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Exposure to extreme heat, cold or humidity can make almost all imaginable settings extremely uncomfortable. Without what we know today about how refrigeration can help preserve food, medicine and other perishable items, countless necessities of modern life would not be possible. Heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics, also known as HVAC technicians, maintain, repair and install these systems that make our modern lifestyle so comfortable.
The repair and maintenance of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems are the fundamentals of HVAC professionals’ duties. Heating and air-conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity and total air quality in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Refrigeration systems allow for the storage and transportation of perishable items. All of these systems are made up of many complex components such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats and switches. The technician’s job is to maintain these elements, and to diagnose and correct any problems in the system.
In the HVAC technician’s average day, he or she uses a wide assortment of tools to accomplish the task at hand. Some of these may include:
Safety is incredibly important to the HVAC technician. He or she is often dispatched to home or business locations that are not familiar territory, and may be required to work in uncomfortable hot or cold conditions. With this work also comes the injury risks if safety precautions are not followed carefully. Electrical shocks, burns, or muscle strains can occur on the job. Also, the chemical refrigerants used inside air-conditioning units and refrigerators can be dangerous and harmful to the environment when mishandled. Safety equipment should always be worn when handling refrigerants to guard against skin damage, frostbite or blindness.
Prospective HVAC professionals can count on an optimistic career future. As more new homes and businesses are constructed, and as older buildings require updating of their HVAC systems, HVAC technicians will gain more clients and more job security. Their specialized skills will serve the rest of the world that is now more dependent than ever on climate control and refrigeration systems.
Salary Range:
$10.34 — $26.20 hourly wage
Education Level (minimum):
Technical school or apprenticeship program
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
21 – 35%
