Air conditioning repair is important since AC is found almost everywhere. Air conditioning improves comfort levels, which is known to improve our productivity levels at work. A good air conditioning system can even improve the air quality in a room, keeping pollens away.

The cooler a room, the less inviting to pests and insects. People also sweat less and aren’t as likely to become dehydrated.

Just like everything else, there are pros and cons to using air conditioning. One con is that the systems are not always perfect. Most systems require maintenance and repair, sometimes more than others.

Therefore, there is a great need for air conditioning repair technicians. In fact, the need for repair technicians is growing rapidly.

 

Career Outlook for Air Conditioning Repair

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, or HVAC, is expected to rise over the next ten years. With an estimated average income between $40,000 and $50,000, this line of work is very appealing.

Your salary will differ based on many factors. One may be the level of education and experience you have acquired. Another factor may be the location in which you work. Air conditioning is used by many more people in areas of the world where temperatures are hotter.

For instance, those in The South are more dependent on-air conditioning for longer periods of the year because they have more months with hotter temperatures. Therefore, they tend to use air conditioning systems for longer periods.

Duties of the job will also vary depending on the location of the system, how often it is used and because the uses are different for both residential and commercial environments.

 

Duties of an Air Conditioning Repair Technician

All repair technicians need to have the basic skills of being able to listen well to clients, communicating with customers and other technicians, and being creative when it comes to solutions. You will also need to have appropriate time management and organizational skills.

Air conditioning repair is not simply taking out an old system and installing a new one. There are many other tasks and steps you can take to resolve a problem for a system owner.

Repair technicians will need to know how to read blueprints of a house or building so you can identify where the system is located, its layout or where you need to install it. Other duties include following proper codes set forth for good business practices, safely wiring or rewiring low voltage systems and over-seeing the processes of installation and repair.

There may be times where you are providing technical service in the field and when a solution is not clear, you may find yourself troubleshooting until you find the right answers.

Air conditioning systems do not become faulty during a regular business week. As you know, systems break down in the evenings and on weekends. This means, as a repair technician, you will need to be on-call and expect to work odd hours to meet the needs of your customers.

Providing excellent customer service is one of the top duties of a repair technician. After all, the relationships you build with customers can help grow your business.

 

Educational Requirements of a Repair Technician

Air conditioning repair technicians with educational backgrounds may find it easier to obtain a job in the field. Larger companies want to hire employees who have made the efforts in getting an education and on the job training, such as that with an apprenticeship.

Many companies want new employees to have at least three years of on the job training, where they have been supervised by a more experienced technician.

Furthermore, employers like to hire technicians who have post-secondary education from a trade school or college in which they obtained licensure or certification stating they completed proper training.

 

Courses of Study for Repair Technicians

The courses you can expect to study as an air conditioning repair technician student include cooling and refrigeration, basic electricity, compressors, and the diverse types of systems and ventilation options.

Air conditioning repair technicians will need to learn much more than just cooling. In fact, they will also take classes on heating, heat pumps, motors, hvac piping, commercial and residential type systems, and detection of leaks and other problems.

You will learn how to determine air quality, which control circuit types are best for the job you are doing, soldering, and brazing.

The best thing about taking courses in this field is that they properly prepare you for taking the certification exam required for repair technicians by the EPA.

Whether you decide to become self-employed or work for a larger HVAC company, this certificate will assist you. It helps customers and employers feel secure in that you have received the proper amount of training to help you complete the job at hand.

It shows them you can work in different environments, solving a wide range of air conditioning problems.

 

Types of Work Environments

Climate control systems are advancing and becoming much more sophisticated for both commercial and residential environments. Office spaces, no matter how large or small, can install or upgrade air conditioning systems. With the constant development of new shopping malls, restaurants, office buildings and residential neighborhoods, there is a constant need for HVAC services.

You may find yourself repairing air conditioning systems in schools, hospitals, factories, government offices and even grocery stores. The work environments will be just as varied as the problems. Your work environment will often be hot and may need to happen when the weather is less than satisfactory.

But if you enjoy helping people in need, finding creative solutions that improve the lifestyle of others, and preventing the loss of products such as foods and medicines, this job is for you.

You may fine rewarding pay and each new day brings something different. It is doubtful you will find yourself bored by repeating the same routine day after day.

With expected growth in the use of air conditioning systems, the need for repair technicians will also grow, making it easier for you to maintain and grow a long-term, satisfying career.