Becoming a HVAC Maintenance Engineer

HVAC maintenance engineering deals with applying relative engineering concepts for the optimization of the equipment, procedures and budgets in this field in order to achieve high reliability and quality of service from HVAC systems. The need of mechanical engineers is very important in this field in order to keep the HVAC systems in perfect condition.

The HVAC maintenance engineer is the key person in planning the routine work of maintenance of the HVAC system of any house or office. Sometimes they have to carry out installation work as well. They must undertake activities such as pipe fitting, welding, reading of blueprints, etc. They also have to assist the designers in their planning process. They have to be alert at all times to face any emergency problems. The HVAC technician has to work round the year as maintenance is required whenever there are environmental changes, in order to ensure that the system is working fine. In order to work as an HVAC maintenance technician you must be willing to expose yourself to environment which may be dusty, noisy or even containing toxic substances.

The HVAC maintenance engineers have quite a number of responsibilities. Some of these are listed below:

• They have to handle and repair minor as well as major faults in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
• They are responsible for installation of various HVAC systems with the help of various devices.
• They must ensure smooth working of each instrument and should make use of several testing and measuring procedures.
• They must make sure that the instruments are operated safely.
• Maintenance of water supply and taking care of external electronic instruments also come under their responsibilities.

The maintenance engineering jobs are open to all types engineering graduates. Good knowledge in subjects like mechanical engineering and electrical engineering is of additional advantage. A degree in computer engineering helps the candidates to understand tools and technologies in a much easier way. Training basically includes learning on the job from the seniors and gaining comprehensive knowledge of the various equipment and devices of the HVAC system and effectively using them.

Following are the list of skills which HVAC maintenance engineers must possess:

• They must gain complete knowledge on maintenance of HVAC systems.
• They should be efficient enough to analyze the problem and find its solution within a limited period of time.
• Good oral as well as written communication skills are desired.
• They should be able to adjust to the working environment, performing well even under pressure.
• The HVAC maintenance engineer should also have a good knowledge of carpentry, electricity, and plumbing.

The average annual salary offered to HVAC maintenance engineers is around $76,000. This, however, varies according to experience, educational qualifications and talent. Studies have shown that the market for maintenance engineers has huge potential for growth and the pay scale is also very good.

Maintenance engineering job has overseas travel prospects too which is very good for your career growth. Because of the increase in the construction and with houses, offices, malls and commercial complexes coming up all over the place, there is huge demand for HVAC maintenance engineers presently and the trend seems to grow.