HVAC Technician

• Meet with clients and bosses (building managers, landlords, homeowners) to review work to be performed
• Review building layouts and work specifications; draft detailed designs and work plans
• Install HVACR systems in buildings, following manufacturer guidelines
• Safely install electrical components, including wiring
• Run diagnostics tests to ensure proper operation
• Discuss potential problems and solutions
• Troubleshoot malfunctions and offer cost estimates to customers
• Maintain, fix, and replace old parts
• Plan out a maintenance schedule 
• Keep logs of all work done
• Ensure all needed parts are on-hand or available 
• Comply with applicable state or local codes and other building standards

Additional Responsibilities

• Travel to and from job sites; ensure vehicle is fueled, stocked, and ready
• Perform minor equipment adjustments as needed to ensure peak system performance
• Use hand or powered tools as needed to install parts or equipment
• Follow all recommended safety protocols and wear recommended protective personal equipment
• Train and supervise new hires

Soft Skills

• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail 
• Commitment to safety
• Customer-service skills
• Decision-making, sometimes under pressure
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Patience
• Physical stamina
• Resilience  
• Resourcefulness
• Skills for organizing activities
• Sound judgment
• Time management
• Visualization

Technical Skills

• Ability to perform routine maintenance 
• Knowledge of safe equipment operation
• Knowledge of electrical systems and safety protocols
• Ability to select proper tools for the job
• Familiarity with a wide range of hand and power tools, such as drills, voltage meters, torches, bolt cutters, calipers, circuit testers, chisels, drills, flowmeters, gas detectors, glue guns, hygrometers, pliers, magnetic tools, wrenches, pipe cutters, lifts, refrigerant compressors, scanners, and safety harnesses, among many more
• Some knowledge of algebra, geometry, applied physics, engineering, and general technology
• General design skills
• CPR/first aid training
• Industrial control software such as Alerton Ascent Compass

• Educational institutions 
• Governmental agencies
• HVAC contractors    
• Large companies such as retailers
• Medical industry
• Self-employed 

#1 would be a union. I say this because once you are a union worker, you have to work for the rest of your life. Whether it be for a union contractor (like I'm a part of here at TCI) or work for hospitals, universities, grocery stores, retail stores, property management companies, government facilities, aerospace, etc. Or even just working for yourself as an independent contractor." - Eric Torres, HVAC Service Manager at Thermal Concepts, Inc.

#HVAC is a vast network! [You might work in] equipment sales, equipment service, equipment repair, water treatment, facility maintenance, or as a pump specialist." - Logan Keebaugh, Chiller Mechanic at Air Treatment Corporation

Working with HVAC equipment is inherently risky. Technicians are exposed to many hazards and there’s a daily risk of being injured from burns, electrical shocks, or muscle tears, as well as from handling flammable and/or toxic materials such as refrigerants. These chemicals can also cause frostbite or skin damage, which is why it is so critical that workers always follow good workplace safety practices and wear all protective gear. 
 
Other sacrifices relate to work schedules, since HVAC Techs might have to work weekends or night shifts. Many job sites are remote, so there can be significant driving involved. Meanwhile, equipment located outdoors will require workers to endure possibly harsh weather conditions including heat, sun exposure, or rain, wind, or snow. 

Buildings will always need climate-controlled conditions to keep residents, workers, or other occupants happy. Thus, the HVAC industry outlook is strong and stable, with trained techs projected to be in demand in the coming decade. Those qualified to work with “smart” HVAC technologies or those with other specialized areas are more likely to win contracts as the world increasingly shifts to more eco-friendly systems thanks to global green initiatives. 
 
That said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that workers who focus more on just new installs might occasionally struggle with lulls in activity as construction declines during economic downturns. Meanwhile, ductless units have become a bit of a trend for businesses wanting inexpensive upgrades. The bottom line is, don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Try to learn about as many areas as you can.

"Currently. I'd have to say the trend of VRF/VRV systems. These systems are really taking over the industry in a big way, because of their multi-use and adaptability--not to mention their high efficiency. This section of our industry is evolving on its own niche, so to speak. Following in the same footsteps as control did". Eric Torres, HVAC Service Manager at Thermal Concepts, Inc.

"Natural gas is being phased out of the commercial property in parts of Southern California. Many sites have been engineering boilers out of the design and using heat pumps. Several government and aerospace companies are doing large renovations to be compliant. Refrigerants of several types are being phased out to be replaced with cleaner alternatives. New machines and new training will be required due to vastly different operating pressures." - Logan Keebaugh, Chiller Mechanic at Air Treatment Corporation

When they were younger, HVAC Technicians were likely curious about how things worked, especially when it came to mechanical components. Picture them tinkering with mechanical toys, discovering their internal mysteries and secrets or figuring out how to fix those objects if broken. Essentially, many grew up with a sort of builder’s mindset, becoming handy with tools as they patiently toiled away repairing objects at home.
 
Workers in this field clearly don’t mind physical work, nor do they shy away from a bit of discomfort or exposure to the elements. Some probably grew up with a natural aptitude for mechanics; others might have been trained to assist with things like automotive or home appliance repair, and simply found their way into the HVAC sector because it seems like familiar territory to them.  

"Tearing apart compressors and equipment and putting it all back together." - Eric Torres, HVAC Service Manager at Thermal Concepts, Inc.

“Most were interested in technology in some way. Anyone interested in computer science or mechanics can thrive.” - Logan Keebaugh, Chiller Mechanic at Air Treatment Corporation

"As a service manager, my days are always different. I can go out in the field and meet existing customers, strengthening our relationship and keeping their trust and faith in us, or get new customers and expand our business.

“I can spend time with the techs for one-on-one training and mentoring. I can be involved in projects that need my input and experience. I can spend the whole day reviewing jobs for invoicing. Then there are days when I seek out training for myself, as far as developing as a leader for my role within my company." - Eric Torres, HVAC Service Manager at Thermal Concepts, Inc.

“Day-to-day can vary due to different types of jobs to complete and the unexpected nature of warranty work. For example—usually, for a normal start-up of a chiller, I arrive and meet with the installing contractor. The installer will introduce me to a controls technician and a building operator. From there I work with the installing contractor to verify that the installation is correct, and that there are no warranty items that need replacement. This includes testing each piece of equipment to verify operation. 

I would work with a controls technician to integrate the chiller’s communication with the building so that operational readings and alarms are reported to the building operator. The building operator will verify no critical loads are running and be able to switch pumps or chillers as necessary per the site.” - Logan Keebaugh, Chiller Mechanic at Air Treatment Corporation