In the Air - HRAI Industry News

We’ve talked about recruitment, diversity, and training the next generation, but there’s an issue in the HVAC industry we don’t talk about nearly enough: mental health. 

HVAC technicians work long hours, often in high-pressure situations, with physical demands that wear on the body and emotional stress that can quietly pile up. Add to that the stigma around asking for help, and it’s no wonder so many in our trade suffer in silence. 

Tight deadlines, emergency calls, customer frustration, and working in extreme conditions - whether in sweltering attics or on freezing rooftops - can take a toll on even the most experienced technician. Many of us pride ourselves on being tough and resilient, but mental toughness shouldn’t mean ignoring mental health. 

In recent years, there’s been growing recognition of mental health challenges across the skilled trades, but we still have work to do in our industry, in HVAC. Depression, anxiety, burnout, and even substance abuse are realities for many in our field.  

Employers can play a vital role in creating a supportive environment. By normalizing talking about mental health at team meetings - silence feeds stigma. By offering access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health hotlines, or local counseling services. By encouraging work-life balance: making space for rest - burnout affects performance, safety, and morale. By properly training managers: equipping leaders with basic mental health awareness - knowing how to spot signs of distress matters. 

If you’re a technician, know that you’re not alone, and that your well-being matters.  Check in with yourself regularly. Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted beyond normal fatigue? Find someone to talk to: a friend, a coworker, a professional. It’s not weakness; it’s a strength to realize that you need help. Limit unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol or isolation. Lean into healthier outlets like exercise, hobbies, or peer support. And finally, support your crew. If you notice someone struggling, don’t ignore it. Sometimes, a simple “You good?” can start a life-saving conversation. 

Keep an eye on HRAI’s ongoing efforts to highlight mental wellness in the workplace, because a healthier industry is a stronger industry. 

Mental health isn’t a side issue, it’s a jobsite safety issue, a productivity issue, and a human issue. Let’s keep this conversation going, support one another, and build an industry where no one feels like they have to carry the load alone. 

Take care of your systems, and take care of yourselves.