Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

Career Description: Install, service, and repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences and commercial establishments.

Industry: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Other Job Titles for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Obtain and maintain required certifications.
• Comply with all applicable standards, policies, and procedures, including safety procedures and the maintenance of a clean work area.
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
• Test electrical circuits and components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
• Reassemble and test equipment following repairs.
• Inspect and test system to verify system compliance with plans and specifications and to detect and locate malfunctions.
• Discuss heating-cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that malfunctions have been corrected.
• Record and report all faults, deficiencies, and other unusual occurrences, as well as the time and materials expended on work orders.
• Test pipe or tubing joints and connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution.
• Adjust system controls to setting recommended by manufacturer to balance system, using hand tools.
• Recommend, develop, and perform preventive and general maintenance procedures such as cleaning, power-washing and vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, and changing filters.
• Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment according to wiring diagram, using electrician's hand tools.
• Install auxiliary components to heating-cooling equipment, such as expansion and discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues and stokers, following blueprints.
• Assist with other work in coordination with repair and maintenance teams.
• Install, connect, and adjust thermostats, humidistats and timers, using hand tools.
• Generate work orders that address deficiencies in need of correction.
• Join pipes or tubing to equipment and to fuel, water, or refrigerant source, to form complete circuit.
• Assemble, position and mount heating or cooling equipment, following blueprints.
• Study blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
• Cut and drill holes in floors, walls, and roof to install equipment, using power saws and drills.
• Wrap pipes in insulation, securing it in place with cement or wire bands.
• Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
• Fabricate, assemble and install duct work and chassis parts, using portable metal-working tools and welding equipment.
• Drain and filter transformer oil and refill transformers with oil until coils are submerged.
• Position and level battery cells, anodes, or cathodes, using hoists or leveling jacks, or signal other workers to perform positioning and leveling.
• Verify and adjust alignments and dimensions of parts, using gauges and tracing lathes.
• Test equipment for overheating, using speed gauges and thermometers.
• Bolt porcelain insulators to wood parts in order to assemble hot stools.
• Pour compounds into transformer-case terminal openings in order to seal out moisture.
• Test conditions, fluid levels, and specific gravities of electrolyte cells, using voltmeters, hydrometers, and thermometers.
• Clean, rinse, and dry transformer cases, using boiling water, scrapers, solvents, hoses, and cloths.
• Inspect batteries for structural defects such as dented cans, damaged carbon rods and terminals, and defective seals.
• Steam-clean polishing and buffing wheels to remove abrasives and bonding materials, and spray, brush, or recoat surfaces as necessary.
• Test battery charges, and replace or recharge batteries as necessary.
• Repair and operate battery-charging equipment.
• Add water or acid to battery cell solutions to obtain specified concentrations.
• Sharpen tools such as saws, picks, shovels, screwdrivers, and scoops, either manually or by using bench grinders and emery wheels.
• Seal joints with putty, mortar, and asbestos, using putty extruders and knives.
• Hammer out dents and twists in tools and equipment.

Emerging Tasks

• Calibrate instrumentation such as meters, gauges, and regulators for pressure, temperature, flow, and level.
• Clean and lubricate bicycle parts.
• Help customers select bicycles that fit their body size and intended use of the bicycle.
• Install and adjust brakes and brake pads.
• Install new tires and tubes.
• Order bicycle parts.
• Sell bicycles and accessories.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• adhere to safety procedures
• adjust or set mechanical controls or components
• analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
• apply cleaning solvents
• assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
• assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
• bend pipes
• bend tubing or conduit
• conduct performance testing
• conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
• control HVAC equipment
• cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
• determine installation, service, or repair needed
• determine material or tool requirements
• determine project methods and procedures
• diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
• estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
• fabricate ducting
• fabricate sheet metal parts or items
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
• inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
• install electrical conduit or tubing
• install electrical fixtures or components
• install electronic equipment, components, or systems
• install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
• install insulating materials
• install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
• install sheet metal assemblies in supportive framework
• install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
• install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
• lay out electrical wiring for buildings, etc.
• lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
• maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
• maintain or repair work tools or equipment
• maintain repair records
• maintain welding machines or equipment
• move or fit heavy objects
• obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
• operate sheet metal fabrication machines
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• plan layout of electrical/electronic equipment installation
• position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
• pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
• read blueprints
• read schematics
• read specifications
• read technical drawings
• read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
• repair or adjust measuring or control devices
• repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
• repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
• repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
• repair refrigeration or HVAC equipment
• replace electronic components
• solder electrical or electronic connections or components
• test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
• test electronic or electrical circuit connections
• test mechanical products or equipment
• understand detailed electronic design specifications
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• use arc welding equipment
• use basic plumbing techniques
• use combination welding procedures
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use electronic calibration devices
• use hand or power tools
• use hand or power woodworking tools
• use high voltage apparatus
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of ventilation systems
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use pipe fitting equipment
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision tools in electronics repair
• use pressure gauges
• use soldering equipment
• use tube bending equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• use soldering equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• use x-ray or magnetic inspection techniques
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

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• Projected growth (2006-2016): 8.74%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 25,497
• Employment (2006): 291,861

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