Although just 19 years old, HVAC technician Race Harber is no stranger to the mechanical trades industry. When he was 14, Race started tagging along to work with his dad, Mark Harber, owner of Harber Heating and Air and a Diamond Contractor. He would help service the HVAC needs of customers in Ventura, northern Los Angeles, and southern Santa Barbara, Calif.
“During the summers and after school, I would spend as much time as possible accompanying my dad on service calls so I could learn about the heating and air-conditioning industry and get as much hands-on training as possible,” said Race, who believes the opportunities in the HVAC industry are endless for Generation Z.
Becoming an HVAC technician today means having a stable, profitable job and working in a sector that is moving toward the decarbonization and electrification of buildings and homes. Harber is a prime example of a Gen Z professional who understands that a traditional, four-year college degree isn’t the only way to carve out a successful and lucrative career.
The Demand for Gen Z Talent is Climbing
According to McKinsey, two trends are contributing to the declining number of skilled workers in the nation’s workforce – the aging U.S. population and too few younger people entering skilled trades. The HVAC sector alone needs approximately 80,000 workers to fill open roles.
Fortunately for this growing industry, a recent survey of adults aged 18 to 30 showed that 73% of respondents respect skilled trades as a career, second only to medicine. Another survey found two-thirds of Gen Zers agree a high school diploma is enough to get a well-paying, stable job.
Race sees enormous potential in working in the skilled trades. For him, that means becoming a more knowledgeable, experienced HVAC technician than he already is at such an early age.
“The opportunities in this industry are endless, especially with the electrification push in homes and commercial buildings and the focus on replacing conventional, fossil fuel-burning HVAC systems with all-electric, energy-efficient heat pump solutions,” he said.
Empowering the Next-Generation Electrification Workforce
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) publicized a $250-million opportunity to accelerate heat pump manufacturing. Specifically, this initiative encompassed using the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase domestic production of five key clean energy technologies, including heat pumps. The funding is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and will be used to essentially build a clean energy economy. The IRA is a key reason why HVAC contractors are increasingly offering residential customers all-electric solutions like heat pumps.
Further, several states, including Race’s home state of California, will ban fossil-fuel-fired HVAC systems and gas-powered water heaters in homes by 2030. The next generation of skilled tradesmen will be at the forefront of the country’s electrification efforts. This is an enticing opportunity, as creating a greener future is top of mind for many Gen Zers. A recent survey showed that 46% of Gen Zers view environmental sustainability as everyone’s responsibility and 56% push their employers to act against climate change.
“It’s exciting to know that your work serves a greater purpose. I take great pride in being a part of a new wave of HVAC contractors creating more efficient homes,” said Race.
An Insatiable Desire to Learn and Grow
Race’s enthusiasm surrounding today’s all-electric heat pump technology, including sensors and fault codes that help better diagnose problems with HVAC systems, is palpable. He is eager to learn more about refrigerant changes and new hybrid variable refrigerant flow (VRF) models that use water to cut down the use of refrigerants, among other evolving HVAC-related topics.
To meet new global warming potential (GWP) standards, the HVAC industry will change from using traditional high-pressure refrigerants like R410A to A2L classified refrigerants with lower GWP. The two most common low-GWP alternatives to R410A are R-454B and R-32, both classified as A2L refrigerants.
Understanding evolving heat pump technology and new standards in the HVAC industry is something Harber said is crucial for the younger generations and anyone entering the sector.
Advice to Gen Zers Interested in the HVAC Field
Harber suggests that new HVAC technicians immerse themselves in the profession by constantly learning about innovative technologies and emerging trends, shadowing more experienced HVAC technicians, clarifying any questions in the learning process, and investing in training.
Harber practices what he preaches. In fact, he is:
- Educating himself about sustainable and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. This includes all-climate heat pump and solar panel combinations that enable homeowners to turn sunlight into electricity to power their HVAC systems and the rest of their homes.
- Constantly leaning on more seasoned coworkers and other contacts in the HVAC industry because he wants to benefit from their experience and guidance.
- Continually increasing industry knowledge. Harber is a Diamond Contractor, which means he’s an independent contractor with the highest product and training accreditation from a leading supplier of ducted and ductless mini-split and VRF heat pump and air-conditioning suppliers. This designation signifies technicians who have immersed themselves in a multi-stage, hands-on course covering HVAC equipment, technologies, and installation best practices.
“Gen Z professionals, myself included, should absorb as much heat pump-related information as possible. Rather than be complacent, be curious,” he said. “Keep up with modern technology and emerging trends. Be open-minded and learn from others who have come before us in this field. The resources to learn from are endless.”
“I can’t imagine a better way to carve out a career, following in my dad’s footsteps and being open to soaking in everything I can about the evolving HVAC industry.”
