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It’s summer in Iowa, so your air conditioner is likely working overtime to keep your home cool during the 90- to 100-degree heat. But did you know that refrigerant is a crucial component of ensuring that your AC unit is running correctly? Let’s explore HVAC refrigerant and how it can keep your home cool throughout the summer.

What Is Refrigerant?

The term refrigerant refers to a chemical compound that can shift quickly from a fluid or a gaseous state. During this process, it absorbs heat and provides air conditioning or refrigeration when combined with other components, such as compressors and evaporators.

How Does Refrigerant Work?

Your air conditioner contains an HVAC refrigerant inside copper coils. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from your home, it transitions from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. The air conditioning components send the refrigerant to the condenser outside, where a fan blows hot air over the coils and exhausts the heat. Once this happens, refrigerant cools down the evaporator and turns into a low-pressure gas. A fan inside your home blows air over the coils to provide cool air.

What Are the Types of Refrigerants?

Many of the traditional refrigerants used in air conditioners over the years have contained ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). For instance, CFCs in R-12 refrigerants were known to contribute to the greenhouse gas effect and were used until 1994. Then HCFCs in R-22 refrigerants were used since they were less damaging to the ozone than R-12 refrigerants. However, the EPA mandated a phase-out with the Clean Air Act of 2010, and R-22 refrigerants were completely phased out by 2020 due to new environmental standards.

Today, many AC units use R-410a refrigerants that contain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). AC units that run on this refrigerant are typically more reliable and efficient and offer better air quality.

A new refrigerant, known as R-454b, is being produced to decrease the potential for ozone depletion and climate change and will be used as a replacement for R-410a in new equipment.

Why Does the Age of Your AC Unit Matter?

Your AC unit can last 15 years or longer if properly maintained, so it’s important to look at what refrigerant you use to better protect the environment. For instance, if your system was installed before 2010, you may have a system with R-22 refrigerant. After 2020, only used or reclaimed R-22 is available for system repairs, and it is costly. It may make sense to replace your unit with a newer model that uses R-410a refrigerant.

Should You Upgrade Your AC Unit?

If your current HVAC system is having issues keeping your home cool, it’s time to schedule annual maintenance. You could be running low on refrigerant or be experiencing other issues with your AC unit. Typically, the refrigerant will remain at the same level for the life of your air conditioner unless leaks occur or other issues pop up.

If your air conditioner is older than 10 years, it may be time to upgrade to a new unit. An air conditioner is not a small investment, and because there are many options out there it’s important you receive the best advice when it comes to what AC system is right for you and your home.

Whether you are looking to repair or replace your AC unit, a trusted HVAC professional can help you extend the longevity of your current system and make sure it’s operating at peak efficiency during the summer months; or help you determine the best replacement.

Modern HVAC systems have been heating and cooling homes for 120 years, and in the last 10 to 15 years these systems have become more technologically advanced. Today, many have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled connections, are eco-friendly and feature smart technologies that allow you to control settings from almost anywhere.

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to save money on energy bills, check out these six trends in the heating and cooling space that shine a spotlight on these recent technology-based advancements.

1. Bluetooth-Enabled Thermostats

Smart home thermostats have been around for several years and are very popular due to their multiple cost-saving features. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled thermostats let you control your home’s temperature to help save on energy costs remotely with your smartphone, tablet or computer. They can show you how much you spend on heating and cooling in real time, so you can adjust your settings to help reduce energy consumption.

HVAC manufacturers sell Bluetooth-enabled thermostats. Some brands, like Nest and Ecobee, need to be compatible with your internet provider and HVAC system. Depending on the brand, smart thermostats can cost between $100 and $500 and up to $1,000 if purchased and professionally installed through an HVAC contractor.

In addition, some HVAC manufacturers are using the Internet of Things (IoT) to embed sensors and other technologies into your heating and cooling systems. This technology can help improve your HVAC efficiency, increase comfort and provide real-time monitoring as well as preventive maintenance.

It can be difficult to set up a smart thermostat, so consider having an experienced HVAC contractor install it. They can teach you how to operate a thermostat and take advantage of all the features to gain maximum efficiency.

2. Ductless Split Systems

Keeping your house cool during the summer months can be difficult, especially if you have an older home or a second floor without ductwork. An efficient way to keep your second floor cool is to have a ductless heating or multi-zone mini split system installed in your home. A ductless split includes an outdoor compressor that is connected by refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring to up to five wall-mounted indoor units, which allows you to customize the temperature in multiple rooms throughout your home. A ductless split system is easy to install and efficient, and it can distribute air more evenly across your home than traditional systems.

3. Geothermal heating and cooling systems

Need to replace your current HVAC system and interested in learning more about the different types of systems available? Geothermal heating and cooling systems have become a popular choice for new construction homes and are a great option for existing homes since they use free, renewable energy from the earth.

Installing a geothermal heat pump system in your home has a variety of benefits. It can:

Installation costs for a geothermal system vary, but typically it is more expensive to install than traditional systems. However, it will pay for itself in about five to seven years due to the monthly savings on utility costs.

4. Indoor Air Quality Products

The air inside your home may be dirtier than you think. In fact, the EPA estimates that the air inside your home is up to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. You can promote better indoor air quality (IAQ) by:

5. Zoned Heating and Cooling

Zoning your home is a convenient, money-saving and efficient way to control the heating and cooling output of your home. With an HVAC zoning system, you can heat and cool different areas within your home at different temperatures to reduce hot and cold spots and accommodate different uses. For instance, you can set the temperature in one area or zone to 72 degrees and another zone at 68 degrees. Zoning can be a great energy-efficient option for both existing homes and new construction, and it works best when each area or zone is of equal size. For example, if zone one is your main floor and zone two is your second floor, you’d want those spaces to be similar in size.

6. Increased Use of HVAC Professionals

As new HVAC systems continue to emerge and the need for air purification systems increases, so does the demand for highly trained HVAC professionals. They can figure out what HVAC system is right for your home and family as well as properly install and service the system.

Every winter when the temperature drops, you rely on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable all season long. While it is normal for this to result in a higher monthly energy bill, costs have been much higher this year than in years past.

This is because the market price for natural gas has more than doubled from where it was last year. In October 2021, MidAmerican Energy warned customers that they could expect their heating bills to increase by 46-96%.

One of the reasons for the price increases is that when the COVID-19 pandemic began and businesses started shutting down, the demand for natural gas decreased. As a result, less was produced and stored. When businesses started re-opening, the demand outpaced the supply and has led to higher prices.

Another reason is that production in Texas was disrupted when a polar vortex and ice storm struck Texas in February 2021 and drove prices to historic highs. MidAmerican Energy has had to pass these costs on to its customers.

In addition to rising natural gas prices, the cost of propane, which is used to heat many rural homes in Iowa, also soared. In October 2021, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projected the price to rise by 83%.

There are some things you can do, both on your own and with the help of a professional HVAC contractor, to conserve energy and save money on your heating bill while potentially improving home comfort.

Complete a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit should be your first step before implementing any energy- or cost-saving home improvements. It can help you determine how much energy your home uses, where it is inefficient, and which problem areas you should prioritize to save power and money.

Home energy audits can be performed by a professional or by yourself. The HomeCheck® Online assessment tool from MidAmerican Energy analyzes the effects of your home energy use based on your lifestyle and habits. It provides information on what uses the most power in your home and personalized tips to reduce your energy use.

Improvements You Can Make On Your Own

Once you’ve completed a home energy audit, there are some simple solutions you can do on your own. The No. 1 thing you can do without calling a professional is to change your filter regularly.

Read More: When and How To Change Your Furnace Filter

Another thing that can reduce your furnace’s energy efficiency is negative pressure. This means that there is less air in your home than outside and, in the winter, cold dry air will be pulled inside.

A few simple ways to balance out the pressure on your own are to:

How Can an HVAC Contractor Help

For more intricate home improvement tasks, you will want to enlist the help of a professional HVAC contractor.

Sealing Your Air Ducts

The average home’s air duct system leaks 25% to 40% of the air that flows through it. This can lead to frigid temperatures on your second floor in the winter, dusty furniture and high utility bills.

You may be able to seal some air ducts on your own, but it’s possible there are leaks hiding behind the walls, floors or ceilings. This is why you should call a professional to help you out.

Sealing your ductwork using a product called Aeroseal® can help improve comfort, reduce leaks by up to 90% and improve air quality in your home.

Have Annual Maintenance Completed

Annual maintenance keeps your furnace working efficiently and reduces the chances of an unexpected midwinter breakdown. By not properly cleaning your furnace every year, your HVAC system can lose up to 40% of its heating efficiency.

Annual furnace maintenance performed by a trained technician should include:

Read More: Why Annual Furnace Maintenance is Important

Upgrade To a High Efficiency HVAC System

If the time has come for you to replace your furnace, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency system. The energy and cost savings over the life of the unit will offset the upfront cost and reduce your monthly utility bill.

Whether it happens on the first hot day of the summer, the first cold night of the winter or any time in between, it can be a big surprise when your HVAC system needs to be serviced, repaired, or even replaced. If this happens to you this year there may be another surprise in store: the higher cost.

It’s normal for HVAC manufacturers to raise their prices each year, but this year the prices have gone up at a faster rate than usual. Unfortunately, this means that HVAC service providers have finally had to pass the costs along to their customers.

Let’s explore the reasons for the price increases and what you can do to avoid costly repairs to your home HVAC system.

HVAC Materials and Labor On The Rise

The main reason for the price increases is that the costs of HVAC materials have risen. This includes parts we use to repair your systems and the parts used to build new systems, making repairs and replacements more expensive.

The affected raw materials include:

In addition to the rising costs of raw materials for HVAC equipment, a truck driver shortage is also contributing to the price increases. Equipment and materials are sitting on docks undelivered because there aren’t enough workers to transport them, leading to higher demand and higher prices.

Another factor at play is the national labor shortage at HVAC manufacturer facilities. This has led to a shortage of the parts they produce, resulting in higher demand and an overall increase in price.

The semiconductor chip shortage that has affected thousands of electronics from cars to smartphones has also played a role in impacting HVAC prices. These chips are used in high efficiency units.

Perform Routine Maintenance Regularly

With HVAC costs on the rise, it’s important to have routine maintenance performed on a regular basis. Just like with your vehicle, having things checked out periodically can extend the lifespan of your system, keep things running smoothly and help you avoid the more costly repairs that could pop up from time to time.

When you join the Bell Brothers Comfort Club, a service technician will visit your home twice per year to perform routine maintenance, change your filter, complete a 21-point inspection and much more to make sure everything is running smoothly.

When the time finally comes to replace your HVAC system, we can help you manage the cost with flexible financing options. Special interest rates are available for periods of 12 months to five years. Some of our options include no payments and no interest for 12 months on some purchases.

Traditionally our strategy has been to purchase larger quantities of parts and equipment in the spring and fall to be prepared for the busy season. Due to the equipment shortage, this past year we’ve had to adopt a purchasing strategy that goes above and beyond in order to ensure we have equipment. And unfortunately, we have had to raise our prices this year due to the multiple increases from the manufacturers.

At the end of the day, we don’t want there to be any surprises when it comes to the final costs or your repairs or new HVAC system. We want to be transparent because we take service personally and we value your trust above all else.

Are smart thermostats worth it? As technology continues to move forward, our homes are getting smarter. This includes our thermostats. Wi-Fi-enabled smart home thermostats have become a popular choice for those who enjoy technology and have a busy lifestyle or simply want more control over their home’s temperature and energy costs.

Smart home thermostats let you remotely control your home’s temperature with your smartphone, tablet or computer and can learn your behavior to adjust the temperature based on your schedule. Some can even use your smartphone GPS to detect when you’re on your usual route home and set your home to your desired temperature so it’s ready when you arrive.

There are a few smart thermostats on the market that retail for about $100, but you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 on average when shopping at a big box store like Lowes or the Home Depot. Smart thermostats are not necessarily plug-and-play, so you will also want to take into consideration the cost of having it installed by an experienced HVAC contractor who can help you set it up and teach you how to use it. If you purchase a smart thermostat through an HVAC contractor, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1000 depending on the brand.

Even with the upfront costs of buying and installing a smart thermostat, there are many features that can help you save money in the future.

Cost-Saving Features of Smart Thermostats

Energy Cost Analysis

Are smart thermostats worth it? A smart thermostat can show you how much money you spend on heating and cooling in real time. You can use this insight to adjust your program settings to help reduce energy consumption.

Program the Temperature Remotely

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to schedule different temperatures for specific times of the day or days of the week for multiple rooms from your mobile device. This can help you save on energy costs if you leave home and forget to adjust your temperature settings.

Maintenance Reminders

Communication is not a one-way street with many types of smart thermostats. Most have notifications that can remind you when to perform simple maintenance, like replacing a filter, or if there is an issue with the system. In fact, the Carrier® Infinity® Touch Control Thermostat will send an alert to Bell Brothers to let us know which part of your system needs attention. Staying on top of maintenance all year long can help you avoid costly repairs and may even help answer the question: are smart thermostats worth it?

Over time, these cost-saving measures can offset the upfront cost of a smart thermostat, but you will want to make sure you find one that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Find a Compatible Smart Thermostat

Many HVAC manufactures, including Carrier, sell smart thermostats, but other brands are available as well. When looking at brands like the Nest or Ecobee, you need to make sure they are compatible with your internet provider and your HVAC system.

Finally, you’ve found the house in Des Moines that you’ve been looking for! The neighborhood is ideal, the pictures are great, and the price is in range. So, you schedule the tour. As you walk around your could-be-new-home and imagine yourself living there, there are a lot of things to consider.

Is the foundation solid? Is the roof in good shape? Oh, look, a double vanity! In all of the excitement and with so much to think about, it’s easy to overlook details like inspecting the furnace and air conditioner. Unfortunately, if you buy a home with an old HVAC system that hasn’t been properly maintained, you could soon be facing some unexpected and costly surprises or will experience discomfort in the home.

Luckily, this can be avoided, and we’ll tell you how.

Ask the Right Questions

You can avoid unpleasant surprises down the road by asking your realtor these three key questions about the home’s heating and cooling system:

How old is the HVAC equipment?

Unlike a fine wine, HVAC equipment does not get better with age. In fact, furnaces and air conditioners have a lifespan of about 15-20 years. The older the unit is, the more potential problems it may have. When equipment is in the 14-17-year-old range, you’ll want to start planning for replacement. Also, a newer furnace and air conditioner is much more energy efficient than an older HVAC system, which brings us to our next question.

What are the Energy Ratings?

Because heating and cooling make up more than half of your utility bills, it’s wise to ask your realtor for the energy efficiency ratings of the HVAC system. The ratings will give you an idea of what to expect in monthly energy costs. Basically, the lower the energy efficiency rating, the higher your energy bill will be.

Specifically, ask for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). We recommend at least a 13 SEER air conditioner (13-17), and an ideal furnace should be between 92% and 97% on the AFUE scale.

Could I see the maintenance and service records?

HVAC systems that have not been maintained routinely do not last long and may have some issues. Also, check to see if frequent or large repairs were made. This could be an indication of a problematic unit. In asking your realtor for the maintenance report or records, you will save yourself from some scary hidden costs down the road.

Contact an HVAC professional

If you’re serious about buying the home, consider hiring an HVAC professional to inspect the home’s furnace and air conditioner. Not doing a thorough inspection could end up costing you thousands of dollars.

Just how much? Well, the total price varies depending on the size of a home, but the average cost for a new heating and cooling system is $7,500 to $10,000. Now, just imagine having to pay that only after you bought your new home!

Isn’t that what the home inspection is for?

The inspector's job is to check the overall health of the home, which typically takes about 2-3 hours. During that time, the inspector follows an extensive list of things to be checked from top to bottom (literally from the foundation up to the roof) and everywhere in between.

While most home inspectors are good at what they do, they aren't HVAC professionals. Having a knowledgeable and qualified HVAC expert conduct an inspection will ensure you are getting a thorough and accurate report. If major repairs are needed, or the system needs to be replaced, you can get an estimate from your HVAC professional and notify the seller to either make the repairs or reduce the price of the home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, you need to feel confident when making the decision to buy a home. After all, it is the biggest investment you’ll ever make!

Taking the time to learn more about the home’s HVAC system can save you from being unpleasantly surprised later. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, contact us for all of your HVAC questions, to request an inspection or to schedule your routine maintenance.

DES MOINES, Iowa (January 7, 2020) — Effective January 1, 2020, Jason Gassmann, president of Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., is now sole owner of the business after purchasing it from his father, Chuck. Gassmann has been with Bell Brothers for 18 years, becoming president in 2017 when his father made the transition to CEO.

“I’m lucky to have had all these years to watch my dad and learn all the facets of the business,” Gassmann said. “You need to know the ins and outs of every part, so that takes time.”

Gassmann’s involvement in the business started in high school when he would run errands and help out on various jobsites. After college, he returned to focus on new-construction sales, then eventually took on a vice president role overseeing the residential division as well as sales and marketing.

Succession planning
Gassmann says his father leaves big shoes to fill — particularly with his extensive expertise in commercial and construction project management. But when his father’s role changed, Gassmann saw opportunities for a thoughtful restructure and promotion of key team members to help fill those shoes.

As a result, Steve Terry has been promoted from service manager to vice president of construction and service, and Aaron Stanton has been promoted from customer care supervisor to service manager.

“Steve has done a tremendous job of building the service department over the last few years — he’s a natural fit,” said Gassmann. “And Aaron is an extremely talented guy who’s very driven and has earned a lot of respect.”

Beyond succession planning for key leadership roles, Gassmann is also focused on recruiting the next generation of HVAC professionals by continuing to invest in their in-house HVAC Apprenticeship Training Program — originally created in 2015 and the first of its kind for the Des Moines area.

“I believe there’s a shelf life on leadership — me included. So, a huge focus for me will be to continue to attract and retain the best professionals in the industry, from entry level up to senior leadership,” said Gassmann.

Vision for the future
A growing emphasis on technology is also part of Gassmann’s strategy. Immediate investments include a new website and a new digital tool that sends a text message to customers the night before their service call with a picture of the service tech or installer, as well as reviews from existing customers. New service offerings like duct cleaning and Aeroseal duct sealing also show Gassmann’s eye for the future.

Gassmann says his focus on technology and top talent are two key ingredients in maintaining the metro’s best customer experience, but ultimately it comes down to the business philosophy that’s been in place since the company’s founding.

“There is a culture here that dates all the way back to Bob Bell,” Gassmann said. “We care about each other and our customers, and we believe in the simple philosophy of offering excellent service at an honest, fair price. We take service personally.”

’Tis the season for giving. Looking for some cool gift ideas that are sure to be remembered?

Products featuring smart home technology are incredibly popular. That’s because they help keep homes better protected and running more efficiently — plus, they’re super convenient. There’s also a cool factor to monitoring or operating home systems with your mobile device, tablet or computer — at home, or wherever you go.

To get you started, we put together this holiday gift guide featuring some cool home automation gift ideas that are sure to drop some jaws and bring on the hugs.

Video Doorbell Cameras: With video doorbells, you can go simple or go all out. These systems detect movement and feature HD video with wireless recording, and most support real-time video and audio chat with a visitor. See and chat with whoever’s at the front door from your family room or from your favorite café.

Smart Lights: For many smart light systems, just screw in the Bluetooth light bulbs, download an app and it’s easy to set the mood for dinner or dim the lights for movie night from anywhere in the house. Some systems also allow users to create set routines (lights on/off at specified times) for ultimate convenience.

Smart Switches: Take smart lights even further with smart light switches. First of all, these are no ordinary-looking switches, so they’re sure to impress guests. Second, they work with home assistants (i.e. Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.) and allow users to set schedules, turn on/off or dim lights with their voice and a more. Some of the pricier options even feature touch-sensitive tempered glass, cool backlighting and unlimited automation capabilities.

Smart Plugs: Wish you could control your small home appliances through your smart phone or through your other smart home devices? Well now you can. Smart plugs like the ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 adds some smarts to your coffee maker, lamps and TVs.

Smart Lock: Forgetting to lock the door is a quick fix using the web or a mobile device, and many smart lock systems allow you to set entry codes for faster access without having to dig for keys. Hint: Systems that feature a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen provide even more security. Most systems are battery operated, so they don’t require additional wiring, making installation a simpler process.

Smart Speakers / Wireless Speakers: Smart speakers are a great way to play music anywhere in a home using your voice. Wireless speaker systems are also great gift ideas because with many you simply plug them in, download the app, and set them up in whichever room(s) you prefer. You can play country music in the kitchen and classic rock out on the patio — at the same time. Hint: If the wireless system you’re looking at is a little more on the pricy end, you can always give one speaker now and have them add to it later on to make their wireless home music system even more robust.

Smart Shades / Smart Blinds: Automate windows with smart shades or blinds — they’re definite crowd pleasers. You can set schedules to better manage the amount of sunlight that enters your home during winter or summer months to help with heating/cooling costs — they’re great at boosting home efficiency. And if the sun is washing out your TV experience during the day, just adjust your smart shades from the couch as needed. Very cool!

Smart Dog Camera: Need to keep an eye on the furriest members of your family while you’re away? Indoor home security cameras like the Furbo Dog Camera let you keep an eye on your pup. Cameras like Furbo provide barking alerts, two-way audio so you can hear and talk to your dog, and best of all it lets you toss treats to your pet.

Smart Bed: From fitness trackers to smartwatches there are a lot of options for tracking your sleep. Did you know your mattress can also track your sleep? The Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed incorporates biometric sensors to help you sleep better. Use the app to view your sleep trends and gain insight on how you can rest better.

Smart Thermostat: Know someone who’s constantly adjusting the temperature in their home? Get them a smart thermostat. They’ll be able to set temperature schedules (by days, weekdays, weekends, etc.) that match their lifestyle. Smart thermostats help with home energy costs, especially during the summer and winter months. Hint: If someone gets hot or cold in the middle of the night, a quick adjustment from a connected mobile device will get them back to sleep without even getting out of bed! And forgetting to turn off you’re A/C during a long summer vacation is no longer a concern — you can turn the system off as you’re boarding the plane. There are a wide range of brands and models to choose from, and most are easy to swap with an existing thermostat. However some HVAC systems might be a little more complicated and may require an HVAC professional.

Use these smart home device holiday ideas to make someone’s holidays extra-special this year!

Deciding on a career after high school — we’ve all been there, but for most of us, it’s rarely easy. So many young adults at this stage in their lives consider a four-year degree, but ask themselves, “Is four years of college right for me? Can I really afford it?”

On the flip side, there are those with passion for skilled trade jobs that offer hands-on training and experience that starts now. But questions arise on this path as well: “Are skilled trade jobs worth it? Do I really have what it takes?”

If you’re truly passionate about getting hands-on work experience with continued on-the-job training to hone your skills, pursuing a career in the skilled trades can be incredibly rewarding. And starting out, apprenticeship programs help you develop and learn at the right pace while earning money and gaining invaluable experience.

To give you an inside scoop, we sat down with two of our own to gain their perspective on the value of our apprenticeship program here at Bell Brothers:

Alex, what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned in our apprenticeship program?

“Electrical,” he says without hesitation. “Working with electricity and reading wire diagrams — that was the biggest hurdle in the beginning. I still have a lot to learn, but that’s been the biggest asset so far.”

Inspired by his dad — a carpenter of 40 years — Alex decided to leave a job working in a body shop to further his career in the skilled trades. His mechanical background and passion for working on cars landed him here at Bell Brothers. The apprenticeship program has given him a lot of hands-on experience and training to use for his career aspirations. But it goes beyond his career.

“My whole goal in life is to be self-sufficient,” he added. “This is just another step in that. I can change a water heater in my house. I can do my air and my furnace — I know those skills. If an outlet in my house needs to be replaced, I can do it. This is allowing me to learn to do things on my own and not rely on others. Not incurring a lot of debt is a benefit, but for me, being self-sufficient is what I like.”

What’s next?

While he’s fairly split on commercial and residential experience in the apprenticeship program, his goal is to become a commercial journeyman.

“I have a long way to go, but that’s where I see myself wanting to go in the long term,” he says. “This program is a great way to get there.”

John, what does day in the life of a technician going through the program and going on calls look like?

“Our apprenticeship program consists of night classes that start at 5 p.m. and run until 9 p.m., one night a week from September through April,” he says. “For customer calls, it depends on your experience coming in, but you’re usually spending a few months in a helper role to get educated and up to speed on the equipment. During this time, you hone your skill set. When you’re out on the job, you become more comfortable with your surroundings and ensuring customers feel confident in your work. This is the foundation to a successful career.

We love to see the light bulb go off with these students,” he added. “Yes, we’re also paid, but the rewarding part is to see that guy who started where Alex was and watching the light bulbs start going off — watching him or her become a budding service tech.”

The goal of this program is to ensure everyone coming through learns the value of responsibility. While some students are already well-rounded with multiple life experiences, many are still young. Their objective is to help students understand the importance of showing up on time, having a good work ethic — doing the little things that help them grow as an individual and help our company succeed as a team.

What would you say to someone who came up to you and asked, “I’m thinking about doing this. What do you think — are trade jobs worth it?”

John: “I would tell him or her to go for it! There is a high demand for skilled trade workers, which means there are a lot of great job opportunities out there and job security. Starting out you will be able to earn money while taking classes. Once you earn your Journeyman License you will make a good salary that will increase as you get a few years of experience under you belt”

Alex: “It’s labor-intensive, but I think the reward is worth it. For me it’s mentally, ‘Can you do it?’ That’s what it comes down to. I’d also tell them to weigh their options, really think about where they want to go, and if the options are worth it, do it!”

These are primarily independent jobs and self-motivated, get-it-done individuals thrive in this type of work environment. You have to want to work and want to be successful. If you have that part down, we’ll do our part to get you there — that’s what apprenticeship programs are all about.

If you’re interested, learn more about our Apprenticeship Training Program and the Skilled Trades Alliance we formed with other local partners. Both have been tremendously successful at showing a new generation of skilled trade workers the importance of apprenticeship programs and just how rewarding these careers can be.

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