What Does a Commercial HVAC Technician Do?

Commercial HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings. They commonly work on a team with other HVAC technicians, electricians and plumbers to ensure that all of the building’s systems are working properly.

Commercial HVAC technicians must be able to read blueprints and schematics in order to install new equipment or repair existing systems. They also need strong communication skills to explain their findings to clients and coworkers.

Commercial HVAC Technician Job Duties

Commercial HVAC technicians have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Following safety procedures to avoid injuries while working with equipment such as saws and drills
• Installing new HVAC systems in commercial buildings to ensure appropriate temperature levels for occupants
• Troubleshooting problems with existing systems in order to determine their cause
• Diagnosing and repairing problems with air conditioners, furnaces, humidifiers, and other equipment used to control indoor climate conditions
• Installing and repairing plumbing systems in commercial buildings such as stores, restaurants, and office buildings
• Maintaining building equipment, including checking filters and cleaning coils and vents
• Recommending energy-efficient equipment that meets current industry standards
• Installing and repairing electrical components in HVAC systems
• Performing preventative maintenance on HVAC systems to reduce repair costs and increase efficiency

Commercial HVAC Technician Salary & Outlook

Commercial HVAC technicians’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $62,500 ($30.05/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $117,500 ($56.49/hour)

The employment of commercial HVAC technicians is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Commercial buildings, such as office buildings and retail stores, will continue to need HVAC systems maintained or installed by technicians. In addition, demand for HVAC services in large commercial buildings is expected to increase as these structures become more energy efficient.

Commercial HVAC Technician Job Requirements

Commercial HVAC technicians typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Most employers require commercial HVAC technicians to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Training & Experience: Commercial HVAC technicians receive most of their training on the job. They may work under a more experienced HVAC technician for a period of time to learn the skills and techniques they need to complete their daily tasks.

Certifications & Licenses: Commercial HVAC technicians can earn several certifications that demonstrate their knowledge in the field.

Commercial HVAC Technician Skills

Commercial HVAC technicians need the following skills in order to be successful:

Technical skills: The ability to troubleshoot and identify potential issues is an important skill for commercial HVAC technicians. They use their technical skills to identify the source of a problem, find a solution and repair or replace parts as needed. Technical skills also include the ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics and diagrams.

Communication skills: HVAC technicians must be able to communicate with their clients, coworkers and other technicians. They must be able to explain technical information to clients and explain to other technicians what they need to do to complete a task. Communication skills can also help technicians work with clients to find solutions to any problems that arise during a job.

Problem-solving skills: Commercial HVAC technicians often encounter problems that require them to think critically and develop solutions. For example, if a system isn’t working properly, they may need to identify the source of the problem and find a way to fix it. This can involve using their knowledge of the system and its components to identify the problem and find a solution.

Mechanical skills: Mechanical skills are the ability to understand how machines and tools work. Commercial HVAC technicians need to understand how the HVAC system works and how to repair it. This includes understanding how the different parts of the system work together.

Customer service skills: Customer service skills are essential for commercial HVAC technicians, as they often interact with clients and customers throughout the day. Customer service skills can help you communicate with clients and customers in a friendly and professional manner, which can help you build trust and maintain positive relationships with your clients.

Commercial HVAC Technician Work Environment

Commercial HVAC technicians work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, factories, hospitals, and schools. They may be exposed to noise, dust, and fumes, and they may work in cramped, awkward positions. They may work outdoors in all weather conditions and may be required to climb ladders or work on scaffolding. They may work shifts of varying lengths, including evenings and weekends. Many commercial HVAC technicians are members of unions.

Commercial HVAC Technician Trends

Here are three trends influencing how commercial HVAC technicians work. Commercial HVAC technicians will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Training

The commercial HVAC industry is growing rapidly, which means that there is a need for more technical training. This trend is especially true for technicians who want to work in the field of commercial HVAC, as they will need to be able to install and maintain complex systems.

To meet the demands of this industry, technicians should consider attending vocational schools or colleges that specialize in HVAC installation and maintenance. In addition, they should also focus on developing their skills in areas such as refrigeration and air conditioning.

More Focus on Energy Efficiency

As energy costs continue to rise, businesses are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. One way that they can do this is by installing energy efficient equipment, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Commercial HVAC technicians can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in energy efficiency. They can do this by learning about the latest technologies and how to install them in buildings. In addition, they can also educate business owners on the benefits of energy efficiency and how it can save them money over time.

Growing Demand for Green Solutions

The demand for green solutions is growing across all industries, and the HVAC industry is no exception. As customers become more environmentally conscious, they are looking for HVAC professionals who can provide solutions that are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Commercial HVAC technicians can capitalize on this trend by becoming certified in green solutions. This will allow them to offer customers a wider range of options, and help them to achieve their sustainability goals.

How to Become a Commercial HVAC Technician

Commercial HVAC technicians have a lot of options when it comes to their career path. They can specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); refrigeration; or electrical systems. They can also choose to work in commercial or residential settings.

No matter which direction they go, commercial HVAC technicians need to keep up with the latest technology and safety standards. They should also be familiar with building codes and regulations that apply to HVAC systems.

Advancement Prospects

Advancement for commercial HVAC technicians generally comes in the form of increased responsibility and pay. As technicians gain experience, they may be given more complex projects or be put in charge of a team of other technicians. With more experience, technicians may also be able to move into management roles, overseeing the work of other technicians. In some cases, technicians may also start their own HVAC businesses.

Commercial HVAC Technician Job Description Example

We are looking for an experienced and certified commercial HVAC technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience servicing and repairing HVAC systems in commercial buildings. He or she will be responsible for diagnosing and repairing HVAC systems, as well as performing preventative maintenance. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and be self-motivated, as well as be able to work well with others as part of a team.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair commercial HVAC systems according to company standards and local building codes
• Perform regular maintenance on HVAC equipment and systems, including cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting parts and components
• Inspect and test HVAC systems to identify potential issues and ensure proper functioning
• Diagnose problems with HVAC systems and recommend appropriate repairs or replacement of parts and components
• Keep accurate records of all maintenance and repair work performed on HVAC systems
• Assist in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance programs for HVAC systems
• Respond to emergency service calls as needed, troubleshooting and repairing HVAC systems in a timely manner
• Work closely with other members of the HVAC team to ensure efficient and effective operations
• Comply with all safety regulations and procedures when working on HVAC systems
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years experience as a commercial HVAC technician
• EPA certification for handling refrigerants
• Proven experience with installation, repair, and maintenance of commercial HVAC systems
• Working knowledge of all relevant codes and standards (OSHA, NFPA, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics
• Excellent customer service skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in HVAC technology or related field
• 7+ years experience as a commercial HVAC technician
• NATE certification
• Experience with energy-efficient HVAC systems
• Bilingual