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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.
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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.
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.
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:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Related Careers
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.