The Many Responsibilities of an HVAC Technician

The acronym, HVAC, stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Individuals who work in this field help keep us cool in the summer and warm in the winter through their work in single-family homes, apartment buildings, hotels, museums, and many other places of business. These are the heroes who install, maintain and repair our furnaces, air conditioners, and ventilation systems.

Responsibility #1: System Installation

HVAC systems run on gas, oil and electric. Technicians need to know how to install and test each type of system to be sure it's running well from the get go. In addition to installing the system, a new building often requires the technician's expertise in running duct work, installing vents, setting up pumps, and installing supply lines. After everything is installed, the technician will test the system controls, the electrical wiring, and the overall operation to be sure everything is running smoothly and safely.

Responsibility #2: System Maintenance

Once the HVAC system is installed, it requires yearly maintenance. This maintenance is especially important for large buildings and businesses who need to maintain a comfortable working environment for employees and customers. Home systems can often be maintained by the home owner, but will occasionally require the help of a qualified technician.

During maintenance, the technician checks to be sure the system is running properly. Ducts and other parts that accumulate dust and dirt will be cleaned, filters changed, and compressors checked. The system controls are tested also. Usually heating system maintenance is performed during the spring or summer when the system is no longer required, and air conditioning maintenance is performed during the winter or fall months.

Responsibility #3: System Repairs

Even though maintenance prevents a host of major problems by catching issues before they get out of hand, there are the unforeseeable issues that will come up at times. A faulty compressor may cause warm air to blow through a building while the air conditioner is "running," or clogged duct work may slow air flow. In these cases, the technician will talk with the home owner or business manager to determine the symptoms of the problem. Then he'll do some exploring of his own to clarify what's going wrong with the system. Once all the detective work is done, the HVAC system can be efficiently repaired and put into working order once again!

Responsibility #4: System Replacement

Occasionally, an old system will simply give up and stop working all together, or a new system may have faulty parts which cause it to come to a stand-still. Even with regular maintenance and repair, the highest quality air conditioning or heating system is bound to give out sometime, and when that happens our HVAC technician is ready to provide replacement suggestions and services. If you've been pleased with the brand of your old system, it makes sense to continue with a newer version of that brand. But, if the unit has not served you well, it may be worth it to look into other brands. Once you've chosen the new system, a technician will install the new units and controls, then check to be sure everything is working efficiently.