What is an HVAC Technician Mechanic?

| Last Updated: June 11, 2021

If you want to be an HVAC mechanic, you will need to complete an accredited HVAC technician program and gain necessary work experience as you work towards certification. Most schools that offer HVAC mechanic training programs offer two-year programs in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration with the goal of helping students develop expertise in HVAC systems and controls, and teaching students how to work with various computer systems and HVAC operations.

An HVAC mechanic is typically responsible for the maintenance, installation, repair and design of HVAC systems for residential and commercial buildings, and they must be licensed and certified according to state standards in order to provide services and be employed in their field.

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Training to Become an HVAC Mechanic

Your HVAC mechanic training program will typically take about two years to complete. Many students choose to complete an apprenticeship shortly after graduation to gain valuable work experience in the field. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from three to five years and can give you a chance to work with a company for future employment.

The typical school-based HVAC mechanic training program focuses on both theoretical and practical applications of HVAC systems, and you’ll learn about various types of heating, refrigeration, ventilation and air conditioning systems, EPA practices and “green” energy practices. HVAC mechanics learn how to install, repair and maintain different types of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems and machinery, and must employ EPA-approved practices when working with refrigerants.

What is an HVAC Technician?

HVAC technicians are licensed professionals who are trained to work with HVAC systems in both residential and commercial settings. If you are interested in a career in the HVAC industry, you may have wondered, what is an HVAC technician? What role do they play in building design, construction and maintenance?

One of the best ways to learn about this field is to take a close look at HVAC technician training programs and review job descriptions for an HVAC mechanic and HVAC technicians in your area. HVAC technicians typically begin their careers as an HVAC mechanic and can then move on to a senior-level HVAC mechanic position, work as an HVAC systems mechanical designer, and then work towards becoming an HVAC supervisor.

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Not all states require HVAC technicians to be licensed but the majority of states do require the technician to be licensed. You can learn about HVAC technician requirements by contacting your state board and reviewing educational requirements with an academic advisor. HVAC technicians use specialized tools to service various types of HVAC systems and equipment in residential and commercial buildings. Most work with heating and cooling units, refrigerant systems and electrical systems to troubleshoot problems, install new equipment or just perform maintenance checks. Technicians are also trained to work with energy-saving equipment and use EPA-certified practices to perform various tasks.

As the industry grows, more companies that hire HVAC technicians are relying on computer assisted drafting (CAD) software to draft plans. When you are looking for answers to the question, what is an HVAC technician?, you’ll soon find that many technicians are now using advanced and innovative tools and technologies to perform various tasks, and must have advanced knowledge about heating and cooling systems in order to excel in their careers.





My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.