What Does it Take to Be a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer?
Job Description: Install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments.
A Day in the Life of a HAC Mechanic or Installer
- Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
- Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Assemble, position, and mount heating or cooling equipment, following blueprints or manufacturer’s specifications.
- Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
- Fabricate, assemble, or install duct work or chassis parts, using portable metal-working tools or welding equipment.
Featured schools near , edit
What a HAC Mechanic or Installer Should Know
These are the skills Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers say are the most useful in their careers:
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Other HAC Mechanic or Installer Job Titles
- Mechanic
- Furnace Fitter
- Furnace Mechanic
- Heating Unit Mechanic
- Attic Fans Mechanic
HAC Mechanic or Installer Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 332,900 jobs in the United States for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 48,800 new jobs for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 38,700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for HAC Mechanic or Installer are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
HAC Mechanic or Installer Average Salary
The salary for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers ranges between about $29,460 and $76,230 a year.
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,020 |
| Alaska | $66,290 |
| Arizona | $46,040 |
| Arkansas | $40,270 |
| California | $58,130 |
| Colorado | $53,460 |
| Connecticut | $64,180 |
| Delaware | $51,360 |
| District of Columbia | $69,610 |
| Florida | $42,630 |
| Georgia | $41,940 |
| Hawaii | $61,670 |
| Idaho | $42,640 |
| Illinois | $59,590 |
| Indiana | $47,770 |
| Iowa | $51,330 |
| Kansas | $51,250 |
| Kentucky | $42,150 |
| Louisiana | $43,640 |
| Maine | $50,280 |
| Maryland | $58,900 |
| Massachusetts | $59,890 |
| Michigan | $49,030 |
| Minnesota | $52,920 |
| Mississippi | $40,890 |
| Missouri | $47,710 |
| Montana | $48,740 |
| Nebraska | $48,580 |
| Nevada | $51,590 |
| New Hampshire | $51,320 |
| New Jersey | $59,630 |
| New Mexico | $46,200 |
| New York | $59,780 |
| North Carolina | $43,190 |
| North Dakota | $56,120 |
| Ohio | $47,640 |
| Oklahoma | $43,810 |
| Oregon | $49,940 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,870 |
| Rhode Island | $52,270 |
| South Carolina | $45,240 |
| South Dakota | $46,600 |
| Tennessee | $43,720 |
| Texas | $46,070 |
| Utah | $47,950 |
| Vermont | $49,980 |
| Virginia | $50,210 |
| Washington | $58,290 |
| West Virginia | $41,110 |
| Wisconsin | $52,020 |
| Wyoming | $47,320 |
What Tools do Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Database software
- IBM Notes
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Graphics software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Internet browser software
- Data logging software
- IBM Maximo Asset Management
- Building automation software
- Atlas Construction Business Forms
How to Become a HAC Mechanic or Installer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer?
How Long Does it Take to Become a HAC Mechanic or Installer?
Where do Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.