Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
What is a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration systems. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that indoor environments are comfortable and systems are operating efficiently. They work across various environments, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Their responsibilities may involve troubleshooting system malfunctions, replacing equipment or parts, and ensuring that all installations comply with safety regulations and environmental standards. Ongoing training is essential in this field, as technology and energy efficiency practices continue to evolve. These mechanics and installers may also be called upon to provide emergency repairs to ensure that heating and cooling systems function correctly in extreme weather conditions.
Tasks
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
- Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
Technology Skills
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Electronic mail software
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Exchange
- Microsoft Outlook
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Facilities management software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Facility energy management software
- Johnson Controls Metasys
- ManagerPlus
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Industrial control software
- Alerton Ascent Compass
- Building automation software
- Honeywell WEBs-N4
- Siemens APOGEE Building Automation Software
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Word processing software
- Atlas Construction Business Forms
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Pressure indicators
- Voltage or current meters
- Levels
- Power drills
- Refrigerant compressors
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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Installation
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Less than high school diploma
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Detailed Work Activities
- Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
- Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards.
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
- Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
- Install heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$37270.0 - $84250.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.