Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers

realistic interests ventilation electrical circuits test equipment study blueprints repair ensure installation system malfunction

HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech); Service Technician (Service Tech)

What they do:
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
On the job, you would:
  • Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • building and construction

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Innovation
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Persistence

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Facilities management software

  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • ManagerPlus

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
certificate after high school or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Find Licenses
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.