What is a HVAC tech?
Any building you walk into will have some type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit. These units require setup, maintenance, repair, and proper cleaning to ensure that they work to the highest degree. HVAC technicians are specially trained to work on these systems. But what exactly is an HVAC Technician, and what do they do?
Training
HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC is also referred to as HVAC/R, which includes refrigeration. In order to start the education and training program, a person must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. A potential student must also pass a simple math test, have a valid driver's license, and pass a substance abuse screening test.
The educational part of the program lasts between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the school you choose to attend. Classes in the program will include:
- Gas heating
- Air conditioning, electric heat, and heat pumps
- Refrigeration systems
- Commercial controls and applications
- Installation and troubleshooting systems
A future HVAC tech can also start an apprenticeship program that lasts between 3-5 years. Depending on the state, a person might also need to get a license as well.
What does the job entail?
An HVAC technician has a lot of responsibilities when it comes to each part of their title. They have to understand the unit, where it is located and how it flows from inside and outside of the building, the electrical information, and much more.
Here are the different tasks HVAC Techs are expected to know in order to do their job correctly:
- Install ventilation and air conditioning systems, heating units, and equipment.
- Repair, maintain, and clean units.
- Perform warranty services.
- Attend to emergency repairs and be able to fix them quickly and correctly.
- Plan out where units will be installed.
- Electrical work
- Act as a mentor for future HVAC technicians
- Keep logs of when repairs are made, and what items are used for each system, and keep an organized and stocked work vehicle.
- Ensure compliance with appliance standards and with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Comply with service standards, work instructions, and customers' requirements.
- Assist with customers' queries.
Where can an HVAC tech work?
Contractors will employ a majority of HVAC techs in the heating, plumbing, and air-conditioning industries. However, there are other types of industries in which an HVAC tech can work:
- Teaching at a college or technical school
- Self-employed, own company
- Natural gas distribution
- Wired telecommunications carriers
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
- Repair and maintenance for a specific building
Hiring experienced technicians
If you live in the Madison, AL area and require HVAC services, let the experienced HVAC techs at Valley Heating and Cooling assist you with all your needs. They offer services to install units, heat pumps, professional AC solutions, gas and electric heat, and air quality. They also provide preventative maintenance service and follow a 20-point inspection check to ensure that your units are running correctly and efficiently. They are open 24/7 for service calls and have a stock of HVAC parts so that you are never left without heat or air. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended that you have your equipment serviced two a year to guarantee you will have properly working units before the summer and winter. Schedule a preventative maintenance check with the experienced techs at Valley Heating and Cooling today!