Introduction to HVAC: Chapter 2
In this module, we will describe the different job opportunities in the HVAC(R) industry. We will also talk about different associations related to HVAC regulations and standards.
Job Opportunities
There are a lot of job opportunities within the HVAC industry. There is a need for people to install and maintain HVAC systems. In addition, we need managers to oversee projects and communicate with clients.
The different roles in the HVAC industry include:
Air Conditioning Technician,
Refrigeration Technician,
HVAC Engineer,
HVAC Installer,
Project Manager, and
Service Manager
An HVAC technician works on heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
They will work on the following:
Installation
Repairs, and
Applying local codes and regulations
An air conditioning technician is responsible for making sure the AC unit in homes and offices is working correctly.
They need to be able to:
Fix electrical components,
Maintain motors, and
Check the ductwork
Refrigeration technicians are also known as refrigeration mechanics. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigerators. For example, they repair things such as ice cream machines and refrigeration units.
HVAC engineers are responsible for designing HVAC systems. They also need to know how to repair and maintain systems within HVAC. This is important so that they can properly design HVAC systems.
An HVAC installer is responsible for installing all required components into a space or building.
The installer should be
physically strong,
able to read blueprints, and
good at time management
Unlike the HVAC installer, the project manager is not involved with the installation of units. They oversee new projects for HVAC construction. The project manager communicates with the client throughout the project.
Similar to an HVAC project manager, the service manager oversees projects. The service manager will assign specific jobs to technicians and oversee their work. A service manager should have strong management and communication skills.
HVAC Salaries and Career Growth
The general average salary for college graduates in the USA is about $50,000. An average HVAC technician can make more than this. They can make about $60,513 per year in the USA.
The average salary of an HVAC technician is very likely to increase. There are going to be increased job opportunities in the HVAC industry. HVAC industries are estimated to see a 13% growth in jobs by 2028.
The demand for HVAC workers is growing. A lot of people currently working in HVAC are retiring. The problem is that there are not enough HVAC skilled technicians to fill the place of retired technicians.
People do not go into HVAC because they think the job does not pay well. Students choose to go to college instead of HVAC trade schools. However, the HVAC industry is growing, and there are many high-paying job opportunities for qualified people.
The EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed as a result of environmental
concerns. The EPA is focused on protecting human health and the environment. Due to an
increased demand for HVAC systems, it is important for us to regulate the manufacturing and disposal of chemicals.
Section 608 of the EPA regulations are focused on environmental safety and technician safety.
The technician must be certified to
Maintain,
Repair, and
Dispose of HVAC equipment.
AHRI
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) develop standards for HVAC systems. The standards are important because they are used to evaluate and certify HVAC equipment. An example of a standard that the AHRI sets for HVAC systems are with air filter equipment.
AHRI Standard 680 ensures that every HVAC system can effectively remove a certain amount of particles, such as dust, from the air. The standard helps improve the quality of indoor air. This allows us to breathe cleaner air in our homes and workplaces.
ASHRAE
The ASHRAE is another association which develops standards for HVAC systems. ASHRAE stands for American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers.
The standards published by ASHRAE are used in building regulations and codes. For example, standard 62.1 specifies the minimum ventilation rate for new and existing buildings. The minimum ventilation rate ensures that the indoor air quality is clean so that people do not get sick.
Other Organizations
Other organizations provide specific services for HVAC technicians.
For example, there is:
American Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), and
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
The American Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) provides contracting services for HVAC technicians. The ACCA helps HVAC technicians find potential clients. This helps technicians build their network connections and find more jobs.
The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) offers several certifications for HVAC technicians. These certifications can help build an HVAC technician’s knowledge and skills. In addition, the certifications make them more marketable, so they have more access to job opportunities.
There are job opportunities within the HVAC industry, such as:
Air Conditioning Technician
Refrigeration Technician
HVAC Engineer
HVAC Installer
Project Manager
Service Manager
There is growth potential in the HVAC industry and likely an increase in the average salary for workers.
There are trade associations, which set standards for HVAC equipment. The standards are meant to keep people safe within their homes and ensure that we dispose of materials properly. Other organizations for HVAC technicians can help them find clients and get certification training.
Question #1: An air conditioning technician is responsible for making sure the refrigeration system is installed properly in offices and homes.
True
False
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Answer: False
An air conditioning technician is responsible for making sure the ACunit in homes and offices is working properly.
Question #2: Which of the following does not describe an HVAC installer?
Able to read blueprints
Great time management
Physically strong
Good sense of smell
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Answer: Good sense of smell
An HVAC installer should be physically strong, able to read blueprints, and have great time management.
Question #3: What is a skill that a service manager and project manager should both have?
Strong communication skills
Poor communication skills
Strong athletic ability
Weak athletic ability
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Answer: Strong communication skills
Project managers and service managers should have strong communication skills. Both need to communicate well with clients and technicians.
Question #4: Why is there an increased demand for workers in the HVAC field?
People do not care about global warming.
Everyone wants to go to HVAC trade skills instead of college.
A lot of people currently working in HVAC are retiring.
People do not want money.
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Answer: A lot of people currently working in HVAC are retiring.
There is a high demand for workers in the HVAC field because many current workers are retiring.
Question #5: A section 608 certification is required for anyone that is maintaining, repairing, and disposing of HVAC systems.
True
False
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Answer: True
Anyone who is maintaining, repairing, and disposing of HVAC systems should have a section 608 certification.
Question #6: Which of the following best describes the purpose of the AHRI?
AHRI helps to deliver HVAC systems right to your homes.
AHRI is a school for future HVAC technicians.
AHRI helps install HVAC systems in your home.
AHRI develops standards for evaluating and certifying HVAC systems.
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Answer: AHRI develops standards for evaluating and certifying HVAC systems.
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) function as a trade association is to develop standards for evaluating and certifying HVAC systems.
Question #7: Which of the following best describes how ASHRAE is similar to the AHRI?
They both set standards for HVAC systems.
They are both retirement services for HVAC technicians.
They are both associations for teachers.
They are both schools for HVAC technicians.
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Answer: They both set standards for HVAC systems.
ASHRAE and AHRI are both associations that set standards for HVAC systems.
Question #8: Which of the following is NOT a benefit of organizations, such as ACCA and RSES, for HVAC technicians?
The organizations install HVAC systems in the homes of technicians.
The organizations provide certifications for HVAC techs.
The organizations help HVAC techs find potential clients.
The organizations can help HVAC techs build their network.
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Answer: The organizations install HVAC systems in the homes of technicians.
Organizations, such as ACCA and RSES, do not help install HVAC systems into their homes.