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

May 11, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When the air conditioning system in a home or business breaks down, it can cause a lot of stress and frustration. Professional HVAC technicians are highly-trained to diagnose and repair these systems quickly and efficiently. They have the experience and expertise required to identify the underlying issue, whether it's a minor repair or a major component replacement.

By utilizing the correct tools and procedures, they can ensure that the system is running smoothly and efficiently. This can save time and money by avoiding costly repairs or replacements in the future. professional HVAC technicians will provide advice on how to maintain the system in order to extend its lifespan and keep energy costs low.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become a professional HVAC technician, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete an Apprenticeship Program. Most employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed a formal apprenticeship program. This program usually takes two to five years to complete and combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
Obtain Certification. After completing an apprenticeship program, most technicians are required to obtain certification from either the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). This certification validates your skills and knowledge of the HVAC industry.
Consider Specialty Certification. After obtaining a basic certification, many technicians choose to pursue specialty certifications in areas such as energy management and indoor air quality.
Attend Continuing Education Classes. To stay up to date with the latest technologies and practices in the HVAC industry, experienced technicians often attend continuing education classes.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) can help technicians stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain connections with other professionals in the field.

Staying ahead and competent as an HVAC technician requires dedication to learning and staying up to date on the latest advancements in the industry. Keeping up with industry trends, attending training seminars and workshops, and staying current on the latest technology are all important. staying organized and having good communication skills will ensure that tasks are completed quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, having a good understanding of problem-solving and troubleshooting skills will help identify issues quickly and efficiently. Finally, having a good customer service attitude and being reliable are essential for building relationships and keeping customers satisfied. With dedication and a commitment to learning, an HVAC technician can stay ahead and competent in the field.

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Job Description

Diagnose and repair heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems.
Install and test new heating and cooling systems, as well as components such as compressors, motors, and belts.
Perform preventative maintenance such as cleaning and adjusting blowers, motors, and filters.
Troubleshoot and repair refrigeration systems, including condensers, evaporators, and other components.
Perform routine maintenance on boilers, hot water tanks, and other heating equipment.
Test and adjust system controls to ensure proper operation.
Make adjustments to system components to ensure optimal performance.
Repair or replace defective parts, such as motors, fans, ducts, and control systems.
Locate and repair gas leaks in systems.
Prepare written reports on system performance and repairs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of HVAC systems, components, and principles
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals
Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC equipment
Ability to install, maintain, and service HVAC systems
Knowledge of refrigerants and their safe handling
Knowledge of local building codes and regulations related to HVAC installation and maintenance
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Knowledge of safety procedures and best practices
Ability to work effectively with a team
Ability to lift heavy objects and climb ladders

Being a professional HVAC technician requires a range of skills and knowledge, but the most important skill to have is problem-solving. Without the ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems, an HVAC technician will be unable to effectively diagnose and repair heating and cooling systems. Problem-solving skills require an understanding of the system, the tools needed to repair it, and the ability to think creatively to come up with an effective solution.

A successful HVAC technician must be able to assess a situation quickly and come up with an efficient plan for resolving the issue. having good communication skills enables the technician to provide clear instructions to customers on how to best use their HVAC system and maintain it correctly. Finally, having a solid technical knowledge base is essential in order to understand how the system works and how to properly troubleshoot it.

With these skills in place, a professional HVAC technician is able to diagnose and repair various types of heating and cooling systems quickly and effectively.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in HVAC installation and maintenance?
How familiar are you with the various components of a HVAC system?
Describe your knowledge of local building codes and regulations related to HVAC systems.
What do you consider to be the most important safety considerations when working with HVAC systems?
How do you troubleshoot issues with HVAC systems?
How do you ensure that HVAC systems are running at peak efficiency?
What techniques do you use to explain complex technical concepts related to HVAC systems to customers?
Describe a challenging HVAC repair job that you successfully completed.
What would you do if a customer was dissatisfied with your work?
How do you keep up with the latest developments in HVAC technology?

Common Tools in Industry

Multi-meter. A tool used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (eg: Fluke 87V Digital MultiMeter)
Pipe Bender. A tool used to bend metal pipes into different shapes and angles. (eg: RIDGID Model 608 Heavy-Duty Pipe Bender)
Refrigeration Gauge Set. A set of tools used to measure the pressure and temperature of refrigerant. (eg: Yellow Jacket 49967 Refrigeration Gauge Set)
Vacuum Pump. A tool used to create a vacuum environment in order to detect leaks in the HVAC system. (eg: Robinair 15500 VacuMaster Vacuum Pump)
Screwdriver Set. A set of tools used to tighten and loosen screws in HVAC systems. (eg: Craftsman 9-31794 Slotted Phillips Screwdriver Set)
Soldering Iron. A tool used to join metal components together with solder. (eg: Weller WLC100 Soldering Station)
Torque Wrench. A tool used to tighten bolts and nuts to a specific amount of torque. (eg: Craftsman 9-31574 Torque Wrench)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)
North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)
HVAC Excellence
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
Air Movement and Control Association International (AMCA)

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Common Important Terms

HVAC System. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system - a system used to control the temperature, humidity, and air quality of an indoor space.
Ductwork. The set of pipes and tubes that distribute conditioned air from the HVAC system throughout the building.
Thermostat. A device used to regulate the temperature of a room or building by controlling the operation of the HVAC system.
Refrigerant. A chemical substance that is used in air conditioning systems to absorb and release heat, allowing the cooling process to occur.
Condenser Coil. A part of an air conditioner that is responsible for cooling the hot refrigerant gas and converting it back into a liquid.
Compressor. A device that circulates refrigerant throughout the air conditioning system.
Evaporator Coil. A part of an air conditioner that absorbs heat from the air inside the building and transfers it to the refrigerant.
Refrigeration Cycle. The process of using a cycle of heating and cooling to transfer heat from one area to another.
Heat Pump. A device used for heating or cooling a space by circulating refrigerant through an evaporator coil and a condenser coil.
Insulation. Material used to prevent heat from entering or leaving a space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications are required to be a Professional HVAC Technician? A1: Professional HVAC Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with completion of a HVAC technical training program and certification from an accredited institution. Q2: What type of work does a Professional HVAC Technician do? A2: Professional HVAC Technicians install, maintain and repair residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They also test, adjust and balance HVAC systems for proper operation. Q3: What tools do Professional HVAC Technicians use? A3: Professional HVAC Technicians use various hand tools, power tools and specialized testing equipment to install, maintain and repair HVAC systems. They may also use computers to diagnose and adjust system controls. Q4: How much does a Professional HVAC Technician earn? A4: Professional HVAC Technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year depending on experience and geographical location. Q5: What is the job outlook for Professional HVAC Technicians? A5: The job outlook for Professional HVAC Technicians is expected to grow by 13% through 2028. This growth is due to an increasing demand for efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in both residential and commercial settings.