For high school students and entry level workers that are considering a career in the skilled trades, learning about the daily job responsibilities, experiences and challenges of tradesmen in the different trades is an important step in trying to determine which skilled trade career is best for you. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the daily job responsibilities of an HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), exploring the different job duties, challenges and rewards of this important skilled trade job.
Beginning the day as an HVAC Technician
An HVAC technician’s day typically begins early in the morning, often with a meeting or phone call with a supervisor or an office dispatcher to discuss the day’s schedule, assignments or work orders. After getting instructions or work assignments from their office, an HVAC Tech will get any parts, materials, tools or equipment and then drive a company work truck to their first job site, such as a residential home, commercial building or an industrial facility. For this reason, many HVAC Technicians get a company work truck that they get drive home everyday!
The Daily Job Responsibilities of an HVAC Technician
Once an HVAC Tech arrives at a job site they will first meet with and discuss their work assignment with the customer. The maintenance of HVAC equipment, installation, service, adjusting building management controls, adapting to challenges and effective communication are all common job responsibilities of an HVAC Technician.
Maintenance of HVAC Equipment
Maintenance of HVAC equipment is a very common work assignment that every HVAC Technician frequently performs on various heating and cooling equipment. HVAC technicians will periodically conduct inspections and perform maintenance tasks to ensure the proper functioning of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. This may involve checking for water or refrigerant leaks, cleaning or changing filters, testing controls or electrical devices and also troubleshooting equipment problems. Typically, the type of maintenance performed and frequency is determined by the manufacture of the HVAC equipment. An HVAC contractor, will then recommend to the customer maintenance tasks that should be performed throughout the life of the equipment. If the customer approves these recommended maintenance procedures, these maintenance activities will become a common work order that an HVAC Tech will perform.
Installation and Service of HVAC Equipment
Throughout the day, HVAC technicians may encounter various service calls, repair and installation projects. Many of these work assignments, might range from a minor quick adjustment or small repair to a major system replacement. Whether it’s repairing a malfunctioning heating system such as a furnace, installing a new air conditioning unit, or repairing a noisy exhaust fan on a roof, HVAC Techs apply their knowledge and skills to safely deliver quality workmanship and exceptional service to various customers. While many HVAC Tech’s work on their own, often if the system is complex or the equipment is to big another HVAC Tech will be sent out to assist in completing the project.
Adjusting and Monitoring Building Management Controls of HVAC Equipment
Another common daily work task for HVAC Technicians that work on commercial and industrial HVAC equipment is monitoring and adjusting building automation systems that control commercial and industrial HVAC equipment. Many people would be surprised to find a laptop computer in an HVAC Technicians work truck. However, many commercial HVAC Tech’s need a laptop computer to log into a customers building management system to troubleshoot and repair commercial and industrial HVAC equipment found throughout large commercial and industrial facilities.
Communicating with Customers, Engineers, Inspectors and Managers
Effective communication and customer service skills are critical for HVAC technicians, as they often communicate directly with customers to understand the customers needs, explain service options and address any questions or concerns. In addition, HVAC Techs frequently interact with engineers and sales managers during the design, selection and installation of HVAC equipment. Also, they meet with skilled trades and building inspectors after installing HVAC equipment and frequently communicate with management level employees to discuss the operation, service and maintenance of HVAC systems. Clear communication helps to build trust with customers, ensures the customer is satisfied and remains committed to the HVAC service company.
Adapting to Changes and Challenges
An interesting part of being an HVAC technician is the constantly changing work environment. Everyday, HVAC Techs may encounter different challenges such as, extreme weather conditions, emergency work orders, a difficult customer, a challenging work order such as an intermittent boiler ignition failure and unexpected equipment failures on a Friday afternoon. Therefore, being able to adapt and solve complex problems for various customers are important skills of a successful HVAC Technician.
Training is needed to be successful in the HVAC industry
The HVAC industry is constantly changing as new technologies and methods are developed to help improve equipment efficiency. Therefore, staying up to date on the latest technologies, regulations and best practices is crucial for success as an HVAC Technician. For this reason, HVAC technicians engage in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to expand their knowledge and enhance their HVAC trade skills. Whether it’s attending workshops through a local HVAC supply house, earning certifications through a community college or participating in manufacturer training programs, HVAC Techs are continuously learning to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. Furthermore, HVAC Techs that participate in training with the latest technologies, methods and equipment help to deliver exceptional service for their customers and remain successful as HVAC Technicians in the HVAC industry.
It’s a great time to become an HVAC Technician
As we’ve explored a typical work day as an HVAC technician, it’s clear that this skilled trade job offers an interesting and rewarding career path for individuals with a interest in troubleshooting, applying technical skills and solving challenging problems for various customers. From conducting equipment maintenance to performing service calls, repairs and installations, HVAC techs play an important role in keeping homes, businesses, and communities comfortable throughout the year. Therefore, high school students and entry level workers that are considering a career in the skilled trades should consider becoming an HVAC Technician. This interesting, challenging and rewarding skilled trade career is in demand today and doesn’t require an expensive college degree to get started. To learn how to become an HVAC Technician and to get started in an interesting and rewarding skilled trade job, explore our HVAC Technician Career Guide. Today’s a great day to Go Skilled Trades!
