If you’re entering the heating, ventilation and air conditioning field today, you’re joining a growing industry that’s adding over 10,000 jobs each year. That aside, there are some skills and traits every HVAC technician must master along the way.
Here are 10 of the most important ones:
1.) Mechanical skills. An HVAC technician’s job involves disassembling, reassembling and repairing faulty components. Although these skills are taught during training, it’s important to be comfortable working with tools and mechanical systems.
2.) Trouble-shooting skills. Trouble-shooting skills involve asking the right questions, running the right tests and narrowing down the possibilities.
3.) Time-management. Technicians deal with multiple calls each day, underscoring the importance of working efficiently, finishing each job on time and managing a schedule.
4.) Physical strength. You don’t have to be Hercules, but you should be able to lift various components, tools and equipment around without getting hurt.
5.) Customer service skills. HVAC technicians have to deal with customers who may be upset. People skills are critical in this industry and can often win the customer over, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
6.) Technical knowledge. This involves understanding all technical data, specifications, schematics and blueprints you’re likely to come across.
7.) Communication skills. Technicians must know how to communicate effectively with customers, supervisors and coworkers. This also pertains to writing skills when preparing reports and notes for others.
8.) Computer skills. Computers are involved in every aspect of an HVAC technician’s job, from the software programs used to dispatch work to the equipment used out in the field. It may seem like a lot, but remember that they’re there to make your job easier.
9.) Familiarity with testing equipment. Technicians must be familiar with testing equipment such as voltmeters, ohmmeters and humidity recorders.
10.) Patience. Diagnosing and fixing HVAC problems requires a great deal of patience, especially when working against the clock for an irate customer. Remaining calm can help put them at ease and prevent errors caused by haste.