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Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer

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What Do Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer Do?

HAC Mechanic or Installer Definition Install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments.

List of HAC Mechanic or Installer Job Duties

  • 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.
  • Install and test automatic, programmable, or wireless thermostats in residential or commercial buildings to minimize energy usage for heating or cooling.
  • 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.
  • Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.
  • Fabricate, assemble, or install duct work or chassis parts, using portable metal-working tools or welding equipment.
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter’s tools.

What Every 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.

Types of HAC Mechanic or Installer Jobs

  • HVAC Maintenance Technician (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician)
  • Heating Technician
  • Heating Unit Mechanic
  • Gas Furnace Installer
  • Maintenance Mechanic

Job Opportunities for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

There were about 332,900 jobs for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

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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.

Do Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers Make A Lot Of Money?

The typical yearly salary for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers is somewhere between $29,460 and $76,230.

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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 different U.S. states?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers:

  • 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

Becoming a HAC Mechanic or Installer

What education is needed to be a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a HAC Mechanic or Installer?

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Where Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers Are Employed

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer might also be interested in the following careers:

Career changers with experience as a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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