Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics
Additional Information
Duties
Mechanics and installers in the fields of heating, cooling, and refrigeration often perform the following duties:
- HVACR systems installation, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Electrical components and wiring should be installed.
- Perform inspections and tests on HVACR systems and parts.
- Customers should be informed about system issues.
- Repair or replace damaged or worn parts.
- Improve system performance by recommending preventative measures such as maintenance.
- Keep a log of all the work you've done.
Temperature, humidity, and air quality are all controlled by heating and air conditioning systems in homes, companies, and other structures. Refrigeration systems make it feasible to preserve and transport food, medicine, and other perishable products in a climate-controlled environment.
Some HVACR professionals specialize in one or more areas of HVACR, such as radiant heating systems, solar panels, testing and balancing, or commercial refrigeration.
Technicians who work on air conditioning and refrigeration systems must adhere to strict guidelines set by the government when it comes to refrigerant collection, conservation, and recycling. Fluid and pressurized gas handling and disposal are also covered by the rules.
Heating and cooling systems are regularly maintained by HVACR experts who offer service contracts to their customers. Inspecting, cleaning, replacing filters, and testing refrigerant levels are all common parts of this service.
HVACR experts often work with other employees to install or repair cooling and heating systems. For example, sheet metal workers, electricians, and plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters may all be involved in the installation of ducting, electrical work, and pipes on a major air conditioning system. A boilermaker may install a boiler system.
Refrigerator and air conditioner repair are the most common services provided by appliance technicians.
Education
Technicians in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration fields often complete their postsecondary education in technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer HVACR degrees. These programs typically span six months to two years and lead to either a certificate or an associate degree, depending on the institution.
Vocational education, mathematics, and physics are all recommended subjects for high school students interested in a career in HVACR. A grasp of plumbing or electrical work and some familiarity with electronics is also desirable.
Training
The majority of new HVACR technicians begin their careers by working under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Their first duties include insulating refrigerant lines and cleaning furnaces, which are simple yet necessary activities. They progress to increasingly challenging duties, such as cutting and soldering pipes or inspecting electrical circuits, as they get more experience and training.
Others learn the trade through an apprenticeship. The average length of an apprenticeship program is three to five years. Technicians learn about safety, blueprint interpretation, and tool usage during their apprenticeships. A variety of heating and cooling systems are covered as well.
Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by a variety of organizations, including labor unions and construction trade organizations. Depending on the state and location, there may be additional criteria for becoming an apprentice.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
All technicians who purchase, handle, or operate with refrigerants must be certified in appropriate refrigerant handling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Training programs for the EPA certification exam can be found through trade schools, unions, and employer groups.
In addition, some states and cities need HVACR technicians to be licensed, check with your state or locality for additional information about licensing requirements.
Qualities that are critical to success
Customer service abilities. Because HVACR technicians frequently operate in people's homes or workplaces, they must be approachable, courteous, and on time. When a customer's heating or air conditioning isn't working, repair professionals may have to deal with angry consumers.
Pay close attention to the smallest of details. All work performed by HVACR professionals must be meticulously documented. Documentation has to detail the job done, how long it took, and what precise components and equipment were utilized.
The ability to do math. Heat- and cold-transfer equipment must be correctly loaded by HVACR professionals who know how to do this.
The ability to operate mechanically. HVACR technicians must be able to construct, disassemble, and, if necessary, program complex climate-control systems, therefore they must have an in-depth knowledge of HVAC components.
Stamina of the body. Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists may work for long periods of time on their feet and in their seats. It's possible that the frequent exertion may wear you out.
Strength of body. Lifting and supporting large equipment and components are common tasks for HVACR specialists.
The ability to manage your time. HVACR professionals often have a certain number of maintenances calls each day that they must respond to. Maintaining a timeline and doing all necessary repairs or chores is essential.
Skills in troubleshooting. They must be able to detect the malfunctioning systems' faults and then select the best course of action to correct them.
Pay
In May 2020, the median yearly wage for HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $50,590. If half of the people in a profession make more than that amount and half make less, the median wage is the wage at which half of those people are employed. Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, no one earned more than $31,910.
Job Projections
There will be a slower than normal increase in the number of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers between 2020 and 2030.