A HVAC Mechanic is a professional who specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They play a crucial role in ensuring optimal comfort and air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for HVAC Mechanics.

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Main Responsibilities of a HVAC Mechanic

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a HVAC Mechanic:

Adhere to

• Adhere to Facilities Services' work rules and Code of Conduct.

• Adhere to safety protocols and regulations at all times.

Administer

Administer and schedule work.

Advise

Advise supervisor when material and supplies are being ordered.

Arrange

Arrange for assistance from other trades.

Assemble

• Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning systems and components.

• Assemble, install, and test complicated mechanical equipment and apparatus, and assemblies.

Assist

• Assist in repair and troubleshooting on HVAC equipment and production machinery.

• Assist in the preparation of the Standards Operating procedures.

• Assist in training and supervision of others in the use of building equipment and components.

• Assist other mechanics and operators with major repairs and maintenance of building and equipment.

• Assist other tradesman on jobs (i.e. instrument technicians, operating engineers, etc).

• Assist with the production and manufacturing of Silent-Aire products as needed.

Assume

Assume additional responsibilities as required.

Attend

Attend job-related and safety training as required.

Calibrate

Calibrate and adjust system controls to optimize efficiency.

Check

• Check all parts of an HVAC system.

• Check the Education section above to see what is allowed and what is required.

Clean

Clean, adjust and repair systems, and perform warranty services.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with colleagues and share knowledge and best practices.

• Collaborate with contractors and other professionals during system installations or renovations.

Complete

• Complete all required paperwork for the position.

• Complete documentation (work orders, log books) to reflect work performed.

• Complete purchase requisitions to sources and orders parts.

• Complete site GMP requirements in relation to training and site practices.

• Complete tours and watches according to predetermined schedules and reports status.

• Complete work orders as assigned.

Comply with

Comply with departmental policy for the safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Conduct

• Conduct energy efficiency audits and recommend improvements.

• Conduct leak investigations.

• Conduct scheduled preventative maintenance on HVAC equipment throughout facilities.

• Conduct system performance evaluations and make recommendations for improvements.

Connect

Connect piping using soldering and brazing.

Construct

Construct and fabricate parts, using tools and specifications.

Consult

Consult the shop superintendent and / or lead for technical information.

Contribute

Contribute recommendations and suggestion for work method and safety improvements.

Coordinate with

Coordinate with other disciplines as required.

Crawl

Crawl, kneel and stoop and work in small spaces.

Cut

• Cut and bend tubing to correct length and shape, using cutting and bending equipment and tools.

• Cut and thread pipe, using machine-threading or hand-threading equipment.

Define

Define and describe materials, tools and / or equipment, work methods and task sequences.

Design

Design upgrades for mechanical systems using state of the art design tools.

Determine

Determine costs for heating and cooling systems and write up detailed budget estimates.

Develop

Develop and implement preventive maintenance plans for HVAC systems.

Diagnose

• Diagnose and repair refrigeration systems.

• Diagnose electrical and mechanical faults for HVAC systems.

• Diagnose electrical and mechanical problems and provide effective solutions.

Disassemble

• Disassemble, repair, and reassemble existing mechanical equipment.

• Disassemble, repair, modify, and reassemble precision assemblies using drawings.

Dismantle

Dismantle devices to gain access to and remove defective parts.

Document

Document all repairs, maintenance, and comments on assigned service order work slips.

Ensure

• Ensure daily communication as needed.

• Ensure have all tool on the tool list prior to end of probationary period.

• Ensure proper Maintenance and service furnaces.

• Ensure proper maintenance and service on MUA, rooftop and refrigeration units.

• Ensure team outputs meet the required standards and meet agreed deadlines.

• Ensure the health, comfort and safety of our Customers.

Evaluate

Evaluate air quality and recommend solutions to enhance indoor air quality.

Follow

• Follow all safety policies and procedures and be willing to coach others.

• Follow company policies and procedures.

Handle

• Handle customer inquiries and concerns in a professional and timely manner.

• Handle, recover, and store refrigerants.

Implement

Implement and maintain predictive planned maintenance duties.

Include

Include all piping, gas valves, low water and make up valves.

Increase

Increase your knowledge with Tuition.

Inspect

• Inspect existing HVAC systems to assess performance and identify issues.

• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair of HVAC systems and associated equipment.

Install

• Install air and water filters in completed installation.

• Install and calibrate related controls (including wiring).

• Install and rebuild air compressors.

• Install and rebuild pumps and motors.

• Install and repair lab steam, vacuum, air, oxygen lines, hard pneumatic lines and control valves.

• Install and repair piping, valves, filters, hot water systems and associated controls.

• Install and repairs plumbing / piping / tubing.

• Install evaporator unit in chassis or in air-duct system, using hand tools.

• Install expansion and discharge valves in circuit.

• Install HVAC systems according to blueprints and specifications.

• Install, maintain, and repair ventilation and air conditioning systems and equipment.

• Install new equipment, gas lines, refrigerants lines, etc..

• Install refrigeration systems using proper tools and techniques.

• Install, repair and maintain large chiller systems.

• Install, repairs, and maintain electrical controls, switching and motor controls.

• Install, services and repairs environmental-control systems.

Interact with

Interact with procurement personnel to engage a consultant / contractor.

Interpret

• Interpret and follow building codes and regulations.

• Interpret blueprints, makes sketches and calculations as required.

Keep

• Keep accurate work records and complete paperwork in a neat and timely manner.

• Keep daily reports, records, rounds and reading for assigned equipment.

• Keep records for equipment showing type, model number, date of installation and extent of service.

• Keep tools, equipment, and work area clean, organized, and in good working condition.

• Keep work areas clean and organized to ensure safety and efficiency.

Lift

Lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, work at heights to perform job functions as needed.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate records of performed services and repairs.

• Maintain a clean and safe workplace.

• Maintain effective communication with clients and team members.

• Maintain GMP training qualifications to ensure site compliancy standards.

• Maintain inventory of all supplies and necessary tools and equipment.

• Maintain plant and equipment in sound operating condition.

• Maintain preventive maintenance schedule regularly documenting all maintenance work to be performed.

• Maintain proper records of inspections.

• Maintain site inventory of Freon, and complete required reporting.

• Maintain steam distribution systems in steam manholes and if required.

• Maintain the operation of all building equipment, accessories, and components.

• Maintain tools and orders supplies as required for installation and repairs.

Make

• Make repairs, cleans, lubricates and stores maintenance tools and equipment.

• Make reports and maintain records as required.

• Make tests to determine efficiency of equipment and adjusts for proper operating characteristics.

Measure

Measure, cut, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment.

Monitor

• Monitor and adjust operation of equipment for optimal operation.

• Monitor inventory and initiates requests for supplies, materials, and equipment.

Observe

Observe pressure and vacuum gauges and adjust controls to insure proper operation.

Operate

• Operate a motor vehicle on a daily basis.

• Operate and perform Preventive Maintenance of HVAC systems and subsystems.

• Operate a variety of hand and powered tools.

• Operate boiler when a component of the heating system has failed and a repair is needed.

• Operate Building Energy Management System (EMS) and associated building controls.

Organize

Organize and conducts engineering investigations and planning work which have a well-defined scope.

Participate in

Participate in snow removal activities to maintain campus operations.

Perform

• Perform all work using the proper safety equipment and in a safe manner.

• Perform and document inspections on building safety equipment systems.

• Perform fabrication, installation, maintenance, and major repairs.

• Perform field observations of construction where appropriate.

• Perform load calculations to determine proper HVAC system sizing.

• Perform maintenance in accordance with the CMMS.

• Perform minor building maintenance as needed.

• Perform overhead work often while balanced standing on a ladder.

• Perform preventive maintenance on various mechanical and electrical equipment.

• Perform Refrigerant recovery and recycling.

• Perform routine maintenance and servicing.

• Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and replacing filters.

• Perform strenuous labor and general maintenance activities.

Place

Place and / or remove systems, hardware and equipment as required.

Prepare

• Prepare commissioning test plans and summary of requirements documentation.

• Prepare design work packages including scope, duration, and level of effort estimates.

• Prepare records and progress reports defining constriction progress.

• Prepare work orders and cost materials estimates.

Provide

• Provide appropriate support in major campus events such as commencement and opening of school.

• Provide assistance to other department trade group members as needed in the completion of work tasks.

• Provide cost estimates for installation or repair projects.

• Provide guidance and instructions to customers on system operation and maintenance.

• Provide technical guidance during equipment installation and commissioning.

• Provide technical information to other member of Facilities Management as required.

Pull

Pull wiring to machinery, motors, operating parts, etc..

Purchase

Purchase materials and supplies, and maintain inventory as required for timely work completion.

Read

Read and interpret engineered drawings and schematics.

Record

Record readings and make adjustments where necessary to assure proper operation of equipment.

Repair

• Repair and installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

• Repair and replace controls on heat exchangers for heating and domestic hot water.

• Repair and replacement of all control valves and diaphragms over one inch in diameter.

• Repair or replace defective components, such as motors, compressors, or thermostats.

• Repair or replace heat exchangers for heating, domestic and industrial hot water.

• Repair or replace pneumatic diaphragms over 1 inch in diameter.

• Repair, replace and test boilers.

• Repair, replace and when necessary, adjust controls, for HHW, DHW and IHW heat exchangers.

• Repair / replace furnaces as required.

• Repair or replace defective parts.

Replace

Replace bearings in all types of motors.

Respond to

Respond to emergency service calls to troubleshoot and resolve urgent issues.

Reverse

Reverse osmosis systems, computer rooms.

Review

Review drawings and research code issues to comply with regulations.

Specify

Specify and purchase parts and materials as needed.

Stay updated on

• Stay updated on emerging HVAC technologies and advancements.

• Stay updated with industry advancements, codes, and regulations.

Support

• Support any new construction or repairs by outside contractors.

• Support maintenance projects and programmatic work assignments.

Take

Take ownership of cross shift issues and resolution.

Test

• Test and balance airflows to maintain optimal distribution.

• Test and repair electronic components.

• Test HVAC systems to ensure proper functioning and performance.

• Test joints and connections for gas leaks, using gauges or soap and water solution.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and repair control systems, including thermostats and sensors.

• Troubleshoot systems, suggesting corrective actions and sourcing parts.

Undertake

Undertake related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of this position.

Use

• Use a variety of tools and equipment including measuring devices, and testing equipment.

• Use Safety Data Sheets to identify chemical characteristics.

• Use specialized tools and equipment to diagnose and repair HVAC systems.

• Use trade methods to perform routine cutting, bending, and installation of pipe and fittings.

Work

• Work alternative shifts that could include graveyard shifts, weekends, holidays.

• Work on electrical circuits from equipment to the disconnect.

• Work to improve the preventative maintenance program.

• Work with hazardous materials and chemicals.

• Work with other in house technicians and contractors to keep all systems in like new condition.

• Work with the procurement team from start of procurement process up to signature of the contract.

Wrap

Wrap pipes in insulation batting and secures them in place with cement or wire bands.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a HVAC Mechanic:

1. HVAC system installation and troubleshooting

2. Electrical and mechanical systems knowledge

3. Understanding of HVAC blueprints and schematics

4. Refrigeration principles and practices

5. Knowledge of heating and cooling systems

6. Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and equipment

7. Ability to interpret technical manuals and specifications

8. Familiarity with HVAC software and computer-aided design (CAD)

9. Strong understanding of airflow and ventilation principles

10. Knowledge of building codes and regulations

11. Skilled in brazing, soldering, and welding

12. Competence in pipefitting and ductwork installation

13. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and diagrams

14. Knowledge of energy management systems (EMS)

15. Understanding of environmental and safety regulations

16. Proficiency in testing and balancing airflows

17. Experience with refrigerant handling and recovery

18. Familiarity with hydronic systems and controls

19. Knowledge of pneumatics and controls

20. Ability to use specialized HVAC tools and equipment effectively

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a HVAC Mechanic:

1. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities

2. Excellent attention to detail

3. Effective communication skills for interacting with clients and team members

4. Time management and organizational skills

5. Customer service orientation

6. Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment

7. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

8. Physical stamina and dexterity for handling equipment and working in confined spaces

9. Analytical thinking and decision-making skills

10. Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development

Conclusion

In conclusion, HVAC Mechanics have a wide range of responsibilities that revolve around installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems. They need a combination of technical expertise and soft skills to excel in their roles. By possessing the most in-demand hard and soft skills, HVAC Mechanics can meet the industry's demands and ensure optimal performance and comfort in various settings.