How to Become an HVAC Service Manager

Ever wondered where a career in HVAC might take you? If you enjoy problem-solving, working with your hands, and leading a team, HVAC service management might be the next step for you. But here's the key: you don't start at the top in a managerial position. It takes training, time in the field, and the right experience to grow from technician to manager. But the time and hard work are both well worth it.

HVAC trade schools are a great place to begin your journey into this in-demand field.1 From there, you can build the skills you need to take on leadership roles in the future. Want to know how to get started as a manager? Check out the role and decide if it's for you.

What Does an HVAC Service Manager Do?

HVAC service managers have many responsibilities. In this role, you coordinate the people, projects, and systems that keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services running smoothly. The job blends technical skills with organization and leadership. Some common responsibilities you would have as an HVAC service manager include:

• Schedule and oversee service jobs
• Troubleshoot advanced system issues
• Communicate with customers and contractors
• Manage budgets and parts inventory
• Train and mentor HVAC technicians
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations

To be successful as an HVAC manager, you need strong HVAC knowledge, and the people skills to manage a team, communicate well with clients, and bring in new business. Ready to get on the path to HVAC management?

Get HVAC Training

To manage HVAC teams, you need a solid foundation in the trade itself. Most HVAC service managers start out as technicians, which requires formal training and certification. You can complete a hands-on HVAC program in under two years at a trade school. Programs typically include:

• Electrical theory and controls
• Residential and commercial system installation
• Refrigeration and air conditioning cycles
• Green technology and energy efficiency
• Blueprint reading and diagnostics

Earn EPA Certification to be an HVAC Manager

You must hold EPA Section 608 certification to work with refrigerants, a core part of the job. This certification has different levels depending on the systems you service, but most employers expect you to be certified before day one.

Gain Experience as an HVAC Technician

To oversee an HVAC team, you need to know all the responsibilities HVAC techs perform and what they might encounter on the job. Most HVAC service managers have at least 5-10 years of experience in the field before moving into leadership positions. During that time in the field, you learn to:

• Master troubleshooting and system installation
• Take on lead tech roles
• Learn project timelines, scheduling, and customer service
• Build relationships with clients and vendors

The more well-rounded your experience, the better prepared you are when it's time to step into a supervisory role.

Grow Your HVAC Leadership and Business Skills

To be an HVAC service manager, you also need to know how to handle logistics, hire, train, and manage personnel, and handle budgets. Building soft skills like communication and leadership can give you a major edge. Many professionals gain this knowledge through:

• On-the-job leadership roles
• Business or management coursework at trade schools
• Industry certifications like the HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVAC Educator (CMHE) or Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute

Organizations like ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) also offer continuing education to help professionals stay current.

Consider Advanced HVAC Certifications

Some certifications can make you more competitive for management roles:

• NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certifications provide advanced technical expertise
• HVAC Excellence Professional Level Certifications help validate your knowledge in system design, installation, or energy efficiency
• Leadership or project management training

These credentials show that you're committed to quality work and ongoing learning, two characteristics that matter in leadership positions.

Seek Out HVAC Service Management Roles

With the right attitude, experience, and credentials, you're ready to move up. You can start from where you are. Does your organization need leaders? Pay attention or ask your supervisor. You can also look for HVAC service manager roles on sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. And your city or town may be looking for HVAC managers to service their buildings so check out their websites.

Are you thinking about your long-term career prospects in HVAC? It all starts with training. Lincoln Tech's certificate and associate degree HVAC training programs won't make you a manager overnight-but they will give you the foundation to build a lasting career. With hands-on instruction, real-world system training, and support for industry certification, you'll be ready for entry-level work. From there, your future is what you make it.

Ready to take the first step toward an HVAC career? Fill out the form to learn more about Lincoln Tech's HVAC programs and talk to an admissions advisor about how to get started today.

¹ O*Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-9021.00, retrieved on April 11, 2025.