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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Air Conditioning Mechanic

💰 $ - $

HVACFacilitiesMaintenance

🎯 Role Definition

As an Air Conditioning Mechanic (also commonly listed as HVAC Technician, AC Mechanic, or Refrigeration Mechanic), you will install, maintain, diagnose, and repair air conditioning and refrigeration systems across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This role requires hands-on experience with refrigeration cycles, electrical control circuits, system commissioning, leak detection and refrigerant handling (EPA 608), and preventative maintenance. The ideal candidate balances technical expertise with strong customer service, safe work practices, and accurate documentation.

Key SEO terms included: air conditioning mechanic, HVAC technician, refrigeration mechanic, chiller technician, rooftop unit, VRF/VRV, EPA 608, preventive maintenance, HVAC troubleshooting, commercial HVAC repair.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • HVAC Apprentice / Trade School Graduate
  • Refrigeration Helper / Junior Mechanical Technician
  • Electrician or Facility Maintenance Technician with HVAC exposure

Advancement To:

  • Senior HVAC Technician / Lead Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • HVAC Supervisor / Foreman
  • HVAC Project Manager or Commissioning Engineer
  • Facilities Manager or Mechanical Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • HVAC Controls / BAS Technician
  • Refrigeration Specialist (cold storage, food service)
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS) Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including split systems, packaged rooftop units (RTUs), chillers, condensing units, evaporator coils, and VRF/VRV equipment — read plans, size equipment, fabricate and install refrigerant piping, and complete electrical connections to code.
  • Conduct diagnostic troubleshooting on complex HVAC systems using multimeters, gauges, temperature probes, amp clamps, and refrigerant recovery machines to isolate faults in compressors, expansion devices, reversing valves, and control circuitry.
  • Execute preventive maintenance programs on a scheduled basis: clean coils, replace filters, inspect belts and bearings, test safety devices, measure superheat/subcooling, verify thermostat calibration, and document maintenance in CMMS.
  • Perform refrigerant handling tasks responsibly and legally, including leak detection (electronic and soap bubble), evacuation with vacuum pumps, nitrogen pressure testing, charging to manufacturer specifications, and refrigerant recovery compliant with EPA 608 regulations.
  • Start up and commission new systems: verify airflow and static pressure, adjust refrigerant charge, calibrate controls and sensors, program thermostats and BMS points, and provide system performance documentation to owners.
  • Repair and rebuild compressors, motors, and pump assemblies; diagnose mechanical failures, replace bearings/seals, and coordinate with vendors for warranty or replacement parts.
  • Troubleshoot and repair electrical control systems and wiring diagrams: relays, contactors, transformers, starters, overloads, motor drives, and PLC/BAS interfaces while ensuring lockout/tagout (LOTO) and electrical safety practices.
  • Service and maintain commercial chillers and associated piping: perform oil analysis, inspect evaporator/cooler tubes, verify condenser performance, and ensure proper flow and pressure in glycol/water systems.
  • Install, calibrate, and maintain building automation systems (BAS) or direct digital control (DDC) points related to HVAC: sensors, actuators, valve bodies, and communication modules (BACnet, Modbus).
  • Diagnose airflow problems and perform ductwork troubleshooting or minor duct repairs, balancing, and damper adjustments to meet design airflow and occupant comfort.
  • Read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, schematic diagrams, and equipment manuals to perform accurate installations and repairs in accordance with codes and manufacturer guidelines.
  • Fabricate and braze refrigeration piping, fittings and joints; perform nitrogen purge procedures and perform leak repair work including brazing in the field with acetylene/oxy-fuel or torch techniques where applicable.
  • Respond to emergency service calls, perform after-hours troubleshooting, and provide timely, accurate repairs to restore system operation with minimal downtime.
  • Maintain inventory of parts, tools, refrigerants, and consumables; order specialty components and manage stock to minimize repeat site trips and expedite repairs.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians and apprentices: demonstrate best practices for diagnostics, safety, refrigerant handling, and customer communication.
  • Execute safety inspections and ensure compliance with OSHA, local codes, and company safety policies — maintain PPE, complete safety checklists, and report hazards or near-miss incidents.
  • Collaborate with project managers, mechanical contractors, and subcontractors to sequence mechanical work, coordinate on-site schedules, and ensure quality control during installations and turnovers.
  • Provide clear, professional communication with customers and facilities personnel: explain repair options, estimate time and cost, document service performed, and capture customer sign-off.
  • Prepare accurate service reports, time sheets, and maintenance logs in digital systems (CMMS or mobile service apps), attaching diagnostic data, photos, and parts used for audit and warranty records.
  • Optimize system energy efficiency by recommending upgrades, controls tuning, refrigerant retrofits, or component replacements to improve runtime, lower utility costs, and extend equipment life.
  • Adhere to environmental and hazardous material regulations when disposing of oils, refrigerants, filters, PCB-containing capacitors, and other regulated waste.
  • Coordinate preventive maintenance shutdowns and start-ups for complex systems during scheduled outages to minimize occupant disruption and ensure proper re-commissioning.
  • Participate in continuous improvement: suggest process, parts or tool improvements, and assist engineering in root-cause analysis of chronic failures.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc site surveys and energy audits to identify performance gaps and long-term capital replacement needs.
  • Assist with procurement: recommend equivalent parts and validate vendor quotes for HVAC equipment and specialty components.
  • Provide input to technical procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintenance checklists to standardize work across teams.
  • Help maintain a clean, organized work truck and safe storage for refrigerants and tools; ensure vehicle and equipment inspections are completed.
  • Contribute to training programs and toolbox talks on new equipment, safety updates, or code changes affecting HVAC/refrigeration work.
  • Occasionally operate lifts, scaffolding, or cranes for rooftop or high-elevation access following fall protection protocols.
  • Support cross-functional facility teams on mechanical system integration for renovations, expansions, or tenant fit-outs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification (or equivalent local refrigerant handling certification).
  • Advanced HVAC troubleshooting: ability to interpret pressure-temperature charts, measure superheat/subcooling, and diagnose refrigeration cycle issues.
  • Electrical diagnostics and repair: reading wiring diagrams, testing circuits with multimeter, knowledge of 120/240/480V systems, starters, and motor control.
  • Chiller and compressor systems expertise: centrifugal and screw chillers, hermetic and semi-hermetic compressors.
  • Brazing/soldering and piping fabrication skills for copper, steel, and brazed plate heat exchangers.
  • Controls and automation: familiarity with BAS/DDC programming basics, thermostats, sensors, and communication protocols (BACnet/Modbus).
  • HVAC system start-up and commissioning experience, including airflow measurement and balancing.
  • Leak detection and refrigerant recovery: electronic leak detectors, UV dye, vacuum pumps, recovery machines, and refrigerant charging.
  • Preventive maintenance and CMMS proficiency: creating work orders, recording service history, and following PM checklists.
  • Use of diagnostic tools: manifold gauge sets, clamp meters, anemometers, infrared thermometers, and combustion analyzers (if applicable).
  • Ductwork and airflow troubleshooting, including experience with dampers, fans, VAV boxes, and balancing.
  • Familiarity with safety standards and regulatory compliance: OSHA, ASHRAE basics, and local mechanical codes.
  • Mechanical aptitude for bearings, belts, couplings, pumps, and HVAC accessory maintenance.
  • Experience with commercial HVAC equipment types: rooftop units, split systems, VRF/VRV, make-up air units, and refrigeration cases.

Soft Skills

  • Strong customer service and communication skills — explain technical issues clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Problem solving and analytical thinking with methodical approach to root-cause analysis.
  • Time management and ability to prioritize multiple service calls and PM routes.
  • Teamwork and mentoring — able to guide apprentices and work with multi-disciplinary crews.
  • Attention to detail and thorough documentation habits.
  • Adaptability to changing schedules and emergency call-outs.
  • Safety-first mindset and ability to enforce and follow safety procedures.
  • Professional demeanor when interacting with clients and site personnel.
  • Initiative to suggest efficiency improvements and continuous learning.
  • Dependability: punctual, reliable, and accountable for assigned tasks and calls.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; vocational HVAC/trades experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate or diploma in HVAC, Refrigeration, or Mechanical Technology.
  • Associate degree in HVAC/R technology, mechanical engineering technology, or related field considered a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • HVAC/R Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance / Electromechanical Technology
  • Refrigeration Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of hands-on HVAC/Refrigeration experience (varies by employer and equipment complexity).

Preferred:

  • 3+ years commercial HVAC experience (rooftop units, chillers, VRF/VRV) for mid-level roles.
  • Demonstrated experience with building automation systems and commercial commissioning for senior roles.
  • Prior experience using a CMMS (Maximo, ServiceTitan, FMX, UpKeep, etc.), experience with mobile service apps is a plus.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record for service fleet assignments; additional trade certifications or manufacturer-specific training (e.g., Trane, Carrier, Daikin) are advantageous.

Keywords: air conditioning mechanic, HVAC technician, refrigeration mechanic, preventive maintenance, EPA 608, HVAC troubleshooting, chiller technician, rooftop unit repair, VRF service, building automation, HVAC installation, refrigerant recovery, brazing, commissioning.

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