HVAC Technician is a skilled professional who installs, maintains, repairs and optimizes cooling, heating, and ventilation systems in commercial, residential, and industrial settings. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC Mechanic is another term used for an HVAC technician. These technicians help to maintain indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and climate control in various types of buildings. Besides this, their expertise ensures efficient system working and providing comfort for occupants. The profession requires certain qualifications such as education, certification, skills, experience, etc. HVAC Technician work is demanded everywhere in modern industrial settings and lifestyles. In this article, read all about the HVAC technician job description in detail.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some common levels include-
- Entry-Level HVAC Technician (Apprentice)
- HVAC Technician I (Junior Technician)
- HVAC Technician II (Intermediate Technician)
- Senior HVAC Technician
- Lead HVAC Technician (Lead Installer)
- HVAC Service Manager
- HVAC Project Manager
- HVAC Sales Engineer/HVAC Sales Representative
- HVAC Specialist/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Educational Qualifications
Typical educational levels include-
- High School Diploma or GED
- Post-Secondary Education or HVAC Training Program
- Apprenticeship Program
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Certificate Programs (core HVAC skills)
- Diploma Programs: (HVAC basics)
- Associate Degree Program (HVAC technology)
- Apprenticeship Program
- Online HVAC Course
- Specialized HVAC Course
- Manufacturer-Specific Training Program
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- EPA Section 608 Certification by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-
Type I – (for service small appliances containing five pounds or less of refrigerant)
Type II – (for service high-pressure appliances e.g., residential air conditioners)
Type III – (for service low-pressure appliances e.g., chillers)
Universal Certification – (covers all three types and is the most comprehensive)
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification
- HVAC Excellence Certification
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Certification
- Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certification
- ESCO Institute Certification
- Manufacturer-Specific Certification
- ASHRAE Certification
- Advanced Certifications
- State and Local Licenses
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Commercial HVAC Experience
- Controls/Automation Experience
- Ductwork Design/Installation Experience
- Emergency Service Experience
- Energy Efficiency/Green Technologies Experience
- Industrial HVAC Experience
- Refrigeration Experience
- Residential HVAC Experience
- Sales/Customer Service Experience
- Service/Maintenance Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Collaborate with other HVAC team members
- Comply with HVAC installations with industry standards
- Diagnose/repair malfunctioning HVAC equipment
- Handle/dispose of refrigerants properly
- Inspect and maintain HVAC systems regularly
- Inspect/clean ductwork
- Install various heating, cooling, and ventilation systems,
- Interact with clients
- Maintain detailed records of work performed
- Maintain tools/equipment
- Perform leak detection/repair
- Prioritize safety precautions
- Program/calibrate thermostats
- Recommend/implement energy-efficient upgrades
- Respond to emergency service calls
- Test HVAC systems
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Adjustable Wrenches/Pliers
- Airflow Measurement Instruments
- Brazing Torch Kit
- Combustion Analyzers
- Cordless Drill/Driver Set
- Ductwork Tools
- Electrical Testers
- Leak Detection Tools
- Manifold Gauge Set
- Multimeter
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Pressure Gauges
- Refrigerant Recovery Machine
- Thermographic Cameras (Infrared Cameras)
- Thermometers/Hygrometers
- Tool Bag/Toolbox
- Tube/Pipe Cutters
- Vacuum Pump
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Adaptability to potential changes
- Continuing learning temperament
- Customer service skills
- Communication skills
- Detail-oriented mind
- Diagnostic/troubleshooting skills
- Ductwork designing/assessing skills
- Electrical skills
- Mechanical aptitude
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in tools/equipment use
- Refrigeration expertise
- Strong mathematical skills
- Teamwork spirit
- Technical knowledge
- Time management skills
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Encounter potential safety hazards
- Expose to cold, heat, humidity, and various odors
- Expose to various weather conditions
- May need to perform strenuous work
- May need to respond to emergency service calls
- May need to work in confined spaces
- Require to drive company vehicles
- May work both indoors and outdoors
- May be exposed to hazardous materials
- Often interact with customers/clients
- Use appropriate hearing protection
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work in dirty/dusty environments
- Work in loud working environments
- Work under tight deadlines
- Work in a variety of settings
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- May lift/carry heavy equipment/tools
- May need to drive company vehicles for long periods
- May need to push or pull heavy equipment
- May require stooping, bending, and crawling
- Need the stamina to work in confined spaces
- Often need to climb ladders or rooftops
- Often spend a significant time standing/walking
- Repetitive tasks can strain muscles over time
- Requires good manual dexterity
- Requires good physical endurance
- Requires proper attire to work in extreme temperatures
- Use hearing protection to mitigate noise
- Use of respiratory protection
- Work may require crawling on hands/knees
- Work requires good balance/agility
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Your full name
- Address (optional)
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile (if applicable)
Objective or Summary (Optional)
- Concisely highlighting your qualifications, career goals, and HVAC industry prospectives
Summary of Qualifications (Optional)
- List key qualifications, skills, and certifications relevant to the HVAC field
Education
- List your educational background (most recent first)
- Also, include the name of the institution, degree or certification earned, graduation date, and any relevant honors or awards.
Certifications/Licenses
- Detail any HVAC-specific certifications
Work Experience
- List your work experience (most recent job first)
- Also, include the name of the company, location, job title, and the dates of employment.
- Provide a description of your key responsibilities
- Highlight specific HVAC systems or equipment you worked on
- Reveal any special projects or achievements
Skills
- Highlight your technical and soft skills (HVAC-related)
- Add any other relevant skills
- Mention any proficiency in the HVAC industry software or tools
Professional Affiliations (Optional)
- Any memberships in HVAC industry organizations or associations (ASHRAE or ACCA)
Professional Development (Optional)
- List any additional HVAC systems-related training, workshops, or seminars
References (Optional)
- Generally, not required (can produce upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Add the most relevant specific job information
- Ensure no grammatical errors or mistakes
- Keep the resume concise (one or two pages)
- Use a clean and professional font (11-12 points size)
- Use bullet points for easier readability
- Utilize bold or italics to emphasize headings/titles
Top Industries
Some key employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Aviation Industry
- Commercial HVAC Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Energy Companies
- Facility Management Companies
- Government Agencies
- Green Energy/Sustainability Settings
- Hospitals/Healthcare Facilities
- HVAC Contractors
- HVAC Equipment Manufacturers
- Industrial Manufacturing Facilities
- Property Management Companies
- Residential HVAC Companies
- Retailers/Big-Box Stores
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Commercial HVAC Technician
- Controls Technician
- Controls/Automation Specialist
- Ductwork Technician
- Energy Auditor
- Geothermal HVAC Technician
- HVAC Sales Representative
- Hydronics Technician
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Specialist
- Installation Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Refrigeration Technician
- Residential HVAC Technician
- Service Technician
- Solar HVAC Technician
Salary Information
On average, an HVAC Technician earns $27 per hour in the United States. But the factors such as location, experience, specialization, skills, and employer type affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for HVAC Technicians include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level HVAC Technician – $15 to $25
- Experienced HVAC Technician – $25 to $40 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level HVAC Technician – $2,600 to $4,333
- Experienced HVAC Technician – $4,333 to $6,933 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level HVAC Technician – $31,200 to $52,000
- Experienced HVAC Technician – $52,000 to $83,200 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, actual figures can vary from place to place depending on various local factors and market trends. Additionally, HVAC Technicians with specialized skills and who work independently may earn higher wages.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Access Company Vehicles
- Bonuses/Performance Incentives
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Cell Phone Allowance
- Continuing Education Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Employee Discounts
- Flexible Schedules
- Health Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Profit Sharing
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Safety Training and Equipment
- Tool/Equipment Allowances
- Training/Development Provision
- Uniforms/Work Apparel Provision
- Wellness Programs
- Work-Life Balance
Summary
HVAC Technicians play a pivotal role in maintaining indoor comfort and air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. These technicians install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems, and ensure equipment works efficiently. HVAC Technicians require a combination of problem-solving abilities and technical skills. The profession provides many career opportunities in various industries. The salary trends are not the same at all places, yet guys with advanced skills potentially can earn additional income. Overall, an HVAC Technician’s career is a lifeline for the heating and cooling industry in the modern era.
