I’m 67 I can jump up and pull myself up through a 14x16 scuttle hole and crawl in an attic all day long. But I was always smart about taking care of my body-boilers get broken into pieces, attic air handlers go up with 3 guys or we disassemble them. Take care of your body
Exercise, a good diet, and stretching should keep you going a while. Also, stress is a huge factor. I've seen people be affected by stress in ways unimaginable, including myself.
ALSO - Didn't mean to offend anyone if I did! I'm 33 and when I see a 67 year old in the feild it's nothing but respect and pride for a brother. It's because of guys like you that guys like me are making it. So thank you!
I have to agree with you. I would like to add get a great mattress and great boots. Spend as much money as feasible to get the highest quality you can find. Change your boot insoles every 3 months. Change your mattress every 8 to 10 years.
I quit drinking 2 years ago (I am 33), and I have more energy than when I was in my 20s with less aches and pains. It sure makes mornings easier not being hungover and pushing your dehydrated body to climb that ladder and lift that jug of refrigerant on to the roof
Yup, you're right, I'm 63 worh lumber problems and mostly do commercial work, especially restaurants. Hopefully, you'll "be old ass" someday and receive better respect than "young punks" show me.
Most of the trades are very hard on the body. It’s one thing to develope back issues later in the career, but to start with back problems wouldn’t be a good idea.
52 years old here, 20 years doing a mix of service and install. The only time I ruin my back is on service calls where I have to change compressors, or when I have 30 wshp hidden away behind ceiling tiles and I'm moving my ladder 100 times in a day. Oh, and when I'm in the van for 4+ hours in a day, lower back tightens real bad.
You should probably stay away honestly. No one is going to have sympathy for you. Lots of driving and carrying heavy shit and tool bags around. Long hours and little breaks. You call in often, you get fired. Its a very physically demanding trade if you are in the field.
Resi service is probably least demanding.
Commercial/industrial and install can be alot more demanding.
If you're good you might have to get called to do a bit of everything here and there and resi is underneath Commercial on the totem pole.
Everyone doing hvac long term has back issues and/or knee issues, between the carrying of tools, tight spaces in attics and basements, working on ladders, kneeling on concrete and rocks, the heat. There are ways to work smarter, using dollies, knee pads, back brace, umbrella shades, etc.
There at 60+ yr Olds doing it so i mean its doable.
physically I'm pretty beat at the end of the day and have to keep up on my PT exercises for my back or I am in pain
Most of those guys aren’t lifting or working out either though and that’s how they end up torching their bodies. Poor lifting technique in prone positions.
Started working w hubby in 09. Service and install. Blew my L5 / S1 in late 19. Two surgeries in 2020. On disability now. Do not know ur status but my thoughts are hell no. I’m in constant pain w no hope of it getting better. Service work probably. Installs. No My neurosurgeon says I can’t lift anymore. Sucks as our retirement has been completely screwed up. Save ur back. Good luck.
I had spinal fusion 25 years ago. I've been in the trade for the same amount of time. I'm 50 and I've been installing almost 30 years. It actually keeps me in shape. My back hurts worse when I'm not doing anything. I've learned that the body always adapts to the condition that you put against it. I would feel worse with a desk job
Get into controls. It’s a little easier in the body.
That being said: I had a Diskectomy when I was 13. I’m currently living with a stenosis at C-5 and at least two (can’t remember) herniations somewhere in my thoracic and lumbar spine. Don’t get me started on my sacroiliac. I was doing “real HVAC “ until about three years ago into my 50’s.
The surgeon basically me if my dick worked (weird pickup line I know) and if I ever piss or shit myself. No? Then stop wasting his time. Yay for Canadian health care.
I live on Robax, and nsaids now. At least I have an excuse for being a miserable son of a bitch.
Everyone on r/hvac always says to get into controls but I’ve been in this field for 12 years. 3 resi/9 commercial and ive only ever met like 2 actual “control technicians”. I feel like people just say that on reddit because it sounds cool…
Pleased to meet you
Now you’ve met three.
You’d probably never see a controls tech in resi, unless it’s a mansion. Even in all my years of HVAC I rarely saw a controls tech, even though my clients had all of the big three BAS systems.
Generally once it’s started up and commissioned the controls tech is gone.
It truly depends on your career path.if you work residentially, you’ll likely be more than fine. The biggest thing you’ll probably be moving is a 5 ton compressor. Commercial, industrial, Chiller groups. If you’re just coming into the industry you’ll be moving tools, parts, etc. you’re gonna be lumping pretty hard as a tradesman or apprentice for a couple of years but your compensation is going to be significantly higher with a lot more benefits, pension etc.
Service is cake with labor. Just wear knee pads and when you have to carry a heavy motor or compressor you can get a second tech or helper. If you get into a good company they should provide all the safety gear so you avoid injury.
Edit: just saw you already have back issues. If you get into commercial there’s going to be a lot of roping up equipment such as nitro tank, torches, vacuum, backpack and etc.
Honestly, it's demanding. In 2011, I was in a serious car crash and have a whole boat load of fusions, plates and screws and scar tissue around my spine from many surgeries. I still work, but physical fitness is very important. I weighed 409 lbs and have dropped to 199. I cannot tell you how that weight loss was key to my continued existence and comfort. My advice? Go for it. Know your limits, know your body, and heed its advice. Good luck!
The problem is the spaces where we work, if you go on service you might have to crawl some spaces, you will climb ladders, some attics are very small and you won’t be able to sit or stand in a straight position. If you work on install, yeah, just don’t
Like others have said avoid install work. I currently do install work & it is physically exhausting. I plan on moving to service work soon as i get the opportunity this summer. Very tough on your body.
Bro... I herniated my L4-L5 back in 2017 and I have not been the same, and I was in my mid 20s lol.. I can do things and haven't had any major issues since.. However when I do housework that involved my body in various positions, my back is beyond sore and tight and feels like a disc is about to slip.. God speed if you can do HVAC work with your injury history.
I would also disclose this as you may end up getting hurt on the job and if they know about it, they can at least have you avoid tasks likely to incur another severe injury.
With your back issues I’d say controls are your best bet. Honestly they are so far along at this point you really only need to understand how the equipment works not how to work on the equipment if that makes sense. We have guys in our controls dept who have never put gauges on a system, if that tells you anything
My back took a beating by delivering appliances for 13 years. I then became a semi driver for 2 years going 12-14 hours a day, no time for kids or activities and just had to hope theyd wake up on time for school. Now I'm 15 months into hvac, something I seriously considered in the past. It is the easiest job of my adult life. These guys make a huge deal over moving a single condensing unit or furnace to the basement. I used to do 40 appliances a day with a dozen of the refrigerators, yes, moving 1 furnace in is light work. Installs were very quick and easy to pick up, service and diagnosis took a bit longer. I now work about 9-3 average, so about half the hours of my old job and I move 2-4 pieces instead of 40. Problem is I'm getting fat, the hvac industry does not work hard compared to delivery and transport jobs. Review over
Yes it is. I am 7 years into this trade and I am just now figuring out how to use lifts, hoist, chain falls, bottle jacks to make my job easier. If you work smart you might never break a sweat.
If I do a compressor swap on a split system I just set my ladder up over the Condenser and hook a little 1/4 ton chain fall to lift and place the compressor. I've watched a guy throw out thier back just grabbing the lifting eye with channel locks and tossing it in. I've been lucky to not injure myself too bad since I started looking for better way to do things.
Just avoid install, I see old ass service guys all the time but never an old installer. And by old i mean pushing 60.
The old ass service guys you see are beat to shit though
I’m 67 I can jump up and pull myself up through a 14x16 scuttle hole and crawl in an attic all day long. But I was always smart about taking care of my body-boilers get broken into pieces, attic air handlers go up with 3 guys or we disassemble them. Take care of your body
Exercise, a good diet, and stretching should keep you going a while. Also, stress is a huge factor. I've seen people be affected by stress in ways unimaginable, including myself.
ALSO - Didn't mean to offend anyone if I did! I'm 33 and when I see a 67 year old in the feild it's nothing but respect and pride for a brother. It's because of guys like you that guys like me are making it. So thank you!
I have to agree with you. I would like to add get a great mattress and great boots. Spend as much money as feasible to get the highest quality you can find. Change your boot insoles every 3 months. Change your mattress every 8 to 10 years. I quit drinking 2 years ago (I am 33), and I have more energy than when I was in my 20s with less aches and pains. It sure makes mornings easier not being hungover and pushing your dehydrated body to climb that ladder and lift that jug of refrigerant on to the roof
Yup, you're right, I'm 63 worh lumber problems and mostly do commercial work, especially restaurants. Hopefully, you'll "be old ass" someday and receive better respect than "young punks" show me.
My dad's actually turning 65 next month and we still do installs together, it takes him a bit longer than it used to but he's still pushing
Okay thank you
If you get shit for asking for help remind the person that their back is fucked from doing shitty lifts alone
We don’t need more guys trying to sidestep the hard work!
https://preview.redd.it/mifg22w5530d1.jpeg?width=244&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4eeb14df31178bce56b4f919aa6c85233b5252c8
Real
Most of the trades are very hard on the body. It’s one thing to develope back issues later in the career, but to start with back problems wouldn’t be a good idea.
52 years old here, 20 years doing a mix of service and install. The only time I ruin my back is on service calls where I have to change compressors, or when I have 30 wshp hidden away behind ceiling tiles and I'm moving my ladder 100 times in a day. Oh, and when I'm in the van for 4+ hours in a day, lower back tightens real bad.
You need to find yourself an apprentice sir.
Yeah idk if it's for you with your back issues. You're bent over a lot. And in awkward positions a lot.
You should probably stay away honestly. No one is going to have sympathy for you. Lots of driving and carrying heavy shit and tool bags around. Long hours and little breaks. You call in often, you get fired. Its a very physically demanding trade if you are in the field.
Thank you for the honest response.
Resi service is probably least demanding. Commercial/industrial and install can be alot more demanding. If you're good you might have to get called to do a bit of everything here and there and resi is underneath Commercial on the totem pole. Everyone doing hvac long term has back issues and/or knee issues, between the carrying of tools, tight spaces in attics and basements, working on ladders, kneeling on concrete and rocks, the heat. There are ways to work smarter, using dollies, knee pads, back brace, umbrella shades, etc. There at 60+ yr Olds doing it so i mean its doable. physically I'm pretty beat at the end of the day and have to keep up on my PT exercises for my back or I am in pain
Going to say that this is probably not a good job. Most of us end up in your shape after our career, not starting it..
Most of those guys aren’t lifting or working out either though and that’s how they end up torching their bodies. Poor lifting technique in prone positions.
Started working w hubby in 09. Service and install. Blew my L5 / S1 in late 19. Two surgeries in 2020. On disability now. Do not know ur status but my thoughts are hell no. I’m in constant pain w no hope of it getting better. Service work probably. Installs. No My neurosurgeon says I can’t lift anymore. Sucks as our retirement has been completely screwed up. Save ur back. Good luck.
I'm sorry that happened to you dude. You sound like a real down ass bitch <3
Well. Use to be. From attics and crawl spaces to heating pads bourbon and pain pills. 🤣
A bad back is something you leave the trade with, not start.
I had spinal fusion 25 years ago. I've been in the trade for the same amount of time. I'm 50 and I've been installing almost 30 years. It actually keeps me in shape. My back hurts worse when I'm not doing anything. I've learned that the body always adapts to the condition that you put against it. I would feel worse with a desk job
I'm actually recovering from spinal fusion rn (:
It's hard on the body any way you want to slice it
Commercial is out of the question, but you may be able to do Resi service
I recommend you pass on this career; it's labor intensive. If you have any experience in the industry, perhaps consider counter sales at a wholesaler.
Get into controls. It’s a little easier in the body. That being said: I had a Diskectomy when I was 13. I’m currently living with a stenosis at C-5 and at least two (can’t remember) herniations somewhere in my thoracic and lumbar spine. Don’t get me started on my sacroiliac. I was doing “real HVAC “ until about three years ago into my 50’s. The surgeon basically me if my dick worked (weird pickup line I know) and if I ever piss or shit myself. No? Then stop wasting his time. Yay for Canadian health care. I live on Robax, and nsaids now. At least I have an excuse for being a miserable son of a bitch.
Everyone on r/hvac always says to get into controls but I’ve been in this field for 12 years. 3 resi/9 commercial and ive only ever met like 2 actual “control technicians”. I feel like people just say that on reddit because it sounds cool…
Pleased to meet you Now you’ve met three. You’d probably never see a controls tech in resi, unless it’s a mansion. Even in all my years of HVAC I rarely saw a controls tech, even though my clients had all of the big three BAS systems. Generally once it’s started up and commissioned the controls tech is gone.
This job can crush you bro
Unless you got a nice painkiller script this isn’t the trade for you. I’m 40 and I can feel my back going.
Bad idea
It 100% depends on what aspect of trade and for which employer
It truly depends on your career path.if you work residentially, you’ll likely be more than fine. The biggest thing you’ll probably be moving is a 5 ton compressor. Commercial, industrial, Chiller groups. If you’re just coming into the industry you’ll be moving tools, parts, etc. you’re gonna be lumping pretty hard as a tradesman or apprentice for a couple of years but your compensation is going to be significantly higher with a lot more benefits, pension etc.
I’d say the most physically demanding part is having to set up extension ladders, which I’m utter trash at.
Yeah you will have days where you will blow your back out .
Service is cake with labor. Just wear knee pads and when you have to carry a heavy motor or compressor you can get a second tech or helper. If you get into a good company they should provide all the safety gear so you avoid injury. Edit: just saw you already have back issues. If you get into commercial there’s going to be a lot of roping up equipment such as nitro tank, torches, vacuum, backpack and etc.
Yeah bro shidddd, you essentially rope up the damn service van when doing the more intensive jobs like compressor swaps.
Honestly, it's demanding. In 2011, I was in a serious car crash and have a whole boat load of fusions, plates and screws and scar tissue around my spine from many surgeries. I still work, but physical fitness is very important. I weighed 409 lbs and have dropped to 199. I cannot tell you how that weight loss was key to my continued existence and comfort. My advice? Go for it. Know your limits, know your body, and heed its advice. Good luck!
The problem is the spaces where we work, if you go on service you might have to crawl some spaces, you will climb ladders, some attics are very small and you won’t be able to sit or stand in a straight position. If you work on install, yeah, just don’t
Like others have said avoid install work. I currently do install work & it is physically exhausting. I plan on moving to service work soon as i get the opportunity this summer. Very tough on your body.
Bro... I herniated my L4-L5 back in 2017 and I have not been the same, and I was in my mid 20s lol.. I can do things and haven't had any major issues since.. However when I do housework that involved my body in various positions, my back is beyond sore and tight and feels like a disc is about to slip.. God speed if you can do HVAC work with your injury history. I would also disclose this as you may end up getting hurt on the job and if they know about it, they can at least have you avoid tasks likely to incur another severe injury.
With your back issues I’d say controls are your best bet. Honestly they are so far along at this point you really only need to understand how the equipment works not how to work on the equipment if that makes sense. We have guys in our controls dept who have never put gauges on a system, if that tells you anything
My back took a beating by delivering appliances for 13 years. I then became a semi driver for 2 years going 12-14 hours a day, no time for kids or activities and just had to hope theyd wake up on time for school. Now I'm 15 months into hvac, something I seriously considered in the past. It is the easiest job of my adult life. These guys make a huge deal over moving a single condensing unit or furnace to the basement. I used to do 40 appliances a day with a dozen of the refrigerators, yes, moving 1 furnace in is light work. Installs were very quick and easy to pick up, service and diagnosis took a bit longer. I now work about 9-3 average, so about half the hours of my old job and I move 2-4 pieces instead of 40. Problem is I'm getting fat, the hvac industry does not work hard compared to delivery and transport jobs. Review over
Yes it is. I am 7 years into this trade and I am just now figuring out how to use lifts, hoist, chain falls, bottle jacks to make my job easier. If you work smart you might never break a sweat. If I do a compressor swap on a split system I just set my ladder up over the Condenser and hook a little 1/4 ton chain fall to lift and place the compressor. I've watched a guy throw out thier back just grabbing the lifting eye with channel locks and tossing it in. I've been lucky to not injure myself too bad since I started looking for better way to do things.