Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
Install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments.
Overview
Tasks
Skills
Median Annual Wage: $44,630
Education: Post-secondary certificate (55%); Associate's degree (16%); High school diploma or equivalent (13%)
Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)
Related Job Titles: Service Technician; HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist); A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installer); HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Service Technician); HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technician); Systems Mechanic
Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, or refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.
Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
Install and test automatic, programmable, or wireless thermostats in residential or commercial buildings to minimize energy usage for heating or cooling.
Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.
Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
Install magnetic-centrifugal chillers, compressors, or related equipment to cool air temperatures through the use of recirculating water.
Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.
Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.
Assemble, position, and mount heating or cooling equipment, following blueprints or manufacturer's specifications.
Fabricate, assemble, or install duct work or chassis parts, using portable metal-working tools or welding equipment.
Install radiator controls for room-level zone control heating of residential or commercial buildings.
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.