Jobs in HVAC

Jobs in the HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) fields are stable with steady demand. Residential buildings, office buildings, hospitals, and large manufacturing plants all use some form of HVAC to create a safe and comfortable environment. HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair the parts of a HVAC system, which are varied in their structure and purpose. HVAC tools are highly specialized, and mechanics need special training to be able to diagnose and repair problems in the system. In addition to mechanics, engineers specialized in HVAC are also a part of the team that designs and implements HVAC systems.

Specializations

Technicians often specialized in the installation of a system, while other technicians specialize in diagnostics and repair. This type of specialization usually comes from on the job training, and most technicians have a good set of generalized skills. Technicians tend to specialize in either residential or commercial HVAC repair, often working alongside other contractors like electricians and plumbers.

Responsibilities

After receiving a blueprint for a home’s specialized HVAC installation, a team of skilled technicians will put together the system in accordance with manufacturer requirements. They will put the equipment into place, connecting water and fuel lines, ducts, motors, evaporators, piping, compressors, and condensing units. HVAC technicians will also wire the electrical components of the system. After the unit is installed, mechanics must run a variety of tests, such as carbon dioxide testers and combustion analyzers, to make sure it is operating properly and meets the county code inspection standards.

HVAC technicians perform routine maintenance and make repairs on a unit once it has been installed. During the warmer months, maintenance is done on heating components, and during the winter, maintenance is completed on the air conditioning components. This is a thorough cleaning and calibration and when done properly should take at least one hour.

Employment Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor reported in 2008 that the outlook for HVAC technicians should increase at the same pace as all other occupations, which means it has a stable projection. While not a booming market, HVAC mechanic demand is higher than most other industrial professions. Around 68% of technicians are hired by construction companies and other construction institutions, with the rest being hired by large private companies, hospitals, or government sectors. HVAC mechanics have a low rate of turnover, making the job more secure.

Training & Certification

Most HVAC mechanics have had formal training in the form of community college, trade school, or the military. Training can take the form of 6-month or yearlong programs, and these institutions are often accredited by certain agencies. HVAC Excellence, The National Center for Construction Education and Research, and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation are all agencies that can accredit trade programs. Training then continues on the job.

A few states require HVAC mechanics to be licensed, which means the mechanic must pass some sort of test. Some states require proof of a formal apprenticeship or proof of experience. Mechanics who work with refrigerant products also require certification.

Interested in Working With Bell Brothers?

Check out our latest HVAC job openings by calling our career line 916-509-7907 and ask for Christine! We look forward to speaking with you!