What Do HVAC Installers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

HVAC Installers install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments. They also test pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution.

Other tasks include:

• Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
• Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
• Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, or refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
• Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
• Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.

We asked HVAC Installers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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67% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, HVAC Installers record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders. They comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.

A typical day for a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Installer will also include:

• Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
• Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
• Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, or refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
• Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.

We asked some HVAC Installers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	72% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	39% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	74% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	41% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	9% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	42% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, HVAC Installers also test pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution. They may also install and test automatic, programmable, or wireless thermostats in residential or commercial buildings to minimize energy usage for heating or cooling.

On a weekly to monthly basis, HVAC Installers Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter’s tools. They might also Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.

In addition, they Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.

To some HVAC Installers, it is also their responsibility to Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers’ recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Installer, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm

http://www.acca.org/

http://www.ahrinet.org/

http://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/