
Well trained HVAC Technician getting the job done right
Think you might enter the HVAC field? Get a taste of life as an HVAC technician with this detailed article on their typical workday.
If you like to work with your hands and take pride in practical skills, a career as an HVAC technician might where to take your life.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The employment of HVAC mechanics and installers is on a rising trajectory toward significant growth by 2026, per the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook.
As an HVAC technician, you would be part of this growth.
Academics & Experience
As a hired technician, you’ll work for a heating, mechanical and cooling company. Or you might work for a school, hospital or other corporation that needs an HVAC technician.
Although most HVAC courses are relatively short, each teaches you important skills. These include the ability to make repairs, replace parts, run tests and install systems.
But before you decide, it’s only fair you should understand the typical day of an HVAC technician. This will help you decide if the work appeals to and suits you.
General Responsibilities
if you seek a predictable job, an HVAC career is not for you. Some of the typical daily duties of an HVAC technician include:
- Oversee installation of HVAC systems
- Provide good customer care
- Run after-hours calls as needed
- Troubleshoot and repair HVAC equipment
- Provide technical support when in the field
- Work with Sales and Engineering to develop products to meet market needs
Different Day, Different Experience
Your duties and responsibilities vary daily. Most experienced HVAC technicians will tell you no two days are the same. It’s the most exciting aspect of this career field.
There’s no monotony or predictability to your schedule and working day. For example, you might take an entire day to install industrial air conditioning in a factory. On the next, you might move from house to house to make repairs.
Some projects you’re assigned will be so complex it might take you weeks to finish.
Also, your work schedule might change often – you might go to work very early for a few days, then start later on a “mids” shift. Such variations protect people’s comfort, safety and health.
So if you enjoy variety, you’ll find it in HVAC.
How Most Days Begin & End
HVAC technicians usually report to work to learn their assigned tasks for that day. Once you know which clients you’ll visit, you gather your tools and safety gear, and head to the first location.
Once the workday ends, you can head home, your duties done. If you’re on a complex project, you’ll know to resume there the following day.
Intense Temperatures
HVAC technicians find work in a variety of places. But regardless where you work and whether you’re your own boss or a working stiff, you must be prepared for challenging work conditions.
Although not daily, you’ll sometimes work in extreme temperatures. For instance, you might repair a furnace that sat, inoperable, over a cold winter’s night. You might spend hours to install an air conditioner in an overheated building. You could run ducts through spaces in a freezing basement.
Risk Is Always in Mind
As an HVAC technician, you should always think of safety regardless of where you work. Each workday could present a new threat. You will always have to take safety precautions.
Make proper use of such safety equipment as respirators, gloves and eye protectors. With such risks involved, you might wonder if this is the job for you. But don’t get scared.
Protective Equipment
For your safety and peace of mind, work for a company that assures its workers have the needed protective gear. Your body is your most important tool in this line of work. Always avoid shortcuts and carelessness.
Stay safe and follow protocol. This not only helps you avoid injury, it ensures the safety of your colleagues and customers.
Are You Destined for HVAC?
HVAC technicians do not have monotonous jobs because each day comes with its different tasks and risks. You will sometimes work in harsh conditions. But there’s protective gear for you to wear.
If you take care of your most important tool – your health and well-being – you won’t have anything to worry about.
You now have an understanding of an HVAC technician’s workday. Is this the path to success you want to take? Apply today or request more information about Eyman careers. Also, feel free to call us at (402) 731-2727 if you have questions about the latest career opportunities in our company.