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What is a typical day at work as an HVAC technician like?
I am 17 years old and looking into HVAC at my JobCorps in San Jose. Thank you in advance for your help. #hvac
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Jimmy’s Answer
Hi I’m an HVAC service technician for a school district and this is what my day typically consists of:
I come into work in the morning and the maintenance department has a meeting, typically 30minutes. We are given our work orders during this time. We start our vans and get any parts or supplies. Then we head out to different schools to complete our work orders. When I arrive at my job site, I gather whatever tools I need to diagnose the issue. If I need help diagnosing or fixing something then I call my coworkers. After I diagnose an issue I then make a list of parts and tools I need to correct it. If I don’t have it on my van then I go back to the shop to get it. Sometimes I have to order it and then I would have to complete the work order when it gets here. Sometimes there are emergencies(like classrooms being too cold or hot), machines not running, and these calls take priority.
The fact that I get to decide what my work day consists of(usually) and also that I’m unsupervised for most of my work is what I like the most about my job.
I come into work in the morning and the maintenance department has a meeting, typically 30minutes. We are given our work orders during this time. We start our vans and get any parts or supplies. Then we head out to different schools to complete our work orders. When I arrive at my job site, I gather whatever tools I need to diagnose the issue. If I need help diagnosing or fixing something then I call my coworkers. After I diagnose an issue I then make a list of parts and tools I need to correct it. If I don’t have it on my van then I go back to the shop to get it. Sometimes I have to order it and then I would have to complete the work order when it gets here. Sometimes there are emergencies(like classrooms being too cold or hot), machines not running, and these calls take priority.
The fact that I get to decide what my work day consists of(usually) and also that I’m unsupervised for most of my work is what I like the most about my job.
Updated
John R.’s Answer
Explore what area of the trade and discipline you wish to work in. These vary from residential, to commercial to institutional and industrial. Let's not forget Refrigeration as well. HVAC covers a wide array of applications.
In the residential sector, the majority of work will be Sales. That is selling (having the customer agreeing to the repairs) unless you are doing installations .
With the Service Sector comes refining your Soft Skills and customer interactions. This is critical since many company's compensation packages are based performance / generating revenue. Unfortunately Soft Skills are only incorporated into very few HVAC programs.
If this is not for you, then installation, commercial work or refrigeration are other viable options that should be explored.
There is currently a Skilled Trades shortage in this country which works in favor of the workforce in terms of the availability of jobs and wages.
Best wishes in your career pursuit.
In the residential sector, the majority of work will be Sales. That is selling (having the customer agreeing to the repairs) unless you are doing installations .
With the Service Sector comes refining your Soft Skills and customer interactions. This is critical since many company's compensation packages are based performance / generating revenue. Unfortunately Soft Skills are only incorporated into very few HVAC programs.
If this is not for you, then installation, commercial work or refrigeration are other viable options that should be explored.
There is currently a Skilled Trades shortage in this country which works in favor of the workforce in terms of the availability of jobs and wages.
Best wishes in your career pursuit.
Updated
James’s Answer
In the beginning it’s tough. You will be don’t s lot of manual labor. Ask questions never be afraid to ask questions. That’s how you learn
Hi James, it sounds like you've been in the field for a while now. Were there any major difference in what your typical day looked like when you first started versus what is looks like now?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Yes. When I first started, I did nothing but preventive maintenance. Now I do a little preventive maintenance and mostly corrective maintenance
James Taylor
Thank you for elaborating!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I've been in the field only a few years now, but I caught on quickly. My day typically starts the night before, I'll see what my call(s) are for the next day and research the equipment if I'm unfamiliar with it. If it's a jobsite my company frequents I'll try to get info on what the past history of the unit is so I'm better prepared to address the issue and the customer. Sometimes you show up to an angry customer, have to diffuse the situation, and diagnose the issue, then repair. It's always best to listen to the customer with any issues they may be seeing. It may not diagnose it for you, but it will help you determine if theres more than one issue and prevent callbacks.