Julie Brousseau-Rooley is a Air Tech Toronto furnace repair technician. She’s one of the best, and is a rare woman in the trade. Her expertise lies in repairs to both commercial and residential heating and cooling equipment of all kinds. Julie kindly agreed to take a few moments out of her busy schedule to share her perspective and advice with us.
1. How long have you been working in the HVAC industry as a furnace repair technician?
Julie: About 3 years, since 2011.
2. What inspired you to become an HVAC & furnace repair technician?
Julie: My entire family are trades. I’ve always loved working with my hands. As an HVAC technician, I get to do a little of everything – mechanical, electrical, gas, plumbing. There’s never a boring day!
3. Do you find that customers are surprised to see a female HVAC & furnace repair technician arrive at their door?
Julie: Constantly! Some people think it’s a scam and won’t let me in. Women are always happy to see me though – they think it’s great that there are women who can do this kind of work.
4. Do you meet a lot of other female HVAC technicians?
Julie: Not really, but I know of one from my hometown of Sudbury. She went to the same college I did.
5. What is your favourite thing about being an HVAC technician?
Julie: I love that it’s a challenge. Every situation is different, with something new to learn. As a repair technician, I love the troubleshooting aspect.
6. Is there anything you find really challenging?
Julie: Not a lot. Some older people think a woman can’t do the job, so I love winning them over. I have some customers who only want me to work on their HVAC equipment, and will wait for me to be available!
7. What is your favourite thing about working with Air Tech Toronto?
Julie: There’s a couple of things. I love the variety of equipment I get to fix: one moment I’m working on a commercial rooftop unit, the next it’s a boiler or a residential furnace. I also love the camaraderie at Air Tech Toronto. Everyone understands each other really well and works together.
8. What kind of schooling and licences do you have to get to become an HVAC & furnace repair technician in Ontario?
Julie: I have a 2-year HVAC Technician diploma from Cambrian College. You have to pass the provincial exams with 75% or better for every kind of licence you get. I have my oil, natural gas and propane licences.
9. What are the most important personal qualities that an HVAC technician should have?
Julie: You need two things. You have to be friendly, because you’re going into people’s homes all day. You also have to be smart so you can figure out what’s going on with the equipment.
10. Is the industry changing a lot as time passes, and if so what do you do to keep current?
Julie: The trade changes every year. There are new code regulations to learn, and also new products coming out all the time. I attend a lot of workshops to help keep up to date.
11. Do you have any favourite furnaces or air conditioners right now?
Julie: I love Lennox, because they really stand behind their products.
12. Do you have any tips for homeowners that will help them get the most out of their home heating equipment?
Julie: Change your filters. That’s what will really extend the lifespan of your furnace, because they keep the dirt and hair from getting in.
13. Do you have any advice for young people who are thinking of becoming HVAC technicians?
Julie: Come on in! There are tons of jobs, especially with so many technicians retiring in the next few years.
Our Friendly Furnace Repair Technician
Julie is a very friendly and talented furnace repair technician on the Air Tech Toronto team, and exemplifies our values of expertise and great customer service. If you are having trouble with your home’s HVAC heating and cooling equipment, give us a call at (905) 737-5016.
