What Does an HVAC Technician Do?

If you’ve ever ran indoors to escape the heat on a sweltering summer day, you likely have an HVAC technician to thank for installing the building’s air conditioner. These professionals, also known as HVAC technicians, work on indoor climate control systems: heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units. They may also handle refrigeration equipment. That’s why the field is referred to as “HVAC/R.” It’s hands-on work in the growing industry of maintaining comfortable indoor spaces for the country.^[1]

HVAC Service Technicians

An HVAC service call usually entails the installation, maintenance, or repair of heating, air conditioning, ventilation, or refrigeration units. While some technicians may work on the popular types of HVAC/R equipment like furnaces and central air conditioners, others may specialize in specific areas of the field, such as solar panels or commercial refrigeration. Those who focus on repairing major appliances are called HVAC/R-MAR technicians.^[2]

Whatever their specific focus, HVAC service technicians generally apply theoretical knowledge about the laws of physics; the operation of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems; and math to the practical tasks of handling HVAC/R equipment.^[3] They also must hold Section 608 Technician Certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to handle refrigerants, chemical solutions found in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment that can be harmful to the environment ^[4][5] This certification is meant to ensure that HVAC technicians understand and abide by the most current laws governing the handling of refrigerants.^[6]

Learning the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform the job of an HVAC service technician in a formal HVAC program is a common path to this career.^[7] Some HVAC schools also prepare their students for Section 608 EPA Certification. This is the case at Midwest Technical Institute, which offers HVAC and major appliance repair training in its HVAC/R-MAR Technician Program at its campuses in Springfield, East Peoria, and Moline, Illinois. HVAC technician training is also available at the school’s campus in Springfield, Missouri.

HVAC Technician Job Description

Whether they service equipment at one job site or travel to multiple locations throughout the day, installing, maintaining, or repairing HVAC/R equipment is often a large part of HVAC service technicians’ work.^[8] Specific duties may vary depending on the equipment and type of worksite. Safety gear is always necessary when handling refrigerants.^{[9][10][11][12][13][14]}

HVAC Installation Tasks	HVAC Maintenance Tasks	HVAC Repair Tasks
Putting in Electrical Wiring & Components	Inspecting & Testing HVAC/R Components & Systems	Inspecting & Testing HVAC/R Components & Systems
Installing HVAC/R Units	Checking that HVAC/R System Controls Work Correctly	Troubleshooting System Problems
Verifying the Right Materials & Components Have Been Installed in the Correct Location	Cleaning or Changing Air Filters	Testing Lines, Components, & Connections for Refrigerant Leaks
Testing the Equipment to Confirm It Is Installed and Operates According to the Manufacturer’s Specifications	Inspecting & Unclogging Condensate Drains	Discussing Equipment Problems with Customers
Testing, Adjusting & Balancing the HVAC/R Equipment	Tightening Electrical & Fuel Connections in Heating Units	Taking HVAC/R Systems Apart
Documenting Installation & Testing Information	Checking that HVAC/R System Controls Work Correctly	Using Mechanical, Pneumatic & Electrical Testing Equipment
Communication about the Installation with Customers	Lubricating Motors & Other Moving Parts	Repairing Old Components or Wiring
Selling Service Contracts for Future Equipment Maintenance	Checking & Adjusting A/C Refrigerant Levels	Replacing Malfunctioning Parts
Cleaning Up Packaging & Debris from Installation	Cleaning A/C Condenser & Evaporator Coils	Reassembling Repaired Systems

HVAC Technician Working Conditions & Environments

Now that you know what HVAC technicians do, you may be wondering when and where they perform their duties.

HVAC Tech Schedule

Most HVAC service technicians work full time. Since heating and cooling can be crucial to people’s comfort and health during the summer and winter season in some parts of the country, HVAC techs often work overtime during these times of the year. Meeting customers’ needs may also require them to work irregular hours, such as when a furnace breaks down in the middle of the night in the dead of winter.^[15]

HVAC Job Locations

For the most part, HVAC technicians work indoors, but occasionally they’ll spend time outside fixing components like heat exchangers. Their worksites are often in schools, stores, office buildings, factories, and homes.

• Some industries and states employ more HVAC technicians than others, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).^[16]

Top Employers of HVAC Technicians

Industry	Percentage of Employment
Wholesale Trade	3 Percent
Private, State & Local Educational Services	4 Percent
Retail Trade	4 Percent
Self-Employment	9 Percent
Air-Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating Contractors	64 Percent

Top States for HVAC Technicians

State	Number of HVAC Techs Employed
Pennsylvania	13,160
New York	15,930
Texas	24,300
California	25,360
Florida	28,700

^[17]

Working in the HVAC Industry

As you can see, HVAC technicians play a big role in keeping people comfortable in their homes and businesses, which is one reason this profession is set to see much faster than average job growth in the coming years.^[18] Their work requires theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be learned in an HVAC training program.