How to get your foot in the HVAC door

[pspe]

My background is in mechanical engineering, more precise, in machine design. I took and passed the PE in that discipline.

For a few years I worked in automotive air conditioning. Now I would like to move to residential/commercial/industrial HVAC.

Lacking the experience in that particular field, what would be a good way for me to get my foot in the door?

Is focusing on my automotive air conditioning experience on my resume enough?
I have the ASHRAE books; if I review psychrometrics, heating and cooling load calculations would that be a good start?
Do I need to take a class or two - which ones?
Is there an "industry standard" software that I would need to know?
Any particular specs I should study?
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[imok2]

I would enroll in some Community College clases on line classes such as HCACReducation.net

 

[coldmaster]

I would suggest developing a relationship with a good mechancial contractor. They can use your engineering insight and you can use their industry experience.

 

[Waramanga]

I second that coldmaster!!
I was first a refrigeration mechanic and electrican (now engineer) and a good tradesman to learn from in your chosen field is the most important thing, full stop. second is a pile of textbooks in the field and next a good technical college if available. really do the homework on the company first though....the difference in skills can be astounding!