If you’re a home or commercial building owner, you might have come across certain problems in the water system or air system, that made you confused about whether you should call an HVAC specialist or a plumber. These two fields are often mixed up with each other because of the overlapping similarities between the two. But, when the sides of coins aren’t even the same, how can two different fields be the same? This article will put an end to the long debate of HVAC vs Plumbing.
Everything comes with merits and demerits of its own. This article will be your guiding light! if you’re someone who is trying to find an answer to which job is better, or if you’re a confused resident who wants to pinpoint the right person to call for services.
HVAC
As the name says, an HVAC specialist is a person who works with your HVAC systems. They know the ins and outs of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Whether it is your furnace or an AC, the HVAC tech is responsible for the maintenance and repair of it all. The person who is dealing with your HVAC systems ensures that your home or office building is at the ideal temperatures that you desire.
Plumbing
Now let’s see what plumbing has to offer to us. A plumber is typically someone who works around the pipelines and water systems. This involves getting rid of clogs from drains, stopping leaks, setting up new fixtures, and other tasks. You’ll need a plumber whether you want to remodel your bathroom, put in a new kitchen sink, or change a leaky faucet. Additionally, you might need to contact them in the event of an emergency, such as an unforeseen flood in your home or a significant leak that could result in water damage if it is not fixed right away.
The connection between HVAC and Plumbing
Oftentimes, the most common question asked is “Is HVAC connected to plumbing”? While your leaky pipes may not need heating or cooling services, your AC produces a lot of water and you need the help of a plumber to drain it all away! When you’re getting your HVAC system installed, there is a high chance that the drainage line is connected to the plumbing system for easy draining. This is where the mighty connection between the two starts.
The Aftermath of Poor Plumbing on HVAC
If there is a connection, there is a chance that if one technician hasn’t done the job perfectly, it will automatically lead to the destruction of the other system. If the plumbing system isn’t draining the water coming from the HVAC system properly, this will cause an accumulation of excess moisture in your roof, ceilings, and walls. This will give rise to excessive growth of mildew and molds, water damage, and the expensive repairs that come tagging along with it.
Can HVAC Contractors Do Plumbing?
Some companies offer both jobs and their technicians have extensive training for performing both work with equal compatibility. However, many companies offer only one service at a time. So, if a random person says that I am a jack of all trades and will do your work, don’t believe him without certifications.
Schooling and Training Guide
We have an accurate answer for you. Every state has different requirements and time limits for schooling and training in plumbing or HVAC.
Plumbing:
An HVAC certification is comparatively longer than a plumbing one. A plumbing education course has a pre-apprenticeship plumbing program that can last anywhere from 24 months to 3 years. If you need to get a license, you have to complete the apprenticeship, pass the exam with flying colors, and complete other background requirements.
HVAC:
To be a licensed HVAC contractor, you must enroll in vocational schools or training schools for HVAC courses. The complete studies and training can be completed in a minimum of 2 years and can sometimes take up to 4 years. End the training, get hands-on experience and you’re good to work as a licensed contractor.
Salary Expectations:
In this day and age, one of the foremost factors someone considers before choosing a career is the salary it offers. The question that most often pops up in minds is “Does HVAC or plumbing pay more?” Both jobs have almost equal paying salaries but what sets them apart is the fact that HVAC specialists often get bonuses based on their performance, and overtime working. This gives them a slight advantage over a plumber.
Annual Salary of a Plumber:
As per data shared by U.S. News, the annual salary of plumbers and havac is $56,000 per year. The salary raises occur with the gradual increase in experience. When you’re a newbie, you may get a salary as low as $43,000 per year but with experience, you can get a salary of $70-80,000 per year easily.
Annual Salary of an HVAC Technician:
HVAC technicians in the United States earn an average hourly wage of $25 to $27, which corresponds to $53,000 per year. Moreover, they can easily earn up to $6000 if they work overtime. These bonuses are a big plus for the job of an HVAC technician. But, working overtime can also cause a poor balance between work and life, you have to compromise on a lot of other commitments to fulfill your job duties.
Conclusion:
The dispute between the plumbing and HVAC comes to an end. Our guide aimed to clear the differences and similarities between the both quite efficiently. Whether you want to do a job as a plumber, or you want to switch towards being an HVAC technician, it all comes down to your interest and what makes you happy. Whatever floats your boat, choose that. On the other hand, if you were trying to understand whether you can ask an HVAC tech to do a job that requires plumbing, don’t let an amateur destroy your house. Ask for a license and certifications before allowing him to do any other task.