What Does an HVAC Manager Do?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC managers are responsible for overseeing the installation, repair and maintenance of HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings. They may also be responsible for managing a team of HVAC technicians who do the actual work.

HVAC managers must have strong leadership skills to manage their teams effectively. They must also be knowledgeable about HVAC systems and how they work so that they can provide guidance and direction to their technicians.

HVAC Manager Job Duties

HVAC managers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Managing the day-to-day operations of the HVAC department to ensure efficient operation
• Ensuring that safety standards are met by all employees and contractors
• Reviewing bids from contractors and selecting one that meets the company’s needs while staying within budget
• Overseeing the installation of new systems or equipment to ensure that it is installed properly
• Training employees on proper safety procedures and maintenance techniques
• Working with contractors to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget
• Coordinating with architects and engineers to determine the best HVAC solution for a building design
• Reviewing energy consumption to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements
• Developing energy conservation strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency

HVAC Manager Salary & Outlook

HVAC managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $73,500 ($35.34/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

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

Employment growth will be driven by the need to replace HVAC equipment and systems that have reached the end of their useful lives. In addition, demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services will continue to grow as more buildings are constructed.

Related: HVAC Manager Interview Questions and Answers

HVAC Manager Job Requirements

HVAC managers typically need to have the following qualifications:

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

Training & Experience: Most HVAC managers will have at least five years of experience in the industry. Some will have more than 20 years of experience. On-the-job training is important for HVAC managers because they need to understand the basics of the industry, including the various components of HVAC systems, how to install and maintain them, how to troubleshoot them and how to design them.

Certifications & Licenses: Depending on the size of the company, an HVAC manager may be required to have certification in safety, sales, design, engineering and other areas relevant to the position.

HVAC Manager Skills

HVAC managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Leadership: Leadership skills can be a crucial asset for an HVAC manager to have, as they can be responsible for overseeing a team of technicians and engineers. Leadership skills can help an HVAC manager motivate their team and encourage them to work to their full potential.

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. As an HVAC manager, you may be responsible for communicating with clients, employees and other managers. This requires you to be able to convey information in a clear and concise manner. You may also need to communicate complex information in an easy-to-understand way.

Technical knowledge: HVAC managers need to have a thorough understanding of the various components that make up an HVAC system. This includes knowledge of the various types of HVAC equipment, how they function and how to repair them. Technical knowledge can also include knowledge of the various types of HVAC systems, such as radiant, forced air and geothermal. This can help the HVAC manager when they’re working with clients to determine the best system for their needs.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving is the ability to identify and develop solutions to challenges. As an HVAC manager, you may be responsible for diagnosing and repairing issues with the building’s HVAC system. This requires the ability to identify the problem, research potential solutions and implement a solution.

Organization: HVAC managers are responsible for managing multiple projects at once, including the scheduling of their team, the maintenance of their equipment and the completion of their company’s goals. Organization skills allow them to prioritize their work and delegate tasks effectively. Organization skills can also help them keep track of their team’s progress and ensure that they’re meeting their goals.

HVAC Manager Work Environment

The work environment for an HVAC manager is usually an office, although some travel to job sites may be required. HVAC managers typically work a regular 40-hour week, although some overtime may be required during peak periods or to meet deadlines. The job can be stressful at times, particularly when dealing with customer complaints or coordinating the work of a large team of technicians. However, most HVAC managers find the work to be challenging and rewarding, and they take pride in providing a comfortable and safe environment for building occupants.

HVAC Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how HVAC managers work. HVAC managers 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 Skills

The HVAC industry is changing rapidly, and businesses are now looking for HVAC managers who have more technical skills.

As the industry moves towards more energy-efficient systems, HVAC managers will need to be able to install and maintain these systems. This requires a deep understanding of how they work and how to troubleshoot any problems that may occur.

In addition, businesses are also looking for HVAC managers who can help them reduce their energy costs through efficiency measures. By becoming an expert in this area, HVAC managers can set themselves apart from the competition and ensure that they stay ahead of the curve.

More Focus on Energy Efficiency

The trend of increased focus on energy efficiency is having a major impact on the HVAC industry. As customers become more concerned about rising energy costs, they are looking for ways to reduce their consumption without sacrificing comfort.

HVAC managers can capitalize on this trend by installing energy efficient equipment and products in their buildings. They can also educate customers on how to use their systems efficiently, which can lead to long-term savings.

A Greater Emphasis on Customer Service

Customer service has always been important for HVAC professionals, but it is becoming even more so as customers become more demanding.

As customers become more educated about heating and cooling systems, they expect HVAC professionals to be able to answer all of their questions and provide top-notch service. HVAC managers who are able to meet these expectations will be in high demand and will be able to charge higher prices for their services.

How to Become an HVAC Manager

When starting your HVAC manager career, it’s important to consider the type of company you want to work for. Do you prefer a large corporation with many opportunities for advancement or do you want to work for a smaller company that offers more personal attention?

It’s also important to think about the geographic area where you want to live and work. Do you want to be close to family or friends, or would you rather live in a new place? Your answers to these questions will help you narrow down your search for the perfect HVAC manager job.

Once you’ve found the right company, make sure you have the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the role. Take courses or attend workshops to learn about the latest technologies and techniques used in the HVAC industry. Network with other professionals in the field to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.

Advancement Prospects

HVAC managers typically advance in one of two ways: either by taking on additional responsibilities within their current organization or by starting their own HVAC business. As they gain experience, HVAC managers may move up to positions such as director of operations or general manager. Those who start their own business may eventually hire other HVAC technicians and office staff, giving them the opportunity to manage a team of employees.

HVAC Manager Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we provide our employees with a comfortable and safe work environment. To ensure that our buildings are always at the optimal temperature, we are looking for a qualified HVAC manager. The ideal candidate will have experience with HVAC systems and a strong understanding of how to troubleshoot and repair them. He or she will be responsible for maintaining and repairing all HVAC equipment in our buildings, as well as keeping accurate records of all maintenance and repair work. In addition, the HVAC manager will be responsible for training new employees on the proper use and maintenance of HVAC equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and clean work environment by complying with all company safety policies and procedures
• Install, service, and repair HVAC systems and components to ensure optimal performance
• Inspect and perform preventative maintenance on HVAC systems and components
• Diagnose and troubleshoot HVAC system issues and failures
• Repair or replace defective HVAC parts and components
• Perform quality assurance testing on HVAC systems and components
• Prepare cost estimates for HVAC repairs and installations
• Maintain accurate records of HVAC maintenance and repair activities
• Comply with all local, state, and federal codes and regulations
• Assist in the development and implementation of HVAC preventive maintenance programs
• Train other team members on HVAC maintenance and repair procedures
• Stay up-to-date on latest HVAC technology and developments

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years experience in HVAC maintenance and repair
• EPA certification for handling refrigerants
• Proven experience managing a team of technicians
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong time-management, multitasking, and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in HVAC technology or related field
• 10+ years experience in HVAC maintenance and repair
• NATE certification
• Experience working in commercial and industrial settings
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)