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.
- [1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-1
[2] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-2
[3] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-4
[4] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-2
[5] http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/refrigerant.html
[6] https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0
[7] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-4
[8] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-3
[9] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-3
[10] http://www.tesengineering.com/what-is-hvac-commissioning/
[11] https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_maintenance
[12] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-2
[13] https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.01
[14] https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.02
[15] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-3
[16] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-3
[17] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499021.htm#(1)
[18] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-1