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What You Need to Know About Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer
HAC Mechanic or Installer Definition Install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments.
A Day in the Life of a HAC Mechanic or Installer
- 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.
- Assemble, position, and mount heating or cooling equipment, following blueprints or manufacturer’s specifications.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician’s hand tools.
- Install and test automatic, programmable, or wireless thermostats in residential or commercial buildings to minimize energy usage for heating or cooling.
- Install radiator controls for room-level zone control heating of residential or commercial buildings.
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HAC Mechanic or Installer Needed Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Systems Mechanic
- HVAC Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
- Oil Burner Repairer
- Air Conditioner or Furnace Gas Appliance Mechanic
- Duct Cleaner
Is There Going to be 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. The BLS estimates 38,700 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Average Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers Salary
The salary for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers ranges between about $29,460 and $76,230 a year.
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 each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools do Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers Use?
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
How do I Become a HAC Mechanic or Installer?
Individuals working as a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers Sector
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer might also be interested in the following careers:
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
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