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THE JOB
HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS install, maintain and
repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment in residential,
commercial, and industrial buildings. Mechanics may also be called heating
and air conditioning technicians, or environmental control system installers
or servicers. The majority of mechanics are employed in the construction,
services, and trade industries.
Mechanics work from blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturer
instructions to install compressors, motors, condensers, thermostats, fans,
ducts, pipes, and other mechanical, electrical, and electronic components
into place. They use hand tools such as wrenches, electric drills, pipe
cutters and benders, acetylene torches, and hammers to connect parts to
duct work, gas and refrigerant lines, and other piping. Mechanics also use
test instruments such as voltmeters, thermometers, and manometers. After
attaching temperature and pressure control testing devices, the mechanics
charge the system with refrigerant, and then test it for proper operation,
making any necessary final adjustments.
A varied and complex task, known as "troubleshooting", requires that
mechanics examine and, if necessary, take apart a unit when a breakdown
occurs to find the source of the problem. After the source is identified
and the necessary repairs are made, the unit is reassembled and tested.
Mechanics usually work independently, but depending on the job, may work
with electricians or sheet metal workers. On large projects, electrical
work may be done by electricians, pipe and other component installation by
plumbers and pipe fitters, and duct work by sheet metal workers.
Mechanics are trained to install and service both residential and
commercial heating and air conditioning units and commercial refrigeration
systems. They may specialize in areas such as installation, maintenance,
servicing of furnaces, oil burners, commercial refrigerators, or solar
panels.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Mechanics work wherever the equipment to be installed or repaired is
located. They may work outdoors, either on the ground or rooftops, or inside
office buildings, warehouses, or private residences. They bring the tools
and parts they need to the job site.
Mechanics working outdoors are exposed to all types of weather. They must
be in good health and have above average strength and coordination in order
to lift or move heavy pieces of equipment. Work may require using ladders
or scaffolding. The mechanics must assume awkward and cramped positions to
reach parts of the unit during installation, servicing, and maintenance.
They are exposed to various occupational hazards, such as electrical
shocks, burns from welding equipment, operating machinery, and exposure to
refrigerants and fuels such as heating oil and natural gas.
Since they are in frequent contact with the public, they must be able to
deal courteously and tactfully with customers and with workers in the
construction trades.
Most employers require that mechanics be licensed to drive, and be
bondable. The mechanics may also be required to supply their own hand
tools which range in price from $100 to over $1,000.
Union mechanics may be represented by either the United Association of
Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the
United States and Canada or the Sheet Metal Workers International
Association. Mechanics in metropolitan areas of California may be highly
unionized.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent
the broad occupational group Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Mechanics and Installers.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 12,220
Estimated number of workers in 2005 19,920
Projected Growth 1993-2005 63%
Estimated openings due to separation by 2005 4,370
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics rank among the top
fifty fastest growth occupations in California. As the population and
economy grow, so does the demand for new residential, commercial, and
climate control systems. Concern for the environment and energy
conservation should continue to prompt the development of new energy saving
heating and air conditioning systems. Better systems will also lead to the
replacement of older ones.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENIFITS
The salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics
vary due to experience, location, and unionization. The median wage
reported for all experience levels is $15.13 per hour. Union wages are
about $4.00 higher per hour than the prevailing non-union wages.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for most mechanic jobs.
A person should have an aptitude for mechanical work and the ability to
analyze problems and absorb technical data. Courses in mathematics,
physics, chemistry, mechanical drawing, and shop are highly recommended.
Mechanics must comprehend and use a variety of communication techniques in
their work. A mechanic must be able to read and understand technical
materials such as codes and regulations, installation, maintenance, and
service manuals, flowcharts, tables, and graphs. They must also be able
to keep technical and diagnostic notes and compile data to complete
reports, forms, records, warranties, invoices, and contracts.
Mechanics must understand and apply math concepts in performing their
duties. They must be able to compute formulas and equations such as
volumes, pressures, and degrees. They must have the ability to measure
distance, angles, circles, arcs, temperature, weight, volume, and pressure.
Identification and interpretation of geometric figures, graphs, scales, and
gauge indications is also required.
Mechanics are required to know the scientific principles that are central
to their job duties. They must show an understanding of the principles of
heat transfer, combustion, temperature, pressure, electricity, and
magnetism. Further, Mechanics must understand the concepts of electrical
measurement, chemical reactions, and physical and chemical properties of
commonly used substances such as refrigerants and hydrocarbons.
In areas that are not highly unionized, many mechanics learn the trade by
working as helpers to experienced mechanics. There are several technical
schools and company-sponsored training courses available that offer classes
in heating and air conditioning, such as electric or gas heating, packaged
cooling or trouble shooting techniques. Many community colleges offer
certificate programs in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration
technology.
In highly unionized areas, the usual training for mechanics is a four to
five year apprenticeship program. The minimum age for admission is 18
years. Applicants must achieve a passing score on a written examination
and an oral test measuring motivation to enter the program. The training
consists of classroom work combined with on-the-job training.
ADVANCEMENT
Many service and maintenance shops are small with little chance for
advancement. In larger shops, journey-level mechanics can advance to
supervisory positions. Some mechanics can become self-employed.
FINDING THE JOB
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics can find work by
applying directly to employers, by registering with a union, and by
applying to Workforce Services Offices of the California Employment Development
Department (EDD). Apprenticeship candidates should inquire at the training
office of the Apprenticeship Coordinator at the union or contact the EDD
office in their area.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society
1666 Rand Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 297-6464
www.rses.org/
National Association of Plumbing, Heating, and
Cooling Contractors
P.O. Box 6808
Falls Church, VA 22040
(800) 533-7694
www.naphcc.org/
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
4301 Fairfax Drive, Suite 425
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 524-8800
www.ari.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Sheet Metal Workers No. 49
Plumbers No. 173
Stationary Engineers No. 234
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Heating-and-Air-Conditioning
Installer-Servicer 637.261-014
Refrigeration Mechanic 637.261-026
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration
Mechanics & Installers 859020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
California Occupational Guides
California Employment Development Department
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