Skip navigation

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers - 49-9021.00

The occupation code you requested, 49-9021.02 (Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 49-9021.00 (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers) instead.

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • A/C Tech (Air Conditioning 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 Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist)
  • HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)
  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Refrigeration Operator
  • Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech)
  • Service Technician (Service Tech)

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
  • Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
  • Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
  • Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
  • Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.
  • Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
  • Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
  • Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
  • Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
  • Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.
  • Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
  • 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, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
  • Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
  • Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
  • Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.
  • Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
  • Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
  • Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
  • 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 time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences 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, and refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
  • Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
  • 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.
  • Supervise and instruct assistants.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • Test pipes, lines, components, and connections for leaks.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Advise others on issues related to repairs, installation, or equipment design.
  • Braze metal parts or components.
  • Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
  • Connect electrical components or equipment.
  • Cut materials according to specifications or needs.
  • Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards.
  • Document operational activities.
  • Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
  • Inspect systems to determine if they are operating properly.
  • Install energy-efficient heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
  • Install heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
  • Install home appliances.
  • Install machine or equipment replacement parts.
  • Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
  • Lay out work according to specifications.
  • Maintain repair or maintenance records.
  • Measure distances or dimensions.
  • Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
  • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
  • Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Schedule repair, installation or maintenance activities.
  • Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
  • Supervise employees.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
  • Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Train others in operational procedures.
  • Travel to work sites to perform installation, repair or maintenance work.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced Utilitiesman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Ground Equipment (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Ground Equipment Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Ground Equipment Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Ground Equipment Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Ground Equipment Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Assistant Public Works Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Aviation Support Equipment Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cannon Crewmember (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cavalry Scout (Army - Enlisted)
  • CG Smart Ship Engineering Control System Equipment (ECSE) Mechanical Operator and Maintenance Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Combat Medic Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Construction Engineering Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Conversion NEC UT Utilitiesman Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cryogenics Equipment Operator (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Cryogenics Technician, Overseas Shore Based Equipment Operator/Maintainer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Damage Controlman (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Diesel Engine Systems Maintainer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Diesel Engine Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Engineman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Heating and Cooling Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Apprentice (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Craftsman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Helper (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Journeyman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • High and Low Pressure Cryogenic Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Infrastructure Systems Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Low Pressure Electrolyzer (LPE) Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • M1 Armor Crewman (Army - Enlisted)
  • Machinery Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Machinist's Mate (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinists Mate, Non-Nuclear, Submarine Auxiliary (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Marine Engineering Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Marine Safety Specialist Engineer (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Material Maintenance Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Missile And Space Facilities (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Missile And Space Facilities Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Missile And Space Facilities Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Missile And Space Facilities Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Missile And Space Facilities Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Mobile Facility Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • NAMTS Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Navy - Enlisted)
  • NAMTS Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Naval Engineering Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Plumber (Army - Enlisted)
  • Public Works Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Shore-Based Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • SSN/SSBN Basic Auxiliary Equipment Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Steam Plant Auxiliary Systems Maintainer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Steam Plant Auxiliary Systems Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Steam Plant Auxiliary Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Support Equipment Air Conditioning and Mobile Maintenance Facility (MMF) Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Support Equipment Cryogenic Mechanic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Support Equipment Electrician/Refrigeration and Engine/Gas Turbine Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Utilities Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Utilities Equipment Repairer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Utilities Officer (Marine Corps - Warrant Officer only)
  • Utilitiesman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman - Air Conditioning (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician
  • Furnace Installer
  • Furnace Installer & Repairer
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conidtioning (Ex. Tit: Heating&Air Cond. Inst/Ser)
  • Oil Burner-Servicer & Installer
  • Refrigeration Mechanic (Any Ind)
  • Refrigeration Unit Repairer

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
  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Refrigeration Unit Repairer
  • Solar-Energy-System Installer