HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and an HVAC technician is an expert when it comes to installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems.
Within this job role, there’s a lot of diversity when it comes to HVAC skills. For instance, one HVAC technician might specialize in the installation, while others might focus on repair and maintenance.
Similarly, some technicians work on only one system (either heating, refrigeration, or air conditioning), but some prefer working on a wider range of services. Perhaps, the best thing about becoming an HVAC technician is that they are always in demand.
During summer, the sweltering heat requires air conditioners to work in top condition, and conversely, an efficient furnace is needed in the cold, harsh winter months.
If you’re interested in booking an appointment with an HVAC technician, here’s everything you need to know.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
Of course, an HVAC technician works on HVAC systems. But what does the job actually entail?
Well, this depends on the exact job description since it differs according to the specialty, position, and industry.
The following are some of the typical duties of an HVAC technician:
- Supervise installations and study blueprints along with other specifications
- Adhere to the local HVAC codes while doing the job
- Offer technical support as required in the field
- Repair, replace, and troubleshoot defective HVAC/R equipment
- Work with sales to come up with product definitions
- Design and install wiring for the different systems
- Test out joints, pipes, and connections for leakages
- Test electrical components or circuits for continuity
- Maintain and improve the performance of HVAC systems by refilling refrigerants and changing filters
- Adjust, install, and connect components like timers, humidistats, and thermostats
- Connect HVAC equipment to the refrigerant, water, and fuel sources
- Position, assemble and mount HVAC systems
- Cut and drill holes in the building structure for the HVAC system.
What to Look For in an HVAC Technician
Most homeowners will need to source an HVAC technicians to be able to make repairs to their cooling and heating systems. To make sure your system is in good hands, you need to look for the following qualifications before hiring an HVAC technician.
1. Sufficient Experience
Of course, you don’t need to hire the most senior technician that you come across. However, you may also have questions about an HVAC engineer new to the role to treat your system with the care it deserves. For this reason, it is important to look for an HVAC technician who has sufficient years of experience under their belt.
Most technicians gain experience by working in apprenticeships or other similar programs where they work with a seasoned technician. So make sure that the crew you are hiring has experienced technicians and that some of those are assigned to your property.
2. Credentials
You must check the credentials before hiring anyone. A license provides proof that the technician has sufficient training and is capable enough of properly installing HVAC systems according to your town or city’s building codes.
You also need to look for insurance since it means that both you and the technician for the HVAC are protected if there is damage to the property or an injury.
3. Versatile Skill Set
Bird Fuels recommends that you look for technicians with a varied skill set. Ideally, they should be able to work with all major HVAC systems. It is always a plus if the technician can work with obscure systems too.
Remember that if you have a rare or specialized HVAC system, you’ll need to look for someone who is specifically trained for such systems.
Other Skills Your HVAC Technician Should Possess
Technical skills are not the only things you need to look for. Anyone can obtain technical skills via formal training; however, personal qualities and soft skills are essential for success in the field. Some qualities you need to look for before hiring a technician are:
Listening
The technician must be willing to listen to you to understand the problems with your system so that it can be solved promptly.
Speaking
This refers to the technician’s ability to communicate and share information clearly and explain the solutions or working of the HVAC system with you, so you know what to expect.
Critical Thinking
A good HVAC technician must have excellent analytical and critical thinking skills so they can weigh the various possible solutions to a problem and choose one that best suits your budget and system’s needs.
Dexterity and Physical Strength
The technician should be able to lift 50 pounds, and they should be able to maneuver heavy items.
Of course, there’s no certification or proof that a technician has such soft skills. This is where reviews will come in handy. Look at online review sites to see what other customers have to say about the crew you’re looking to hire and whether they have the desired skills.
Hire the Best HVAC Technician Today
All HVAC technicians undergo training to learn how to replace and repair air conditioners; however, a friendly demeanour, the right way to treat customers, and taking pride in work is not taught in a classroom.
Therefore, apart from the qualifications and licenses, make sure that you get the other skills we’ve talked about here. At Bird Fuels, we only have the best technicians with a vast skill set and a cooperative nature so that your system is taken good care of.
Head over to BirdFuels.ca to learn more
