HVAC & Refrigeration Careers: Mechanics, Installers

Also called: A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer), A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic), A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), Air and Hydronic Balancing Technician, Air Conditioning Service Technician (A/C Service Tech)

Varies

estimated salary

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installer Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

  • 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.
  • Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
  • Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
  • Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
  • 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.
  • Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
  • Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
  • Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
  • Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
  • Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.
  • Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
  • Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
  • Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
  • 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.
  • Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.
  • Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
  • Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
  • Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.
  • Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
  • Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
  • Supervise and instruct assistants.
  • Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.
  • Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
  • Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
  • Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, and refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
  • Test pipes, lines, components, and connections for leaks.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
  • Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
  • Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
  • Install heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
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Knowledge

Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Building and Construction
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Skills

Troubleshooting
  • Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance
  • Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing
  • Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation Monitoring
  • Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Visualization
  • The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  • The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • HVAC tools software Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
  • IBM Notes Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Exchange Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
  • Spreadsheet software
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