Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, often referred to as HVACR technicians, are responsible for controlling temperature and air quality in buildings. Refrigeration technicians, also known as refrigeration mechanics, specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigerators. They have a working knowledge of a building's general HVAC unit, but their primary focus is on ice machines, beverage machines, and refrigeration units. Students who pursue a career in this field are taught about the parts of the air conditioning system, the fundamentals of refrigeration, and the basics of air conditioning installation.
This program prepares individuals to enter an apprenticeship, which includes on-the-job learning and training for 2 to 5 years. In some cases, HVAC mechanics choose to take care of the installation, maintenance, and repair of the system. Some of them may even consider specializing in a specific type of HVAC equipment, such as residential refrigeration, solar-based systems, or water heating systems. The type of work an HVAC technician does depends on their industry, position, specialty, and employment. What remains constant is the importance of the work they do.
Since HVAC mechanics basically control temperature and overall air quality, their goal is to keep people in homes, schools, offices, and other facilities relaxed and comfortable. A typical HVAC technician will be seen analyzing HVAC systems and their components, studying drawings and other requirements, testing pipes and tubes for leaks, examining electrical circuits, repairing faulty components, improving the overall HVAC system by updating it, installing and adjusting thermostats, timers, refrigerants, etc., drilling holes or cutting cables for installation, working on the newly designed structure, and reporting and resolving system deficiencies. If you're looking to become an HVAC technician yourself, a typical degree takes two to three years to complete at most community colleges or trade schools. Building automation system technicians install, repair, and maintain computer-based control systems that control and monitor a building's mechanical and electrical equipment - including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and energy management systems. The job comes with its own set of risks and work challenges - but with experience comes higher salaries. Although their key function is to install an air conditioning system, they also deal with the repair and maintenance of the air conditioning system in homes, offices, and other types of buildings.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are collectively referred to as HVAC - so professionals who work in this industry are called HVAC technicians or HVAC engineers. For proper installation of these systems they must study drawings, manufacturer recommendations, and design requirements to ensure ideal component installation. HVAC project managers are professionals who oversee the design, planning, and installation of heating ventilation and air conditioning systems in new or existing buildings. Mechanical engineers with HVAC experience are professionals who specialize in designing heating cooling and cooling systems for all types of residential commercial and industrial buildings. As manufacturer representatives who specialize in products related to air conditioning these people become experts in a specific product line - offering products equipment and solutions based on customer needs. One of the most important job descriptions of an HVAC engineer is designing an HVAC system for commercial residential or institutional buildings.
A professional HVAC engineer must also have strong communication and problem solving skills to ensure that the HVAC system is well in accordance with the needs of the people who use it. To become an HVAC engineer a person will need to have a degree in mechanical engineering or architectural engineering. Business service managers supervise all building operators - including HVAC field personnel who perform installation maintenance repairs - as well as office staff - to ensure that customers receive a higher quality service. All commercial and residential properties require a solid HVAC system to ensure excellent air quality - as well as effective heating and cooling.
