Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
On the Job
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are often called HVAC workers. They work on heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in home and office buildings. They may repair or install HVAC equipment.
Physical Demands 
This career requires time standing, walking, or running.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Repair pipes to stop leaking.
- Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.
- Connect electrical components or equipment.
- Cut materials according to specifications or needs.
- Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Working outdoors exposed to weather.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Working with a group or team.
- Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
- The freedom to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
