17 Chiller Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Commercial and industrial refrigeration systems are a vital part of our economy, and chiller technicians are the people who keep these systems running smoothly. Chiller technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of refrigeration and air conditioning systems in a variety of commercial and industrial settings.

Chiller technician interview questions will focus on your experience with refrigeration and air conditioning systems, your understanding of how these systems work, and your ability to troubleshoot and solve problems. Chiller technician interview questions may also ask about your experience with specific brands of equipment or software.

If you’re looking for a job as a chiller technician, it’s important to be prepared for the interview questions that will be asked. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a list of questions and answers that will help you get ready for your interview.

Are you familiar with the different types of chillers used in commercial buildings?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of expertise in this role. You can answer with a list of different types of chillers and what they’re used for, or you can describe one type of chiller and how it’s used.

Example: “There are two main types of chillers that I’ve worked with during my career as a chiller technician. The first is an air-cooled chiller, which uses fans to circulate cold air throughout a building. Water-cooled chillers use water to cool down the refrigerant gas inside them, which then transfers the heat out of the system. Both of these types of chillers are typically used in commercial buildings.”

What are the signs of a clogged condenser and how would you treat the problem?

Condensers are a vital part of the chiller system. The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience with condenser maintenance and repair. In your answer, explain what causes a clogged condenser and how you would fix it.

Example: “A clogged condenser can cause the entire cooling system to fail. To treat this problem, I would first check for any debris in the condenser coils. If there is no debris, then I would clean out the condenser fan motor. If that doesn’t work, then I would replace the condenser.”

How would you handle a situation where you have to work late on a night shift?

Employers ask this question to make sure you can work under pressure and meet deadlines. They want to know that you are able to balance your personal life with your professional one. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you have good time-management skills and can prioritize tasks effectively.

Example: “I am a night owl, so I actually prefer working at night. However, if I had to work on a day shift, I would plan my sleep schedule accordingly. I would also ensure that I get enough rest before starting work. If I had to stay late for any reason, I would make sure to take care of myself by eating well and getting plenty of water.”

What is your process for identifying the make and model of a chiller when inspecting it?

This question can help the interviewer assess your technical skills and knowledge of how to inspect a chiller. Your answer should include details about what you look for when inspecting a chiller, including its make and model.

Example: “I start by looking at the nameplate on the unit to find out the make and model. I then check the serial number to see if it’s registered with the manufacturer. If not, I’ll contact the facility manager or maintenance supervisor to get the information so that I can register the chiller with the manufacturer. This helps ensure that the company is aware of all of its chillers.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a chiller that was overworked.

This question can allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you had to troubleshoot an overworked chiller and how you solved the issue.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working with a team of technicians who were tasked with maintaining several different chillers at once. One day, one of the chillers we were monitoring started showing signs of being overworked. We immediately checked all of the usual issues that could cause this, such as low refrigerant levels or high temperatures. However, none of these things seemed to be causing the issue.

After checking everything else, we decided to check the system’s load capacity. It turned out that the unit was operating above its maximum load capacity, so we adjusted the settings on the unit to lower the amount of energy it was using. After making this adjustment, the unit returned to normal operation.”

If you had to choose one, what is your preferred area of the commercial building industry to work in?

This question is designed to give the interviewer insight into your preferences and what you enjoy most about working in this industry. Your answer should reflect your passion for the commercial building industry, as well as your specific role as a chiller technician.

Example: “I love working with chillers because they are such an important part of keeping buildings cool during hot weather. I also really enjoy working on large projects that involve multiple systems within a single building. For example, when I worked at my last job, we were tasked with upgrading the entire cooling system in a 500,000 square foot facility. It was challenging but rewarding to work on a project like that.”

What would you do if you noticed a colleague was not following safety procedures?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are a team player and that you care about the safety of your coworkers. In your answer, try to emphasize how important it is to follow safety procedures and how you would encourage your colleague to do so.

Example: “I would first talk to my colleague privately and explain why following safety procedures is important. If they still did not change their behavior, I would report them to our supervisor. Reporting someone is never fun, but it’s better than risking injury or death for everyone on the team.”

How well do you follow written and verbal instructions?

This question can help interviewers determine how well you can follow instructions and complete tasks. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a time when you received written or verbal instructions and completed the task successfully.

Example: “I am very good at following instructions because I take pride in my work. In my last position, I was given verbal instructions on how to fix a chiller that wasn’t cooling properly. After listening carefully, I followed the steps exactly as they were described. The chiller ended up working perfectly after I fixed it.”

Do you have any experience working with building management systems?

Building management systems are computerized programs that help facilities managers monitor and control the temperature, humidity levels and other factors in a building. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with similar technology in your previous roles. If you do not have direct experience, consider describing how you would approach using a building management system if you were given training on it.

Example: “I haven’t worked directly with building management systems before, but I am familiar with some of the software used for monitoring HVAC units. In my last role, we used an app called Honeywell Connected Home to monitor our equipment remotely. I think I could learn how to use a building management system fairly quickly if provided with proper training.”

When is it appropriate to call a repair technician?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know when it’s appropriate to call a repair technician and when you should try to fix the problem yourself. Your answer should show that you can recognize when you need help from someone with more experience than you.

Example: “If I’m not sure what is causing the issue, if there are any safety concerns or if I don’t have the tools necessary to complete the job, then it’s best to call a repair technician. If I am unsure of the cause but have the proper tools, I would consult an expert before making repairs myself. If I feel confident in my ability to diagnose the problem, I may choose to attempt the repair myself.”

We want to ensure our technicians are able to work independently. How would you handle a situation where you were unfamiliar with the location of a chiller?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a challenging situation and whether you have the ability to learn new things. Use your answer to show that you are willing to ask for help when needed, but also that you’re confident in your abilities to complete tasks on your own.

Example: “If I was unfamiliar with the location of a chiller, I would first check my notes or call my supervisor to get more information. If I still didn’t know where it was located, I would ask another technician who is familiar with the area. I am always open to asking for help when I need it, so I want to make sure I’m not wasting anyone’s time by taking too long to find something.”

Describe your process for completing a routine maintenance check.

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you prioritize your tasks and manage time. Use your answer to highlight your ability to work independently, stay organized and meet deadlines.

Example: “I start by reviewing the facility’s maintenance schedule for the week. Then I check all of the gauges on the chiller unit to ensure they’re within normal operating ranges. Next, I inspect the condenser coils to make sure there are no leaks or clogs. Finally, I test the cooling tower water level and pressure to make sure it’s at the right levels.”

What makes you stand out from other chiller technicians?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities as a chiller technician. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates, so they can decide if you’re the best fit for their company. When answering this question, think of two or three things that make you stand out. These could be specific skills or experiences that show how you would excel in this role.

Example: “I have five years of experience working with chillers, which is more than most technicians have when starting out. I also have an associate’s degree in refrigeration technology, which shows my commitment to learning new skills and techniques. Finally, I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a technician in the first place.”

Which commercial building systems are you most familiar with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how much you know about their company’s building systems. Use this opportunity to show that you have a solid understanding of commercial cooling systems by mentioning some of the ones you’ve worked with in the past.

Example: “I’m most familiar with chillers, cooling towers, condensers and evaporators. I also understand the basics of refrigeration units, air conditioning units and heat pumps. In my last role, I was responsible for maintaining all of these systems on a regular basis.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a chiller technician to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine what you value in your work and how it relates to their company. Your answer should show that you have the skills necessary for this position, such as attention to detail, problem-solving skills and communication skills.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills a chiller technician needs is mechanical aptitude. This skill allows me to understand how different components of a cooling system interact with each other and helps me solve problems more quickly. Another important skill is troubleshooting because I need to be able to identify issues when they arise and find solutions to them.”

How often should chiller systems be checked?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of industry standards and practices. Your answer should include a specific time frame, such as monthly or quarterly, along with an explanation of why this is important to do at that frequency.

Example: “I recommend checking chiller systems every three months during the summer season and once per year during the winter season. Checking them more often in the summer helps ensure they’re working properly so you can fix any issues before they become major problems. Checking them less often during the winter allows for a more thorough inspection when it’s not quite as cold outside.”

There is a chiller malfunction during a heat wave. What is your immediate response?

This question is a behavioral one that tests your decision-making skills. It also shows the interviewer how you prioritize and manage multiple tasks at once. Your answer should show the interviewer that you can make quick decisions while remaining calm under pressure.

Example: “I would first assess the situation to determine if there are any safety concerns, such as an electrical malfunction or gas leak. If not, I would then check the temperature controls to see if they were set properly. If so, I would look for other possible causes of the malfunction, such as low water levels in the chiller’s cooling system. In this case, I would immediately call maintenance to fix the problem.”