostats across a larger space makes for a more complex system, hence this difference between residential and commercial HVAC.
Commercial vs Residential HVAC: Manufacturing & Installation
There are significant differences when it comes to the installation of commercial vs. residential HVAC systems. As mentioned earlier, residential units are singular and unable to be modified or expanded.
In contrast, commercial HVAC systems are manufactured as modular units, so once installed, the system is accessible for easy maintenance and upgrades. Also, commercial HVAC parts can be added or taken away to change the heating and cooling needs of the building.
Commercial vs Residential HVAC: Maintenance
Maintenance requirements is another notable difference between residential and commercial HVAC. Since residential HVAC units are less complicated, some homeowners may be able to complete basic maintenance themselves. This includes cleaning and changing the air filters and other minor tasks.
The size, location and complexity of the components in a commercial system, however, calls for an experienced and skilled technician to perform maintenance. Repairs on a commercial unit can also be much more expensive than residential systems, making regularly-scheduled maintenance that much more pertinent to the lifespan and cost-effectiveness of the system.
Commercial vs Residential HVAC: Certifications
While these is no federal requirement to obtain a particular license or certification to become a residential HVAC technician, many states require you to have certain licenses before you start your practice.
One of the basic certifications required is the EPA 608 certification. In addition to specialized certifications for specific tracks within the field, it’s crucial that you know the basic requirements of the state you plan on working in. For your convenience, you can find a state-by-state list of required licenses here.
Commercial HVAC technicians work with larger and often more complex heating and cooling equipment, therefore typically requiring more education. Similar to residential, there’s no federal requirement in the US to obtain a particular license or certification, however, you must still abide by state regulations in order to become eligible for commercial HVAC.
In general, commercial HVAC training requirements are:
- High school diploma or GED certificate.
- Completion of a certificate program from a recognized institution, an associate degree program in HVAC, or apprenticeship in the HVAC industry.
- State licensing (as needed).
In addition to standardized EPA certification, industry certifications like North American Technical Excellence (NATE) are often preferred by employers and can improve your job prospects.
Commercial vs Residential HVAC: Salary
As you may have guessed already, residential HVAC technicians typically get paid less than commercial techs. In addition to the additional degrees and corporate nature of the job, you have to also consider the seasonal nature of residential work, where technicians see far less calls during the off season.
For reference, the national average residential HVAC technician salary is just over $54,000. Commercial technician’s salary come in just a bit higher, nearly $56,000 annually. Commercial workers do not have to rely on seasonal demand and have work year-round, however, the cost to enter this field can be higher given the additional certifications and exams associated with commercial HVAC training.
Commercial vs Residential HVAC: Key Skills
Due to the smaller and less complex nature of residential systems, these technicians typically require only minimal training and certification. In fact, many residential technicians undergo training while on the job.
One key difference between residential and commercial HVAC, however, is the interpersonal requirements of the two roles. Unlike in commercial HVAC, residential HVAC professionals often have direct contact with the clients to communicate and negotiate services. They must maintain positive relationships to get repeat work, expand their network and get more referrals for their business.
So, which career path is right for you? Now that we’ve covered the difference between residential and commercial HVAC, hopefully you can now make a more informed decision and be better prepared to face the unique challenges and opportunities in both fields.
