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Career Exploration

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Also called: HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic), Refrigeration Mechanic, Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech), Service Technician (Service Tech)

What they do:

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

On the job, you would:
  • Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • building and construction

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Innovation
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Persistence

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Facilities management software

  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • ManagerPlus

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $51,390

Education

Certificate after high school or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.