Find Trade Colleges

Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer

What Does it Take to Be a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer?

Position Description 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.
  • Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.
  • Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
  • Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
  • Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.
  • Install magnetic-centrifugal chillers, compressors, or related equipment to cool air temperatures through the use of recirculating water.

HAC Mechanic or Installer Needed Skills

When polled, Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

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.

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

  • Furnace Repairer
  • HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)
  • Stoker Installer
  • Duct Cleaner
  • Heating and Cooling Technician

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

In the United States, there were 332,900 jobs for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 38,700 positions for HAC Mechanic or Installer per year.

undefined

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.

What is the Average Salary of a HAC Mechanic or Installer

The average yearly salary of a HAC Mechanic or Installer ranges between $29,460 and $76,230.

undefined

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

How to Become a HAC Mechanic or Installer

Education needed to be a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer:

undefined

How many years of work experience do I need?

undefined

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

Those who work as a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic or Installer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.