At just 20 years old, Andrew Salgado, also known as hvac_disciple on social media, is already proving that age has nothing to do with work ethic.
Based in Tampa, Florida, Andrew entered the HVACR industry in October 2023, starting in commercial refrigeration before transitioning into residential service. While he’s still early in his career, he’s already all-in and bringing a ton of energy to the trade and the HVAC social community.
Finding His Way Into the Trades
Andrew didn’t grow up knowing HVAC was the path. Like a lot of people, he thought college was the next step and even considered accounting, mostly because it seemed like what he was “supposed” to do.
But his mom helped steer him toward something different. “She supported me and helped me find HVAC,” Andrew shared. “I went to school, and the rest was history.”
He enrolled at Pinellas Technical College in St. Petersburg, Florida, in their HVAC and Refrigeration program; grinding through school, on-the-job training, and side jobs like DoorDash along the way. But early on, he wasn’t sure he made the right choice.
“I actually almost did drop out,” but after a call with his mom, he decided to stay committed. “I told her, ‘I don’t know if it’s for me. I’ve never even worked with my hands before. I’ve never held a drill before.’”
Instead of letting him quit, his mom gave him the push he needed to keep going. “She told me, ‘Just finish. If you don’t ever use it again, I won’t be mad at you. Just finish the course.’”
So he did and as the weeks went on, he didn’t just finish. He found his place.
Thrown Into the Field and Learning Fast
Andrew’s first role in the trade was an apprenticeship in commercial refrigeration, where he learned the maintenance side early by working on ice machines, reach-ins, and walk-ins alongside other techs.
Today, he’s a residential service tech at Westshore Services. And when he got his own van, it gave him a whole new level of confidence and motivation.
“People can’t believe I’ve only been in the trade for about two years,” he shared. “But when you’re thrown into it and supported, you learn fast.”
His days can start early and run late, especially during Florida summer. Between the long calls, nonstop problem-solving, and staying consistent with content, Andrew stays busy but he stays determined.
Purpose from Happy Customers
For Andrew, the best part of the job is simple: helping people and seeing the impact of his work in real time. Whether he’s restoring cooling on a service call or completing a new install, it’s the customer reaction that keeps him going.
“The people that I get to do work for, they have so much gratitude. They’re so happy,” Andrew shared. “And it makes it feel like I have purpose when I’m doing my job.”
That sense of purpose matters especially on the long, hot days when the calls keep stacking up.
Building a Social Presence (and a Real Community)
Andrew started posting HVAC content in March 2025, mostly for fun and to document what it’s really like being young in the trade and learning as you go. But what surprised him most wasn’t the views, it was the people.
He loves connecting with students, apprentices, and other techs who reach out because they see themselves in his story. And he keeps it real, even when it’s messy.
“I still mess up,” he says openly. “Everyone does. You never know everything in HVAC.”
That honesty is exactly why people connect with him. He’s not pretending to be perfect, he’s showing up, learning, and hyping up others along the way.
Connecting with Viper (From Social to the Supply House)
As Andrew got more involved in the HVAC community online, Viper was one of the brands that kept popping up on his radar. Another tech mentioned seeing it on TikTok, and not long after, Andrew spotted it at Tropic Supply and United Refrigeration.
Once he had his own van stocked with his own tools, he had to add Viper aerosol coil cleaner to his shelves. “I picked up the red can coil cleaner and fell in love with it,” he said. “And every product I’ve used by you guys, it’s undefeated.”
And now that he’s built real confidence in the field and found products he trusts, Andrew is quick to share what he’s learned with anyone trying to break into the trade.
Advice for the Next Generation
Whether you’re 18 or 40, Andrew’s message is the same: “it’s never too late but you have to want it.”
He encourages new techs to stay curious, ask questions, and not be afraid of mistakes. And for anyone thinking about sharing their journey online, Andrew’s advice is simple: start now, keep it fun, and do it because you genuinely enjoy it.
That same mindset is exactly what’s fueling his future goals.
Looking Ahead
Andrew’s long-term goal is clear: keep learning, earn his contractor’s license, and eventually build something of his own.
If you’ve been watching his journey so far, you already know he’s just getting started — which is why we’re proud to have Andrew as a Viper Tech of the Month.
Give him a follow on Instagram and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/hvac_disciple