Key Takeaways
- Real Language: Profanity is commonplace in the trades and reflects authentic communication among technicians facing demanding work
- Stress Relief: Studies suggest strategic swearing can actually reduce stress levels and provide emotional release in high-pressure situations
- Professional Context: Most HVAC technicians surveyed support authentic language use in industry content and communications
- Individual Expression: Language choices don’t define character – self-expression varies among professionals while maintaining technical competence
The Reality of Language in the HVAC Trade
As I sat and pondered the use of profanity that is used daily in the trades, I was also coincidentally listening to the Howard Stern show. My new Ford Transit 150 comes with a free trial of Sirius Satellite Radio. I used to listen to Howard fifteen years ago when a local radio station picked up his morning show. Back then, his show didn’t include swearing. Now, while on Sirius, Howard drops a well-placed F bomb every once in a while and in my opinion, it enhances the message he is trying to convey.
Why This Matters for Our Industry
In the future, there is a real possibility you will find me starting up my own podcast to discuss the HVAC trade from my own viewpoint and in the social media space I’m currently in, I feel it is good to have an ear to the ground. If you work in the trades and haven’t dropped a well-rounded mouthful of profanity, you are indeed in the minority.
One thing I promised myself when I started up HVAC Know It All is that I wouldn’t shy away from edgy or polarizing topics in fear of being looked down upon by certain individuals. But within that promise is an oath to myself to bring those topics to you in a well thought out manner.
What Real Technicians Think
In the past on social media, I have asked the good techies of the world if they would be offended by profanity within blogs and just recently, I asked the same question regarding profanity within podcasts. Not a scientific poll by any means, but the answers came from real, hard working HVAC technicians and the majority were down for it. Not only were they in favor, but some relayed the fact that it would be expected.
Now, I’m no potty mouth, but my vocabulary includes strategically placed uses of words your mamma would wash out your mouth for saying. This is real language, from real people with real lives. Why should we pretend that it doesn’t exist?
The Therapeutic Side of Swearing
We work in a trade that is tough on our bodies and minds. Whether you’re dealing with complex BMS control systems or rushing to complete September heating maintenance before the October rush, the pressure is real.
I had a horrible day a couple of weeks ago. I was at work knowing that that evening I was taking my dog to the vet for a one way ride – some of you may have read my post from that week. I was working inside of a freezer, I couldn’t concentrate and nothing was going my way. I walked calmly over to the sliding freezer door and closed it. Now that I was alone inside, along with two evaporators and several skids full of ice packs, I screamed out “FUCK” – man, talk about therapy!
There are articles out there that speak on studies that have proven that swearing can actually reduce stress levels. A wise man recently reminded me of comedian George Carlin. George paralleled profanity with adding spice to a recipe – you don’t need to add spice, but things can get boring real fast without it.
Industry Perspectives
I also reached out to some well-known executives within the HVAC industry, who will remain nameless, but their take fell into the majority of those who condone the act of dropping a good stress reliever every now and then. Whether you’re troubleshooting heat pump reversing valves or calculating precise heat loads, the stress is real and the language often reflects it.
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The Bottom Line
In the end, we are all individuals and none of us are perfect. Self-expression differs from one person to the next. Whether you decide to swear or not, it doesn’t somehow change the person you are within. Your technical skills, your dedication to the craft, and your commitment to solving problems – that’s what defines you as a professional.
Now get back to work you filthy animals. Oh and by the way… Happy Fucking HVACing!
