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HVAC Mechanic / Installer

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.