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Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer

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All About Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

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

Life As a HAC Mechanic or Installer

  • Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.
  • Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
  • Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
  • Install radiator controls for room-level zone control heating of residential or commercial buildings.
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter’s tools.
  • Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.

HAC Mechanic or Installer Required Skills

Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

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.

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.

Other HAC Mechanic or Installer Job Titles

  • Heating and Air-Conditioning Installer-Servicer
  • Heating and Cooling Technician
  • Maintenance Mechanic
  • Heating Repair Technician
  • Air Conditioner or Furnace Gas Appliance Mechanic

Is There Job Demand for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 332,900 jobs in the United States for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer. 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.

HAC Mechanic or Installer Salary

The salary for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers ranges between about $29,460 and $76,230 a year.

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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
  • Atlas Construction Business Forms
  • IBM Maximo Asset Management
  • Building automation software

Becoming a HAC Mechanic or Installer

Individuals working as a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become a HAC Mechanic or Installer?

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Who Employs Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers?

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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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Those interested in being a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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