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Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers - 49-9021.01

O*NET-SOC Description

Install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Service Technician
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Service Technician (HVAC Service Technician)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC Technician)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installer (HVAC Installer)
  • HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist)
  • HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)
  • Air Conditioning Technician (AC Tech)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Mechanic (HVAC Mechanic)
  • HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer)
  • Mechanic

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust system controls to setting recommended by manufacturer to balance system, using hand tools.
  • Assemble, position and mount heating or cooling equipment, following blueprints.
  • Assist with other work in coordination with repair and maintenance teams.
  • Comply with all applicable standards, policies, and procedures, including safety procedures and the maintenance of a clean work area.
  • Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.
  • Discuss heating-cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that malfunctions have been corrected.
  • Fabricate, assemble, or install duct work or chassis parts, using portable metal-working tools or welding equipment.
  • Generate work orders that address deficiencies in need of correction.
  • Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
  • Install and test automatic, programmable, or wireless thermostats in residential or commercial buildings to minimize energy usage for heating or cooling.
  • Install auxiliary components to heating-cooling equipment, such as expansion and discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues and stokers, following blueprints.
  • Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.
  • Install magnetic-centrifugal chillers, compressors, or related equipment to cool air temperatures through the use of recirculating water.
  • Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.
  • Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
  • Install radiator controls for room-level zone control heating of residential or commercial buildings.
  • Install, connect, and adjust thermostats, humidistats and timers, using hand tools.
  • Join pipes or tubing to equipment and to fuel, water, or refrigerant source, to form complete circuit.
  • Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
  • Obtain and maintain required certifications.
  • Reassemble and test equipment following repairs.
  • Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
  • Record and report all faults, deficiencies, and other unusual occurrences, as well as the time and materials expended on work orders.
  • Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
  • 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.
  • Study blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • Test pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution.
  • Wrap pipes in insulation, securing it in place with cement or wire bands.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • adjust or set mechanical controls or components
  • analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
  • apply cleaning solvents
  • assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
  • assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
  • bend pipes
  • bend tubing or conduit
  • conduct performance testing
  • conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
  • control HVAC equipment
  • cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
  • determine installation, service, or repair needed
  • determine material or tool requirements
  • determine project methods and procedures
  • diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
  • estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
  • fabricate ducting
  • fabricate sheet metal parts or items
  • fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
  • identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
  • inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
  • install electrical conduit or tubing
  • install electrical fixtures or components
  • install electronic equipment, components, or systems
  • install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
  • install insulating materials
  • install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
  • install sheet metal assemblies in supportive framework
  • install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
  • install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
  • lay out electrical wiring for buildings, etc.
  • lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
  • maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
  • maintain or repair work tools or equipment
  • maintain repair records
  • maintain welding machines or equipment
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
  • operate sheet metal fabrication machines
  • perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
  • plan layout of electrical/electronic equipment installation
  • position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
  • pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
  • read blueprints
  • read schematics
  • read specifications
  • read technical drawings
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • repair or adjust measuring or control devices
  • repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
  • repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
  • repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
  • repair refrigeration or HVAC equipment
  • replace electronic components
  • solder electrical or electronic connections or components
  • test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
  • test electronic or electrical circuit connections
  • test mechanical products or equipment
  • understand detailed electronic design specifications
  • understand service or repair manuals
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use acetylene welding/cutting torch
  • use arc welding equipment
  • use basic plumbing techniques
  • use combination welding procedures
  • use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
  • use electronic calibration devices
  • use hand or power tools
  • use hand or power woodworking tools
  • use high voltage apparatus
  • use knowledge of metric system
  • use knowledge of ventilation systems
  • use knowledge of welding filler rod types
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use pipe fitting equipment
  • use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
  • use precision tools in electronics repair
  • use pressure gauges
  • use soldering equipment
  • use tube bending equipment
  • use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
  • weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Air and Hydronic Balancing Technician
  • Furnace Installer
  • Furnace Installer-and-Repairer, Hot Air
  • Heating-and-Air-Conditioning Installer-Servicer
  • Oil-Burner-Servicer-and-Installer

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Air and Hydronic Balancing Technician
  • Evaporative-Cooler Installer
  • Furnace Installer
  • Furnace Installer-and-Repairer, Hot Air
  • Heating-and-Air-Conditioning Installer-Servicer
  • Oil-Burner-Servicer-and-Installer
  • Solar-Energy-System Installer