HVACR Technician Apprenticeship
HVACR Technicians work in all aspects of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and temperature control fields. HVACR is the technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HVACR is important in the design of residential and corporate structures, as well as onboard vessels and in marine environments, where safe and healthy building conditions are regulated with respect to temperature and humidity, using fresh air from outdoors.
HVACR Technicians are also employed at oil refineries, chemical plants, food processing facilities, manufacturing plants, retail and wholesale food stores, and ice rinks. The job involves working with electrical equipment, so it is very important that a technician know exactly what he or she is doing or the job can get very dangerous very quickly.
HVACR Technician Job Description
A heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic/installer works on the units that provide the air quality in homes, hospitals, schools, and various commercial buildings. They use design specifications or blueprints to repair or install units, as well as, testing the systems for proper working order. This job is often done outdoors in hot or cold climates and working in tight spaces.
HVACR technicians typically do the following:
- Follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair HVACR systems
- Connect systems to fuel and water supply lines, air ducts, and other components
- Install electrical wiring and controls and test for proper operation
- Inspect and maintain customers’ HVACR systems
- Test individual components to determine necessary repairs
- Repair or replace worn or defective parts
Depending on the task, HVACR technicians use many different tools. They often use screwdrivers, wrenches, pipe cutters and other basic hand tools when installing systems. To test or install complex system components, technicians may use more sophisticated tools, such as carbon monoxide testers, voltmeters, combustion analyzers, and acetylene torches. When working on air conditioning and refrigeration systems, technicians must follow government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants. This often entails proper handling and disposal of fluids.
An applicant to the HVACR Apprenticeship Program who has completed an approved two-year HVACR technical school program will receive one year of credit towards their HVACR Apprenticeship.
