The heating ventilation and air conditioning industry is a very vast business. Those who are looking to work with HVAC units as a HVAC technician can pursue this career path by enrolling in a HVAC training course. Although every technician experience will differ, below you will see a list of the typical duties performed by a HVAC technician.
Technical Training
As with most technical professions, prospective HVAC technicians are required to enroll in a training program before they can venture into this field. There are many HVAC schools which can assist you with getting a degree in heat, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Many candidates will be able to choose a main area of focus such as HVAC installation or HVAC replacement and maintenance.
Installation and Configuration Duties
HVAC students who major in the installation during training will most likely get a career in this same path. In the case, the typical job responsibilities will then revolve around the installation of these systems. HVAC installation will consist of assembling the units, acquiring parts, running pipes and ductwork throughout the appropriate sections of the building. Duties also include testing the system after the installation is completed to ensure that it is works as intended. The motor also needs to be tested to ensure that it is functioning properly. The entire systems must be tested for gas leaks, fluid leaks and carbon monoxide leaks.
Preventative Maintenance and Repair Duties
HVAC technicians who specialize in preventative maintenance and repairs will find themselves doing on site visits to businesses, homes, schools to do troubleshooting on systems that have stopped functioning or not performing at satisfactory levels. Their duties also incorporate doing rewiring of electrical components of the HVAC systems. They also check for regulation compliance, make adjustments and repairs to mechanical hardware such as motor, vents and ducts components.
In the past, the main refrigerant components of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system were made from chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), a chemical which is known to destroy the ozone layer. As a result of this damage to the environment CFC refrigerants are now being phased out. CFC refrigerants are only present in older AC systems. HVAC service technicians are responsible for the disposing of these older CFC refrigerants in an environmentally friendly manner.
Risk Factors. Although this type of profession generally pays very well, their jobs are not without risks. HVAC technicians do not always get to work in a safe environment. This career necessitates that they work in conditions that are very hot and very cold. This job also requires that they work for long hours in tight spaces. They are often exposed to harmful substances such as liquid refrigerants and carbon monoxide. This job requires them to wear a mask to protect their mouth and nose from respiratory damages resulting from airborne particles.
They must also possess strong mathematical and reading skills, because their job consists of analyzing blueprints, and drawing schematic diagrams. Individuals who are bright and mechanically oriented will find fulfillment in this career path.
HVAC Technician Average Salary
In recent years there has been a strong demand by businesses and residential customers for systems that are more energy efficient. As a result of this HVAC professionals are able to benefit financially from this additional work. This consists of repairing, retrofitting, replacing and remodeling of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to comply with these new energy standards. HVAC professionals get multiple training to perform duties of an electrician, mechanic and engineer. In American, the average annual salary of a certified HVAC technician is about $45,000, this will vary based on one of the following conditions. They are as follows:
Experience – Technicians with years of experience in HVAC installation and repairs have the option to negotiate for higher wages according to their skill level.
Specialization – Salary also depends on the area of specialization that a technician chooses. Some aspects of the HVAC systems are more technical and demanding than others as a result, some areas pay better than others. Technicians can choose to specialize in solar energy systems, climate control or water heating technology.
Maintenance or Installation – Technicians can also choose between installation and maintenance. Technicians who choose the installation path have the chance to work on new systems, while those who choose the maintenance path will do more repairs work.
Commercial or Residential Group – Another condition that determines pay is whether the technician work in a residential or commercial environment. Residential technician will work with smaller systems while commercial HVAC technicians will work with larger systems.