How to Be Commercial HVAC Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 9, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The commercial HVAC technician plays a vital role in making sure that businesses and other commercial buildings are running smoothly. If a business does not have the proper HVAC system, the building can become too hot or cold, leading to discomfort among customers and employees. Additionally, an inefficient HVAC system can lead to higher energy bills, increased maintenance costs, and shortened equipment life. By ensuring proper installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems, the technician helps keep buildings comfortable while reducing operating costs.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent. The first step to becoming a commercial HVAC technician is to obtain a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. This will give you the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue a career in commercial HVAC.
Complete an HVAC Program. After completing high school or an equivalent program, the next step is to complete an HVAC program. This program may be offered at a technical school or community college, and it will give you the hands-on training and education necessary to become a successful commercial HVAC technician.
Earn a Certification. After completing an HVAC program, you may choose to pursue additional certifications. These certifications can demonstrate your mastery of specific areas of the HVAC industry and can be beneficial when pursuing job opportunities.
Gain Experience. Once you have completed an HVAC program and earned certifications, you should begin to gain experience in the field. This can be done through an apprenticeship, which will provide you with on-the-job training and experience.
Obtain Licensing. After gaining experience in the field, the next step is to obtain licensing. Depending on the state in which you live, this may require passing an exam or completing additional training.
Pursue Job Opportunities. Once you have obtained the necessary certifications, experience, and licensing, you should begin to pursue job opportunities as a commercial HVAC technician. This can be done by networking with individuals in the industry, researching job postings online, and attending job fairs.

Staying ahead and competent as a commercial HVAC technician requires a combination of education, experience, and dedication. The first step is to obtain the proper industry certifications and continue to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and advances in the field. having a thorough understanding of all aspects of HVAC systems, from the basics of electrical components to more complex topics such as thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, can help to ensure that one is able to effectively diagnose and repair any issues that may arise.

Dedication to staying on top of industry trends and making sure to stay abreast of new developments is also key to success. Doing so will not only help ensure that one is knowledgeable and skilled in the most current technologies, but it can also help to increase job security by demonstrating to employers a commitment to professional excellence.

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Job Description

Install, maintain, and repair commercial HVAC systems including chillers, boilers, and furnaces.
Diagnose, troubleshoot and repair complex commercial HVAC systems.
Perform preventative maintenance on commercial HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance.
Follow all safety protocols when handling hazardous materials and equipment.
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings and schematics.
Monitor system performance and adjust as necessary.
Comply with all relevant local, state, and federal codes and regulations.
Prepare cost estimates for HVAC projects and equipment.
Provide technical support to other staff members.
Maintain detailed records of all work performed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of HVAC systems, components, and operations
Knowledge of commercial HVAC installation and maintenance techniques
Ability to read and understand schematics, diagrams, and blueprints
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose HVAC issues
Ability to use hand and power tools safely and properly
Knowledge of safety protocols and standards for HVAC systems
Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Ability to lift and move heavy objects
Knowledge of local building codes and regulations

Having a high degree of technical expertise is the most important skill for a Commercial HVAC Technician. This expertise involves understanding how to install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Knowledge of electrical wiring, refrigeration principles, and the ability to read and interpret blueprints are all essential skills for a Commercial HVAC Technician to possess.

the technician must have an in-depth understanding of the operation, functionality, and limitations of the various types of HVAC equipment in order to identify any issues that may arise. They must also be able to accurately diagnose problems and recommend the best course of action for repair and maintenance. Having these skills can help ensure that HVAC systems are running optimally and that any issues are addressed as quickly as possible.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What previous experience do you have servicing commercial HVAC systems?
Describe your approach to troubleshooting and resolving HVAC issues.
How familiar are you with the latest HVAC technologies and regulations?
What safety measures do you take when working on commercial HVAC systems?
Are you familiar with the maintenance and repair of air conditioning systems?
What challenges have you faced in previous HVAC jobs, and how did you overcome them?
What steps do you take to ensure that every commercial HVAC job is completed correctly and safely?
How do you stay informed of current developments in the HVAC industry?
Do you have any experience with energy-efficient systems?
How do you prioritize tasks when servicing multiple commercial HVAC systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Refrigerant Recovery Machine. A device used to safely remove and store refrigerants from air conditioning units. (e. g. Robinair 15500 Refrigerant Recovery Machine)
Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (e. g. Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter)
Vacuum Pump. A device used to remove air and other gases from an enclosed space. (e. g. Robinair 15500 Vacuum Pump)
Thermometer. A device used to measure temperature. (e. g. Cooper-Atkins DTCT400 Digital Thermometer)
Torque Wrench. A tool used to precisely tighten fasteners to a specific torque. (e. g. Craftsman 1/2 Inch Drive Digital Torque Wrench)
Pipe Wrench. A tool used to grip and turn pipes and other cylindrical objects. (e. g. Ridgid 36-Inch Aluminum Pipe Wrench)
Pliers. A tool used to hold and manipulate objects, often involving cutting and bending of wires. (e. g. Stanley 8-Inch Long Nose Pliers)
Screwdrivers. A hand tool used to turn screws and bolts of various sizes and shapes. (e. g. Craftsman Professional 10-Piece Screwdriver Set)
Hammer. A tool used to drive nails, fit parts, and break apart objects. (e. g. Estwing 16 oz Straight Claw Hammer)
Level. A tool used to determine if a surface is level or plumb. (e. g. Bosch 24-Inch Magnetic Torpedo Level)

Professional Organizations to Know

Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)
American Technical Education Association (ATEA)
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
Building Performance Institute (BPI)
National Comfort Institute (NCI)
Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA)
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)

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Common Important Terms

Air Handler. An air handler, or air handling unit, is the indoor part of an air conditioning system that circulates and conditions air in a space.
Compressor. A compressor is a device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. It is an essential component of any HVAC system.
Refrigerant. Refrigerant is a liquid or gas used in cooling systems to transfer heat from one area to another.
Heat Exchanger. A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat between two fluids of different temperatures.
Thermostat. A thermostat is an electronic device used to regulate the temperature of a space by controlling the operation of an HVAC system.
Ductwork. Ductwork is a system of pipes and tubes used to distribute air throughout a building.
Condenser. A condenser is a device used to cool and condense vapors into a liquid form. It is an important component of any HVAC system.
Evaporator. An evaporator is a device used in HVAC systems to cool air by evaporating refrigerant into the air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Commercial HVAC Technician?

A Commercial HVAC Technician is an individual who specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems in commercial buildings.

What type of tasks do Commercial HVAC Technicians perform?

Commercial HVAC Technicians typically perform tasks such as installing and repairing air conditioning systems, furnaces, and other HVAC equipment; inspecting, diagnosing, and troubleshooting HVAC systems; performing preventive maintenance on HVAC systems; and ensuring that all components of the system are functioning properly.

What type of qualifications do Commercial HVAC Technicians need?

Commercial HVAC Technicians typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and may also need to have specialized training or certifications depending on the job requirements.