The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, & REFRIGERATION DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, & REFRIGERATION MECHANICS DO
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $51,420
Top 5 States
1. Alaska
$68,340
2. Connecticut
$64,900
3. Massachusetts
$63,260
4. Hawaiʻi
$61,480
5. Washington
$61,300
Bottom 5 States
50. Arkansas
$40,470
49. Mississippi
$40,780
48. Tennessee
$42,510
47. Kentucky
$42,780
46. Alabama
$43,170
STEPS TO BECOME A HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, & REFRIGERATION MECHANIC
Thera are a couple of ways to become an HVAC mechanic and installer.
The first is to attend an HVAC program, usually at a trade school, technical school, or community college. Programs usually last from 6 months to 2 years and result in a certificate or an associate’s degree.
The second option is to receive training from an apprenticeship program that generally lasts 3-5 years.
New technicians learn the skills by working alongside experienced technicians. Students and apprentices will learn about many areas like insulation, blueprint reading, soldering pipes, and checking electrical circuits.
The next step is to get certified. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires technicians to be certified in proper refrigerant handling.
Some states require HVACR technicians to be licensed.
Option 1: Enroll in an HVAC Program
These programs generally last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree.
Option 2: HVAC Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship programs usually last 3 to 5 years.
Get Certified
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy, handle, or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling.
Find a Job as an HVACR Technician
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy, handle, or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling.
QUALITIES OF HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, & REFRIGERATION MECHANICS
Trouble-Shooting Skills
HVACR technicians must be able to identify problems on malfunctioning heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and then determine the best way to repair them.
Time- Management Skills
HVACR technicians frequently have a set number of daily maintenance calls. They should be able to keep a schedule and complete all necessary repairs or tasks.
Physical Strength
HVACR technicians may have to lift and support heavy equipment and components, often without help.
Math Skills
HVACR technicians need to calculate the correct load requirements to ensure that the HVACR equipment properly heats or cools the space required.
Physical Stamina
HVACR technicians may spend many hours walking and standing. The constant physical activity can be tiring.
Detail Oriented
HVACR technicians must carefully maintain records of all work performed. The records must include the nature of the work performed and the time it took, as well as a list of specific parts and equipment that were used.
Customer-Service Skills
HVACR technicians often work in customers’ homes or business offices, so it is important that they be friendly, polite, and punctual. Repair technicians sometimes deal with unhappy customers whose heating or air conditioning is not working.
Mechanical Skills
HVACR technicians install and work on complicated climate-control systems, so they must understand the HVAC components and be able to properly assemble, disassemble, and, if needed, program them.