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Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Career Highlights
What is a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician?
An HVAC tech is a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning technician.
Advances in technology, new construction of homes and businesses, renovation of older homes and buildings and an ever increasing population create stable work environment for HVAC techs.
What are other common tasks of an HVAC tech?
HVAC techs may work in a variety of business types including HVAC manufacturers, privately owned contractors or institutional buildings like shopping malls, apartments and schools.
HVAC techs main responsibilities include:
- Installation of HVAC units, including electronic and mechanical components
- Installation of HVAC ductwork including flexible tubing and sheet metal construction
- Troubleshoot and repair HVAC units including electronic and mechanical components
- Install or repair fuel and water supply lines
- Conserve, install and recycle refrigerants
- Install or repair electrical connections to HVAC components
- Install or repair HVAC system automation components for businesses or “smart homes”
Safety must be considered in dealing with electricity, flammable fuel lines and CFC chemicals. HVAC techs may have to fish wires or pipes through existing constructions. Respiratory precautions may also be taken because of exposure to dust, refrigeration chemicals and possibly asbestos in older buildings.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Salary Range
$34,650 - Annual Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Degree Salary
$29,300 - Average U.S. Salary
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2005)
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Job Outlook
The demand for HVAC techs is expected to remain strong and will grow faster than average during the next ten years. Technicians who specialize in new installations only may face a cyclical dip as record new housing construction may dip over the next few years.
Average Salary & Earnings
Since most HVAC techs work over 40 hours per week and many have “on call” positions, the US Department of Labor measures salaries on an hourly basis. The median hourly pay rate for HVAC techs was $17.81 in 2005. HVAC techs just beginning work will receive about 50% of the wage rate of other HVAC techs, but as their skills and experience increase their wages will increase as well.