Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

Install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments.

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

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers.

More Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Careers

  • 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers.

  • 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers.

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