Heating and Cooling Technician
A heating and cooling technician, also known as an HVACR technician, specializes in installing and maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial settings. This role involves a variety of tasks such as constructing ductwork, ensuring compliance with air quality regulations, and conducting routine checks for ventilation efficiency. Technicians may work for large companies or operate as independent contractors, often managing their own schedules and client interactions.
The job often requires hands-on work in diverse environments, from tight spaces indoors to larger installations outdoors. A strong background in mechanics, science, and mathematics is beneficial, and technicians typically need a high school diploma or GED, along with postsecondary training or apprenticeships that can last several years. Additionally, ongoing education is essential to stay updated on technological advancements and changes in industry regulations, particularly regarding refrigerant handling and energy efficiency standards.
With a median annual salary of around $57,300 and an expected employment growth rate of 6%, the career offers a stable path for individuals interested in technical work that combines problem-solving and customer communication.
Heating and Cooling Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing
Interests: Mechanics, science, mathematics, working with your hands, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $57,300 per year $27.55 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Postsecondary nondegree award; apprenticeship; licensing
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Heating and cooling technicians, also called heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians, install and maintain heating and cooling systems in homes and businesses. Some heating and cooling technicians are employed by large companies, while others work as private contractors. The job of a heating and cooling technician is to repair and maintain the machines that control air temperature and air quality in homes and businesses and in buildings of various sizes.
Heating and cooling technicians perform a variety of tasks, including the construction of ductwork and routine checks for ventilation efficiency. They are also responsible for ensuring that a building or home is compliant with local air quality regulations.
Work Environment. The work environment of heating and cooling technicians varies from job to job. The work they perform is generally indoors, though some machines, such as large heat pumps or industrial air conditioning units, require them to work outside. Heating and cooling technicians must take proper precautions to minimize their risk of injuries related to both heating and cooling machines.
Occupation Interest. Like engineers or engineering technicians, people who pursue a career as a heating and cooling technician enjoy science and mathematics. They also like taking things apart and putting them back together again. The job requires meticulous attention to detail and an extensive knowledge of heating and cooling mechanics.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. No two days are alike for a heating and cooling technician. Sometimes, independent or residential contractors schedule projects in advance, while others receive a list of the day’s jobs each morning. Heating and cooling technicians work eight to ten hours a day. Some heating and cooling technicians work overtime or on weekends. Independent contractors have more control over how often and how long they work.
The responsibilities of heating and cooling technicians include reading and following blueprints and design specifications, installing electrical wiring, testing machine components, replacing old parts, and installing ductwork. In addition to doing repairs and installations, some heating and cooling technicians sell maintenance contracts to consumers. Because they often work independently, heating and cooling technicians must check their work on-site to ensure that technical and mechanical issues have been addressed.
Some heating and cooling technicians perform tasks as needed for heating and cooling systems, while others who work for a large company might be responsible for only one task, such as the installation of a particular machine or system.
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Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Heating and cooling technicians sometimes work in tight or cramped spaces in homes, schools, offices, or factories. However, the daily activities of most technicians are varied enough that they spend equal amounts of time sitting and standing as they travel to jobs and communicate with colleagues and customers.
Human Environment. On the job, heating and cooling technicians interact regularly with customers. Technicians and their customers discuss problems with air quality systems. If necessary, technicians will also explain the installation task. Some technicians do sales work, so a professional manner and comfort in dealing with people is important. Heating and cooling technicians must be able to explain problems, repairs, and installations to the satisfaction of the customer.
Technological Environment. Heating and cooling technicians work with a number of technologies that range from simple hand tools (such as wrenches or screwdrivers) to acetylene torches and combustion analyzers that are built for testing machines. They also need to be familiar with computer hardware that is designed to operate air quality systems as well as heating and cooling systems.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. An aspiring heating and cooling technician should enroll in physics, mathematics, science, and shop classes. A working knowledge of computers and electronics is also helpful. Most heating and cooling technicians are required by employers to earn a high school degree or pass a General Educational Development (GED) test.
Postsecondary. Most companies prefer to hire heating and cooling technicians with some postsecondary training. Aspiring heating and cooling technicians can apply for programs through a technical school. These programs can last anywhere from six to twenty-four months and teach basic skills that are related to the field. Educational programs and vocational schools award graduates with certificates or associate’s degrees in a specialized field related to heating and cooling.
After the completion of postsecondary training, heating and cooling technicians can apply for formal apprenticeships. Some technicians apply for a formal apprenticeship directly after high school. A number of organizations, including the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the National Association of Home Builders, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, and Associated Builders and Contractors offer apprenticeships under an experienced professional. Apprenticeship programs usually last three to five years.
In addition, technicians undergo continuing education to keep up with the latest advances in heating and cooling technology, such as the development of new and improved heating and air conditioning units that incorporate smart technology. Training is also often required when legislation changes industry standards. For example, in the mid 2020s, laws intended to address global warming required a switch to different refrigerants used in air conditioners and heat pumps. Safe use of these refrigerants requires specialized handling, and existing devices require retrofitting to be compatible with them. Technicians undergo additional training throughout their careers to be prepared for these technology transitions.
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Bibliography
"Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers." Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 28 May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Trends in HVAC: The Need for Training to Service New HVAC Technology." Fortis, 6 Jan. 2023, www.fortis.edu/blog/skilled-trades/trends-in-hvac--the-need-for-training-to-service-new-hvac-techno.html. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.