Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
What they do
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
Expected pay range
Expected pay range
This represents the median earnings for this career in the selected county or state. In the range shown, 25% of workers earned less than the bottom salary and 25% earned more than the top salary. Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
About heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
Other titles
A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer), HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic), HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician), HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist), HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician), Refrigeration Mechanic, Refrigeration Operator, Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech), Service Technician (Service Tech)
Tasks they perform
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
Skills they need
- Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Licenses and Certifications
How to decide which one is right? That depends on an individual’s career path, specialty, and resources.
AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION CONTRACTOR
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- License Type
- Stand-alone license
- Status
- Active
- Exam
- State exam required
- Education
- Specific course required
- Continuing education
- Continuing education required to maintain license
- Criminal record
- Specific type of conviction prohibited
Certifications
Certifications may be available for this career and can help build knowledge and skills in specific job roles. Explore available certifications (external link opens new tab)
Similar careers
View careers in the same field as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Better pay
Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
In demand
In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Geothermal Technicians
Better pay
Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
In demand
In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Better pay
Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Additional career information and resources
Learn more about heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers with these helpful sites.
- ASHRAE (external link opens new tab)
- Associated Builders and Contractors (external link opens new tab)
- International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (external link opens new tab)
- International Union of Operating Engineers (external link opens new tab)
- North American Technician Excellence (external link opens new tab)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (external link opens new tab)
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (external link opens new tab)
- Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (external link opens new tab)
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (external link opens new tab)
- United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (external link opens new tab)