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Career: Heating, Ventilation
and Air Conditioning
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Overview
Heating and cooling system mechanics install and repair
heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Heating system mechanics install oil, gas, electric, and other types of heating
units. They often refer to blueprints and manufacturers' specifications as they
work. After putting the equipment in place, they cut or drill holes in floors,
walls, and roofs for air ducts. Mechanics may also assemble the ductwork. Next,
they install fuel and water lines, pumps, ducts, and vents. Then they connect
the electrical wiring and controls. Finally, they check the unit for proper
operation.
Heating system mechanics also maintain and repair these systems. For example,
they service and adjust burners and blowers on a regular basis. They clean and
oil parts, replace filters, and clean vents and ducts that have collected dust.
If the system is not operating properly, mechanics check thermostats, nozzles,
and controls to diagnose the problem.
Cooling system mechanics install air-conditioning and refrigeration units. To
set up these systems, mechanics install motors, compressors, piping, and many
other components. Then they connect the equipment to the ductwork and
refrigerant lines. The ductwork often is the same used for heating systems and
is already there. Mechanics connect the equipment to the electrical source.
Finally, they charge the system with refrigerant and check its operation. They
also set or program the controls.
When cooling systems break down, mechanics diagnose the problem and make
repairs. To do this, they test parts such as compressors, relays, and
thermostats. When mechanics service equipment, they must use care. The release
of refrigerants causes damage to the Earth's atmosphere. Therefore, mechanics
must conserve the refrigerant by making sure there are no leaks in the system.
If they replace the refrigerant, mechanics must vent it into storage containers.
Heating and cooling system mechanics use a variety of tools. They use hand and
power tools, pipe cutters and benders, and torches. They use these tools when
working with lines and air ducts. They also use voltmeters, pressure gauges, and
other testing devices. With these they check airflow, electrical circuits,
burners, and other components. In addition, mechanics keep records of the
repairs and replacements they make.
Work
Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this
career.
- Read blueprints, specifications, and
manufacturers’ instructions.
- Install oil, gas, electric, and other types of
heating systems.
- Install fuel and supply lines and pumps.
- Cut or drill holes, fabricate ductwork, and
install ducts.
- Connect electrical wiring and controls and check
system operation.
- Service and adjust burners and blowers during
routine service. Clean and oil parts. Replace filters and clean vents and
ducts.
- Check thermostats, nozzles, and controls when
system does not work properly.
- Install air conditioning and refrigeration
equipment.
- Install motors, compressors, condensing units,
evaporators, piping, and other components.
- Connect equipment to ductwork, refrigerant lines,
and electrical power sources.
- Charge system with refrigerant and check for
proper operation.
- Set or program controls.
- Diagnose problems by testing parts such as
compressors, relays, and thermostats.
- Inspect, test, repair, and maintain equipment.
- Conserve, recover, and recycle refrigerants when
servicing cooling systems.
- Use a variety of hand and power tools, welding
equipment, and meters and gauges.
- Keep records of repairs and replacements.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but
the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
- Handle and move objects.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Perform activities that use the whole body.
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Carry out ideas, programs, systems, or products.
- Control machines and processes.
- Repair and maintain electronic equipment.
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people.
- Evaluate information against standards.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Provide a service to customers.
- Have a low level of social contact. They speak with
others to learn what to do, then spend the rest of the time working alone.
Physical Work Conditions
- Often work indoors, but may do parts of the job
outdoors.
- Sometimes wear protective clothes and glasses when
handling refrigerants.
- Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. The
likelihood of even slight injury is low.
- May on rare occasions be exposed to temperatures that
are uncomfortable. For example, they work outside or in buildings where
heating or air-conditioning units are broken.
Work Performance
- Must be exact in their work and be sure all
details are done. Errors could cause injury or property damage.
Hours/Travel
- Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
- May work overtime or irregular hours during peak
seasons.
Physical
Demands
People in this career frequently:
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects,
tools, or controls.
- Stand for long periods of time.
- Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
- Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble
objects.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine
controls.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the
hand steady while moving the arm.
- Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body,
arms, and/or legs.
- Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy
objects.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this
career to be able to:
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small
objects.
- Make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers,
hands, and wrists.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two
arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in one place.
- Coordinate movement of several parts of the body,
such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
- Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the
body for long periods without getting tired.
- Be physically active for long periods without
getting out of breath.
- See details of objects that are less than a few
feet away.
- See differences between colors, shades, and
brightness.
Skills
and Abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
- Read and understand written information.
Reason and Problem Solve
- Recognize the nature of a problem.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in
a certain order.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go
wrong.
- Examine solutions to problems and evaluate their
effectiveness.
Work with Things
- Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs
to meet specifications.
- Repair machines or systems.
- Determine the causes of technical problems and
find solutions for them.
- Test and evaluate equipment and components to make
sure they operate correctly.
- Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine
when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a
job.
- Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a
machine is working properly.
- Operate and control equipment.
- Design equipment and technology to meet user
needs.
Perceive and Visualize
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved
around or its parts are rearranged.
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing
machines and tools.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing
special services to customers based on their needs.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build
machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use
computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
- Design: Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints,
drawings, and models.
- English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling,
and use of the English language.
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of constructing
buildings and other structures.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers.
Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
- Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of advertising and
selling products and services.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer
hardware and software.
- Physics: Knowledge of the features and rules of matter
and energy. Areas of knowledge include air, water, light, heat, weather, and
other natural events.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the
methods involved in learning and instruction.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of protecting
people, data, and property.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider good working conditions important. They
like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that
fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks,
working alone, or being busy all the time.
- Consider support from their employer important.
They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up.
They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
- Consider independence important. They like to make
decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can
plan their work with little supervision.
- Consider achievement important. They like to see
the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to
get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
- Consider relationships important. They like to
work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for
other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things
that go against their sense of right and wrong.
- Have realistic interests. They like work
activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They
like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood,
tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
- Have conventional interests. They like work
activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to
work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line
of authority to follow.
Preparation
To work as a heating and cooling system mechanic, you must:
have a high school diploma or GED;
complete a formal training program;
complete on-the-job training; and
have mechanical aptitude.
Formal Education
Some heating and cooling system mechanics complete a formal training program in
heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning. Professional technical schools or
two-year colleges offer these programs. They grant a certificate or associate's
degree. In these programs you learn to read schematic drawings, analyze
problems, and follow safety procedures. You also learn to determine whether to
replace or repair parts.
Many heating and cooling system mechanics go through apprenticeship training. To
apply for an apprenticeship you must:
have a high school degree; and
be at least 18 years old.
Apprenticeship programs usually consist of three to five years of
on-the-job training. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of
classroom training. Classroom subjects include:
use and care of tools;
safety practices;
blueprint reading; and
theory and design of heating and ventilation systems.
On the job, apprentices learn to:
install and repair HVAC systems;
design ducts and air flow systems; and
pipe, braze, and solder.
To find out more about apprenticeships, contact your local
apprenticeship agency.
On-the-job Training
After completing a training program, most heating and cooling system mechanics
learn additional skills on the job from an experienced worker. You begin as a
helper and do basic tasks. As you gain experience you work on more difficult
tasks. Training includes:
using equipment and tools;
making repairs; and
providing customer service.
Helpful
High School Courses
If you are interested in this occupation, you should take
courses in high school that prepare you to enter college. This typically
includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social
studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a
second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you
for this specific occupation. While you do not have to take all of them, you
should consider them in course planning. Some of these courses are also
available at colleges and technical schools.
Business
Introduction to Business
Computer and Information Sciences
Computing Systems
Business Computer Applications
Computer Technology
Construction Trades
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Electricity
Industrial Electricity
Electronics
Electricity and Electronics
Building Maintenance
Construction Trades Work Experience
Drafting
Drafting, Technical and Mechanical
Blueprint Reading
Health and Safety Education
Safety and First Aid
Industrial and Technology Education
Exploration of Careers
General Industrial Arts
Industrial Safety and First Aid
Industrial and Technology Education Work Experience
Mathematics
Integrated Math
General Math
Applied Math
Business Math
Precision Metalwork
Sheet Metal
Welding
Precision Metalwork Work Experience
Since many heating and cooling system mechanics are self-employed,
you may find it useful to take business, accounting, and computer courses.
Hiring
Practices
Employers prefer to hire mechanics with technical school or
apprenticeship training. This is because of the increasing complexity of heating
and cooling systems. Employers also prefer to hire cooling system mechanics who
are certified to handle refrigerants.
Licensing
/ Certification
In all states, mechanics who purchase or work with
refrigerants must be certified. In this case, certification indicates that
mechanics know how to handle refrigerants properly. To become certified to
purchase and handle refrigerants, mechanics must pass a written exam. Exams are
administered by organizations approved by the EPA, such as trade schools,
unions, and employer associations. There is no formal training required for
certification. For additional information about certification, contact:
Environmental Protection Agency
Phone: 800.296.1996
http://www.epa.gov/ozone
When you locate the EPA site, Search for "Complying with the 608
Rule." Scroll down the page to "Technician Certification."
No State of North Carolina license requirements are found for this
career.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for heating and cooling system mechanics is $2,910
per month ($16.78 per hour). Half of all heating and cooling system mechanics
earn between $2,240 and $3,700 per month ($12.95 and $21.37 per hour).
Apprentices usually begin at about half of the wage rate paid to experienced
mechanics. As they gain experience and improve their skill, apprentices receive
wage increases.
Wages vary depending on the employer and the area of the country.
Most heating and cooling system mechanics receive benefits. These include paid
vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also pay for
work-related training and provide uniforms, company vans, and tools.
Self-employed mechanics must provide their own benefits.
Employment
Nationally, about 249,000 heating and cooling system mechanics work in this
medium-sized occupation. More than one third of these work for heating and
cooling contractors.
Major employers:
Heating and cooling system contractors
Electrical repair shops
Miscellaneous manufacturers
Colleges and universities
About 15 percent of heating and cooling system mechanics are
self-employed.
Outlook
In North Carolina, employment for heating and cooling system
mechanics is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations
through 2012.
Nationally, the number of jobs for heating and cooling system mechanics is
expected to increase faster than average through the year 2012.
As the population and economy grow, so will the demand for systems that control
the indoor climate. Even if the level of new construction slows down, the demand
for mechanics who repair and maintain these systems should remain stable.
In addition, concern for the environment should lead to the development of more
efficient systems. Mechanics will be needed to replace or modify current
equipment. In addition, the continuing focus on improving indoor air quality
should spur growth in this field. Highly skilled heating and cooling system
mechanics will have the best prospects.
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Employment
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Employment
Change
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2002
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2012
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Number
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Percent
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National
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249,000
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328,000
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79,000
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31.7
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Advancement
Opportunities
Advancement in this field usually takes the form of higher
wages. However, experienced mechanics may advance to jobs as supervisors or
service managers. Those who enjoy working with people may move into areas such
as sales or marketing. Those with management skills and funding may open their
own businesses.
Please see HVAC Courses.
For More Information Contact:
The Prosperity Christian Resource
and
Community Housing Development Center, Inc.
P. O. Box 2683, Reidsville, NC 27323
Tel: (336) 361 - 4066
FAX: (336) 348 - 1802
E-mail: webmaster@theprosperitycenter.com
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