Installing an air conditioning system typically takes between three and five days to complete. During the peak season, from April to September, HVAC and refrigeration service technicians are in high demand. Most HVAC training programs can be completed in six to 24 months, although some associate degrees may take two to three years. An apprentice will learn sheet metal work, pipe assembly, drawing reading, plumbing, refrigerant management, electronic and electrical components, and airflow physics.
When a technician arrives at a service call, they will first assess the issue with the unit. After identifying the problem, they will discuss it with the landlord and then proceed to fix it. If necessary, parts may need to be ordered and the technician will return to finish the job and collect the balance due. During peak season, a technician usually takes four to six calls a day.
Between those months, service technicians perform routine maintenance and preheating checks. HVAC system installers can set their appointment times pending the arrival of the crane and the unit. While it doesn't take industry experience to be hired as a junior HVAC technician, there are certain skills and qualities that companies look for such as customer service skills and reliability. The air conditioning (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) industry is divided between installation and technical work, and some professionals perform both jobs.
Before leaving, the installer will take pictures of the finished work and upload them to a service system so that the installation administrator can review them. When it comes to installation and maintenance or when the air conditioning system suffers a malfunction of any kind, the first person they call is an HVAC technician. There's a difference between HVAC installers and HVAC technicians. Installers are primarily responsible for installing new HVAC systems while technicians focus on maintaining and repairing existing HVAC systems. While an HVAC license or HVAC certification license isn't mandatory in every state, it's a fantastic asset.
The length of training required to work in the air conditioning industry can cover the entire range from a short course that leads to obtaining a certificate as an HVAC technician to longer training.
