HVAC Technician Job Description: Roles & Responsibilities and Duties

Looking for a fulfilling and challenging job in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry? Look nowhere else. You will have the chance to use the latest tools and technology while working as an HVAC technician and helping both households and businesses. As the go-to person on all things relating to HVAC, you will be in charge of installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems.

Given that the tech industry pays the highest for HVAC technicians, with 212,509 HVAC technicians currently employed in the United States, this is a career option that merits consideration.

So, in this blog, let's discuss what work comes under the HVAC technician job description, along with the roles, responsibilities, duties of an HVAC technician and how long to get HVAC certified.

Who is an HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician is a maintenance specialist who is in charge of maintaining and repairing various commercial and residential HVAC and other air quality systems. Usually, they are in charge of keeping the customers' use of this equipment clean, mended, and maintained.

HVAC technicians search for hazardous components in an HVAC system that can endanger the users' health. They also handle air conditioning systems, warranty maintenance, routine cleaning, adjustments, and repairs.

Roles and Responsibilities of an HVAC Technician

The HVAC technician is in charge of maintaining and fixing HVAC systems. They have to travel to the customer's location to locate their HVAC needs and provide them with guidance. An HVAC technician must be familiar with small and large HVAC equipment because most companies serve commercial and residential HVAC clients.

Additionally, the HVAC technician's job description includes being in charge of handling maintenance, warranty work, and urgent repairs from installation until the end of the service life. With the skills and experience gained from work, it helps in becoming an HVAC estimator.

Some of the major HVAC technician responsibilities and duties include:

Skills and Qualification Requirements to Become an HVAC Technician

Knowledge and Abilities of an HVAC Technician

The technical expertise required for the job and the difficulties of detecting and repairing HVAC equipment make HVAC employment demanding. Workers must have strong communication skills to explain what repairs are necessary and which ones are the most important part of their jobs.

A wide range of extremely technical abilities and credentials are also required of HVAC technicians, including:

• Removing outdated HVAC systems to make room for new ones
• Putting in ductwork and pipes throughout houses
• Understanding and reading wiring diagrams
• Understanding the cycles of refrigeration
• Understanding the meaning of different technical data, such as pressure and temperature

Duties of an HVAC Technician

The HVAC technician's duties are varied. Their major duty is either to install new units or to maintain systems, depending on the details of the work. In actuality, the majority of HVAC technicians divide their time sporadically between these two duties.

The following are some typical duties of HVAC technicians:

• Old systems removal
• Putting in new systems
• Carrying out regular maintenance
• Developing young team members
• Interacting with customers and clients
• Purchasing and upkeep of equipment
• Observing local HVAC regulations

Experience Requirements to Get the job as an HVAC Technician

If you're hiring or applying for an entry-level position, the applicant probably requires zero to maybe one or two years of prior work experience. These entry-level employees will require several more years of on-the-job training due to the high level of technicality involved in HVAC maintenance and installation before they can advance to mid- or senior-level roles.

HVAC Technician Quick Facts and Career Outlook

Median salary (2021)

• $23.38 per hour
• $48,630 per year

Job outlook (2021-30)

5% (as fast as average)

Employment change

20,200

Entry-level qualification requirement

Apprenticeship or training programs (postsecondary non-degree award)

License requirement

States have different licensing regulations, and certification is needed to deal with refrigerants.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics)

Conclusion

The installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems fall within the purview of an HVAC technician. They are essential in ensuring that buildings are comfy and pleasant for residents. The position necessitates a blend of technical expertise, physical fortitude, and problem-solving skills.

If you want to develop the skills and experience required for a job as an HVAC technician, you should think about finishing an apprenticeship or vocational training program. The career outlook for HVAC technicians is promising because of the rising demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient HVAC systems.