If you are thinking about going into HVAC, you've chosen a wonderful field. Not only is this an industry poised for more than 7 percent growth, but it will also give you skills that you can build on for a lifetime. There is a wealth of potential that you can enjoy, but you have to learn how to make the most out of each and every part of the career. 

Here are a few ways you can start climbing the ladder. 

1. Join an HVAC union

Look into HVAC contractor union recruitment so that you can take advantage of everything that comes with it. This means having advocates that will watch out for your interests, a sounding board for any complaints that you might have, and an opportunity to go to industry meetings and networking events. 

Having this sort of certification on your resume can also help you get considered for jobs that are competitive. 

2. Take courses and brush up on all of your skills

HVAC is one of the most hands-on, skills-based job fields in existence. It's not about what you learn in the classroom alone, it's about what you can do in the field. Because of this, you should always be taking new and different courses to help you brush up on all of your skills. 

This will keep your skills fresh and make sure that you are up to date on the newer HVAC technology that gets rolled out. 

3. Network with others in the field

Your ability to network can be the difference between whether you get those sought-after jobs or not. Take the time to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people, because you never know who can help you someday. 

Even if you have to pay some of your own money to fly to HVAC conventions, it is worth it based on the contacts that you can make. Besides, you can write these sorts of expenses off on your taxes. 

4. Hunt for the best jobs

When you put all of these pieces together, make sure you are doing it to help you hunt down the best jobs. Keep your resume sharp and see to it that you are always selling yourself and putting yourself in a position to be gainfully employed. Think about how every new position you take can leverage you for the next one. 

These four tips can help you when you want to become the best HVAC professional you can be.