A HVAC technician handles major as well as minor repairing work related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to ensure smooth operations of the system. This is the primary job of a HVAC technician. There are various pneumatic devices which are operated by HVAC technicians and they are responsible for their installation, maintenance, and repairing. While doing so he needs to employ various instruments through which measuring and testing activities are done. You also need to monitor all the equipment to detect a possible snag that might crop up in future. If a part needs to be replaces he should gear up for immediate restoration.
An HVAC technician needs to provide assistance to engineers and designers in the planning process. Various other activities like pipefitting, welding, brazing, blueprints reading, diagrams of wiring, etc are performed by an HVAC technician.
The basic qualification you need to be a HVAC technician is high school diploma or GED which can give you entry in this industry. A stint in tech schools for 5 years preferably is also sought by recruiters. Apart from this he needs to have a driving license and knowledge of HVAC control systems.
A HVAC technician must have the capacity to install equipment in a safe manner. He must understand various HVAC maintenance programs. He should be able to operate power and hand operated tools. He must have appropriate knowledge of equipments related to HVAC and various other things like chillers, boilers, etc. Added to this he needs to have speaking and writing skills. Additional knowledge of computers can be advantageous for promotion at senior levels. He should have reading and comprehensive skills as well he might need to deal with manuals of machineries often. He should be able to adjust in the working environment and maintain effective working relationship with team members. At a senior level he needs to have supervisory skills to guide and monitor his juniors. In order to perform his duty successfully he needs to be mentally as well as physically fit. Good knowledge of carpentry, electricity, plumbing, etc is essential. A HVAC technician works under all conditions - hot, cold noisy, or dusty. HVAC technicians may have to fish wires or pipes through existing construction. They need to take safety measures especially respirator precautions as their work requires dealing with electricity, toxic substances, inflammable fuel lines, dust, etc.
A HVAC technician should have capacities to lift, climb, bend, or stoop. He should be comfortable with walking and standing for long hours. If any unanticipated problem occurs he might have to chip in extra hours in the evenings or clock in on the weekends.
A job like HVAC technician training is very important beside academic qualification. Basically training includes a complete knowledge of equipment and various parts of units which can assist them in doing repairing as well as installation work efficiently. The more one is experienced, the more pay-package benefits can be drawn.
Nowadays HVAC technician have excellent career prospects. There are many commercial as well as residential buildings which include HVAC units. So in order to make them run smoothly there is the need of a technician. HVAC technicians take care of such systems from installation to repairing procedures. With the advancement in technology the HVAC industry is also growing and this has led to more job opportunities for HVAC technicians.
For an HVAC technician the average salary is about $40,000. The salary will vary with the location, experience he posses, and organization that has employed him. As far as growth possibilities are concerned, in the HVAC industry one can get lots of exposure for promotion.
HVAC technician job are cut out for candidates with lots of stamina and patience. It is a good career option.