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Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Career Highlights
What is a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician ?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
An ever increasing population, progress in technology, renovation of older buildings and homes, and new construction of businesses and homes create a secure work environment for HVAC techs.
Common duties of an HVAC tech
HVAC techs work in many different types of businesses, such as privately owned contractors, HVAC manufacturers, or institutional buildings like schools, apartments, and shopping malls.
Principle responsibilities of HVAC techs include:
- Installation or repair of electrical connections to HVAC components
- Troubleshooting and repairing HVAC units, including mechanical and electronic components
- Installation of HVAC units, involving both mechanical and electronic components
- Installation or repair of HVAC system automation components for “smart homes” or businesses
- Installation of HVAC ductwork, such as sheet metal construction and flexible tubing
- Installation and repair of water and fuel supply lines
- Installation, recycling, and conservation of refrigerants
HVAC techs must consider safety when working with CFC chemicals, flammable fuel lines, and electricity. They may have to fish pipes or wires through existing constructions. They should also take respiratory precautions because of frequent exposure to refrigeration chemicals, dust, and sometimes asbestos in older structures.
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 anticipated to remain high and will grow more quickly than average during the next decade. Technicians specializing just in new installations might face a cyclical dip as record construction of new housing may decrease over the next few years.
Average Earnings & Salary
Because most HVAC techs work more than 40 hours a week and often have “on call” positions, the US Department of Labor measures their salaries on an hourly basis. The median rate of pay per hour for HVAC techs in 2005 was $17.81. HVAC techs just starting work will bring in about 50% of the wage rate that other HVAC techs enjoy, but their wages will increase as their experience and skills increase as well.