Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers
HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration 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:
- Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- building and construction
- mechanical
Business
- customer service
- management
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Skills
Basic Skills
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
- reading work related information
People and Technology Systems
- figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
- measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
- hold or move items with your hands
Ideas and Logic
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
- notice when problems happen
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:
- Cautiousness
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Perseverance
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 2 of 4)
high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed
certificate after high school
usually needed
Job Outlook
Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Explore More
- Boilermakers
- Control & Valve Installers & Repairers
- Home Appliance Repairers
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters
- Stationary Engineers & Boiler Operators
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers.