What does an HVAC Technician do?
- Travel to worksites
- Follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair HVAC systems
- Connect systems to fuel and water supply lines, air ducts, and other components
- Install electrical wiring and controls and test for proper operation
- Inspect and maintain customers’ HVAC systems
- Test individual components to determine necessary repairs
- Repair or replace worn or defective parts
Heating and air conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality in homes, businesses, and other buildings. By providing a climate controlled environment, refrigeration systems make it possible to store and transport food, medicine, and other perishable items. Although trained to do all three, HVAC technicians sometimes work strictly with heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems. They also may specialize in certain types of HVAC equipment, such as water-based heating systems, solar panels, or commercial refrigeration.
Depending on the task, HVAC technicians use many different tools. For example, they often use screwdrivers, wrenches, pipe cutters and other basic handtools when installing systems. To test or install complex system components, technicians may use more sophisticated tools, such as carbon monoxide testers, voltmeters, combustion analyzers, and acetylene torches. When working on air conditioning and refrigeration systems, technicians must follow government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants. This often entails proper handling and disposal of fluids.
Some HVAC technicians sell service contracts to their clients, providing regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems. Other craft workers sometimes help install or repair cooling and heating systems. For example, on a large air conditioning installation job, especially one in which workers are covered by union contracts, ductwork might be done by sheet metal workers and duct installers, or electrical work byelectricians. In addition, home appliance repairers usually service window air conditioners and household refrigerators.
HVAC technicians mostly work in residential homes, schools, stores, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Some technicians are assigned to specific job sites at the beginning of each day. Others travel to several different locations making service calls.k, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin’ caught in the rain.)
…or something like this:
The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickeys to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community.