Where Do HVAC Technicians Work?

What Does an HVAC Technician Do on a Daily Basis?

HVAC technicians specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of heating, cooling and air conditioning systems and machinery.₂ HVAC/R techs may also work on different types of refrigeration systems.²

What an HVAC technician does on a daily basis can depend on his or her specific job, but may include the following tasks:

• Inspecting HVAC systems to evaluate conditions, troubleshooting problems and diagnosing failures in the system.
• Identifying repair or replacement needs and recommending a maintenance plan.
• Installing HVAC systems to enhance environmental conditions or upgrading existing equipment.
• Maintaining tools and equipment to ensure optimal performance and safe operation.
• Performing routine maintenance on HVAC systems.
• Preparing documentation and paperwork for repair status, activity logs, work orders, etc.
• Repairing HVAC systems or components to ensure the continued operability of the system.
• Responding during or after work hours to repair broken equipment.
• Reporting to one or multiple job sites each day to make service calls.²

When working as part of a team, HVAC technicians may be responsible for collaborating with foremen and other skilled workers, such as electricians, pipefitters and sheet metal workers.^2,3

If you like mechanics, working with your hands or fixing things, then a career in HVAC may be a good choice.

What Are the Work Environments and Conditions of an HVAC Job?

Would a career in HVAC have you working indoors or outside? What kind of work schedule might you keep? Would you have to wear safety gear while on the job?

Explore the work settings, schedules and safety gear typical of a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration service and repair below.

HVAC Technician Work Settings

From extreme temperatures to confined spaces, here are just some of the different environments you might work in as an HVAC/R technician. Keep in mind that work settings can vary with the specific job, and comparing the different HVAC careers can give you a better idea of what conditions you might encounter as a technician.

Cold and Hot Environments

When technicians are called to repair the HVAC system in a building, such as a school, factory, home, office building or store, they may experience hot or cold indoor temperatures because the heating or cooling equipment isn’t working.¹

Outdoor work, which can be hot or cold, depending on the climate in the area of repairs and the season, is another possibility. The condenser on residential cooling units is often outdoors on the ground.4 Businesses in tall buildings generally install cooling units on the rooftop.⁵

Cramped Spaces

HVAC technicians may work in confined spaces when repairing or maintaining equipment, such as units in a closet, crawl space or attic.1 Many HVAC technicians also work in enclosed vehicles and equipment.³

Rooftops

HVAC/R technicians can specialize in one particular area of expertise, such as testing and balancing, commercial refrigeration or solar panels.²

Solar panels are generally installed on a roof or a tall structure and may require a ladder to reach them for maintenance, testing and repairs.⁶

HVAC Technician Work Schedules

Schedules are typically full-time, but the nature of their work means that having hours outside of the typical office shift can be common. During the sweltering heat of summer or freezing cold of winter, HVAC technicians may have to work evenings and weekends. These times of year may mean working irregular hours and/or overtime.¹

Safety Gear for HVAC Techs

As the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes, working with refrigerants can come with risks. HVAC technicians must be trained in the proper use and handling of these substances.¹ HVAC safety practices include, among other things, wearing safety gloves and goggles at all times when handling refrigerants.⁷

General safety gear may include slip-resistant shoes to ensure steady footing when dealing with potential leaks and slippery floors.⁸ Technicians working in an environment where objects may fall from above may wear a hardhat or helmet.8 Earplugs should be worn by those working in loud settings for extended periods of time.⁸

Additional Sources

^{1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-3
2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-2
3https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.01
4https://www.hydesac.com/what-is-the-role-of-your-air-conditioners-outside-unit-in-the-cooling-process/
5https://hvacdirect.com/commercial-hvac-equipment/commercial-rooftop-units.html
6https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/solar-photovoltaic-installers.htm#tab-3
7https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/guide-to-hvac-safety
8https://www.contractingbusiness.com/residential-hvac/5-important-safety-guidelines-new-hvac-technicians
9https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499021.htm
10https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-1
11https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Heating,%20Air%20Conditioning,%20and%20Refrigeration%20Mechanics%20and%20Install ers&onetcode=49902100&location=Florida
12https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Heating,%20Air%20Conditioning,%20and%20Refrigeration%20Mechanics%20and%20Install ers&onetcode=49902100&location=California&onet=49902100
13https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Heating,%20Air%20Conditioning,%20and%20Refrigeration%20Mechanics%20and%20Install ers&onetcode=49902100&location=Texas&onet=49902100
14https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Heating,%20Air%20Conditioning,%20and%20Refrigeration%20Mechanics%20and%20Install ers&onetcode=49902100&location=New%20York&onet=49902100
15https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Heating,%20Air%20Conditioning,%20and%20Refrigeration%20Mechanics%20and%20Install ers&onetcode=49902100&location=Pennsylvania&onet=49902100
16https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Heating,%20Air%20Conditioning,%20and%20Refrigeration%20Mechanics%20and%20Install ers&onetcode=49902100&location=Arizona&onet=49902100
17https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_az.htm}