Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
(SOC 49-9021)

Print Version

Install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments, or industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.

Sample of reported job titles: Service Technician, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Service Technician (HVAC) Service Technician, HVAC Technician, HVAC Installer, HVAC Specialist, HVAC Technician, Air Conditioning Technician (AC Tech), HVAC Mechanic, HVAC Installer, Mechanic.

Job Responsibilities

• Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
• Test pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution.
• Join pipes or tubing to equipment and to fuel, water, or refrigerant source, to form complete circuit.
• Reassemble and test equipment following repairs.
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
• Obtain and maintain required certifications.
• Install, connect, and adjust thermostats, humidistats and timers, using hand tools.

New Hampshire Outlook

• Average Hourly Wage*: $23.04
• Estimated Employment 2010: 1,631
• Projected Employment 2020: 2,020
• Expected 10-Year Growth: 23.9%
• Projected Average Annual Openings: 68

Top industries in NH for this occupation:

• Specialty Trade Contractors
• Nonstore Retailers
• Self-Employed Workers
• Real Estate
• Hospitals
• Electronic Markets and Agents/Brokers

Education and Training

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers learn the trade through an apprenticeship, more than one year of on-the-job training, or through a postsecondary education program. Some community colleges offer an Associate's degree in HVACR mechanics and installation. There are several professional associations that offer apprenticeship or educational opportunities for HVACR technicians.

In New Hampshire, there is no professional license required for HVACR technicians. If technicians are installing, servicing, or repairing residential or non-residential heating equipment systems, water heating systems, or other appliances using heating oil there is a voluntary license available through the Bureau of Building Safety and Construction in the Department of Safety. Certifications must be obtained through the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) or North American Technician Excellence (NATE).

Interests (Holland Code): RCI

• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  

Career Cluster: Architecture and Construction

Work Environment
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers mostly work in residential homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Their worksites may be very hot or cold because the heating and cooling system they must repair is broken. Working in cramped spaces is common. Most work full time.

Additional Information Sources**
HVAC Excellence
<www.hvacexcellence.org>

Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
<www.ahrinet.org>

To Find a Job
Contact the nearest NH Employment Security office or go online to www.nhes.nh.gov

* New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, September 2012. Wage estimates based on surveys through May 2011, adjusted to June 2012.
** Inclusion of this information is intended to provide a convenient resource for research, but in no way constitutes an endorsement for any organization; nor is the list all-inclusive.

Source:
NH Employment Projections, base year 2010 to projected year 2020
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information:
Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau
(603) 228-4124
elmi@nhes.nh.gov