What do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers do?
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- AC Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic)
- AC Tech (Air Conditioning Technician)
- HVAC Control Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician)
- HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer)
- HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic)
- HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
- HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)
- Refrigeration Mechanic
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
- Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
- Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
- Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
- Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, and refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
- Test pipes, lines, components, and connections for leaks.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
Ready to plan your search?
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