Quick Facts
Median Salary$54,545
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+17.93%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A HVAC Mechanic or Installer installs and repairs heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units.
Core Tasks:
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
- Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
- Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
- Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
- Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
- Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
- Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
- Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
- Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
- Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
- Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
- Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
- Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
- Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
- Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
- Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.
- Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.
- Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
- Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.
- Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
- Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
- Supervise and instruct assistants.
- Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.
- Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
What to expect as a HVAC Mechanic / Installer
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
38% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See HVAC Mechanic / Installer related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
12245 openings for HVAC Mechanic / Installers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to HVAC Mechanic / Installer. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.



