Diverse Job Duties and Tasks of HVAC Technicians

The work-life of an HVAC technician is anything but routine. You could go from helping a family get their AC unit fixed to inspecting a heating system for the coming season all in the same day. It takes a love for working with your hands and a strong understanding of mechanical systems to accomplish everything HVAC technicians do.

If you’ve ever thought about changing careers or are looking for a fulfilling career path—HVAC training is a great place to start. You’ll learn how to read blueprints, test components, install, repair, and replace systems, and so much more. Read on to explore all the reasons to make today the day you begin an HVAC/R training program at Erie Institute of Technology.

4 Reasons To Become an HVAC Technician

1. Job Security & Stability

Unless people stop using their air conditioning, heating, and other ventilation systems, it’s safe to say communities will always need qualified people to work on these units. And if that’s not enough, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% employment growth from 2020-2030. That’s about 38,500 openings each year. You don’t have to wait years to take advantage of this opportunity. There are HVAC training programs that you can complete in just one year.

2. Fair Pay for Fair Work

Imagine working a job that you love, and it pays well. That’s what you can expect as an HVAC technician. According to BLS, the median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is about $48,630 as of May 2021.

3. Make an Environmental Impact

Have you considered how important HVAC technicians are to the environment? Part of your duties includes making sure that systems are working properly and efficiently. Technology has changed for the better, resulting in cleaner, more earth-friendly AC and heating systems. If you choose to take HVAC training classes, you’ll learn about these systems, how they work, and how you can install or repair them.

4. Help People Live Comfortably

As seasons change, people go from relying on their AC unit to relying on their heating system to keep them comfortable at home or in the office. Any disruption to that change can mean an unbearable indoor environment. As an HVAC technician, you’ll save the day by repairing or installing HVAC systems so people can live comfortably again.

Diverse Tasks of HVAC Technicians

1. Read Blueprints

The first thing you’ll want to do when it comes to blueprint reading is to understand which angle you’re viewing it from. Blueprints can show aspects of a building design in three different ways:

• A top-down, overhead view
• An elevated look that features a sideways view as if you were viewing it from the street
• A sectional look, where you view it as if someone split the building.

You’ll also need to get the scale right, meaning the blueprints accurately depict the relationship between parts and the structure of the building. Blueprints are scaled down for ease of use, but you need to know the exact scale to correctly interpret the plans. You can usually find the scale in an information block on the plans.

2. Test Electrical Components

As an HVAC technician, you’ll be working with electrical systems and components regularly. This could include testing components, measuring voltage, repairing wiring, and more. This part of the job can be hazardous if you don’t have the proper equipment or HVAC training.

3. Use Power Tools

Power drills, extension cords, staple guns, and more power tools are all part of an HVAC technician’s arsenal. Knowing how to use power tools properly doesn’t just make the job easier—it also makes it a lot safer. Similarly to electrical testing, you’ll need to wear the proper safety attire to safely operate power tools.

4. Test Piping and Lines

When pipes or tubing aren’t working properly, HVAC technicians often run tests to see where the leakage is coming from. For example, when testing for leaks in refrigeration lines, HVAC technicians use nitrogen gas to find the source of a leak. You also may see technicians use soal, electronic detectors, or similar methods to locate a leak.

5. Provide Customer Service

HVAC technicians mainly work with machines and systems, but don’t forget about the people that rely on HVAC units. While it may not be a requirement, you’re expected to interact with customers to find out what issues they’re experiencing and what you can do to help. Providing friendly customer service can help you build a rapport with customers to the point that they only call you (or the company you work for) for all their HVAC needs.

Enroll In Erie Institute of Technology’s HVAC Program

Did reading this spark your interest in a career as an HVAC technician? Then don’t waste any more time waiting and get started on HVAC training at Erie Institute of Technology.

We have a one-year HVAC/R technology program that helps develop your skills and prepares you for success in the field. We’ll even help with job placement after graduation. To learn more about the program, or to find out if you qualify for financial aid or a scholarship, contact us today.