Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically do the following:
- Use blueprins to install or repair systems
- Connect systems to fuel and water supply lines
- Install electrical wiring and controls
- Inspect and maintain customers’ systems
- Test components to determine repairs
- Repair or replace worn or defective parts
- Determine HVACR systems’ energy use
Heating and air-conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality in homes, businesses, and other buildings. By providing a climate controlled environment, refrigeration systems make it possible to store and transport food, medicine, and other perishable items.
Although HVACR technicians are trained to install, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, many focus their work on installation, maintenance, or repair. Some technicians specialize in one or more specific aspects of HVACR, such as radiant heating systems, solar panels, testing, and balancing, or commercial refrigeration.