Whether you're an HVAC technician or contractor, it's essential to be familiar with the key skills required by top-performing HVAC technicians. Understanding these skills is crucial for HVAC technicians to thrive and for HVAC contractors to avoid costly hiring mistakes during technician recruitment.
From our experience and conversations with both technicians and HVAC business owners, we’ve come to understand that these skills fall into two categories: hard and soft skills.
Both are necessary for excelling in fixing air conditioning or HVAC systems and running preventive maintenance.
Below, we’ll cover each one in detail.
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Key HVAC Hard Skills
HVAC hard skills refer to technical skills you gain from training in HVAC schools, undertaking HVAC short courses, or working on the job. They can be learned and measured. Examples include knowledge of using power tools and reading blueprints.
Below, we’ll explore each of these HVAC technician tips.
Reading blueprints
To install and repair HVAC systems correctly, technicians must know how to read blueprints.
This includes mechanical drawings, schematics, electrical diagrams, and so on. It reveals the design specifications from the manufacturers, helping HVAC service technicians know the correct placement for each component.
This limits repairs and simplifies HVAC installation and system maintenance.
Wiring and electrical skills
The HVAC field has direct and indirect relationships with several other industries. So, it’s no surprise that being an HVAC technician demands a fundamental understanding of the duties of an electrician.
After all, HVAC and air conditioning systems are electrical. And installing or repairing them demands a basic knowledge of circuits, voltage, wiring, etc. Plus, HVAC techs will likely encounter electrical wiring during jobs like installing ductwork.
So, HVAC techs need at least a basic knowledge of circuits, wiring, and electrical codes to repair, troubleshoot, and install HVAC systems.
Understanding electrical systems also helps techs handle high-voltage HVAC systems while complying with electrical codes and safety regulations.
This helps prevent workplace accidents, which ties to the next point…
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Understanding safety standards and protocols
It's not enough to have the mechanical skills to manipulate HVAC hardware.
Every good HVAC technician must also know how to handle these tools safely to avoid accidents that can end their HVAC tech career and negatively impact their business’s finances.
If you're an HVAC business owner, lay out workplace safety procedures built using guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970 (OSHA) and environmental refrigerant laws.
Ensure they’re enforced and retrain employees so they constantly acquire new safety skills.
Always consult OSHA to ensure your knowledge of safety standards and protocols remains fresh.
Additionally, HVAC technicians should have section 608 licenses from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prove they’re certified to safely handle refrigerants and refrigeration systems.
Tip: if you want to learn more about licenses, we have an article outlining the different HVAC tech license requirements.
Sales skills
It's a huge plus if an HVAC technician also possesses good sales skills.
After all, techs are in direct contact with customers and clients. They're the face of the company.
So it's great if they can promote services and close deals in the field without needing back-office staff. Highly paid HVAC techs know this.
Understandably, HVAC techs may not be perfect salespersons since selling isn’t their primary occupation. But you can make it easier for them using ServiceTitan's Field Service App.
Here’s how it works:
Once they land at the customer's location, techs can quickly access all the available customer data, incoming call details, previous job history, photos, etc.
This helps the tech understand the customers' problems, which they can use to strike up a conversation with them.
Additionally, on-field techs can review property details to identify upsell opportunities.
With ServiceTitan’s mobile app, they can showcase services or products, providing clients with a better understanding of what each tier includes––showcasing different equipment models, installation processes, or maintenance procedures, helping clients make informed decisions about which tier best suits their needs.
Once the estimate is ready, techs can change the display of the field app to the mobile presentation mode, which mimics the interfaces of online shopping apps.
This makes it easier for the customer to scroll through the different options and select one that matches their budget without the technician's intervention.
Handling equipment and tools
Knowing how to handle HVAC equipment and tools is a must-have, even for an entry-level position.
As in other skilled trades, proficiency with tools is paramount in the HVAC industry. HVAC technicians must acquire mastery in their usage to perform their primary tasks effectively and mitigate potential workplace hazards.
It can be as basic as knowing how to screw in a nut using a cordless screw. Or as advanced as learning how to operate a caulking gun, acetylene torches, thermometers, and multimeters.
As an HVAC contractor, you should include equipment handling in your job descriptions and interview questions.
Computer skills
As the world becomes more digital, computer skills have become part of most HVAC technician job descriptions.
Computers are now used to create invoices and internal communications, diagnose complex HVAC setups, and respond to service calls.
In fact, during a recent interview, we found that companies like Weld Power already require knowledge of technological tools like ServiceTitan for new hires. Other HVAC companies have chosen to train their employees in various technological tools.
For HVAC technicians aiming for sustained success, it is imperative to continually enhance their comprehension of computer systems. And for business owners, contemplating investments in digital solutions such as ServiceTitan is advisable.
Customer service
The responsibilities of an HVAC technician include informing customers about current issues, explaining repair procedures, and presenting upsell opportunities.
So, customer service skills are a must-have for successful HVAC techs.
Excellent customer service and communication skills are what separate great HVAC companies from the rest. The same goes for individual technicians.
Key HVAC Soft Skills
These are non-technical skills critical to the success of HVAC technicians.
Many people consider them personal traits, but they can be learned and practiced. And they’ll greatly aid the interpersonal interactions necessary for completing HVAC jobs.
Let's explore each one in more detail.
Problem-solving
Some HVAC system issues defy straightforward solutions, and even sophisticated computer systems may not provide the answers. In such cases, customers rely on the expertise of HVAC technicians to devise innovative solutions, even if they aren't documented in textbooks or repair manuals.
HVAC technicians are expected to draw upon their experience, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities to address complex issues and deliver effective solutions tailored to each unique situation.
An HVAC technician with problem-solving skills shines in such situations and can earn the company a lifetime customer.
Time management
Typically, an HVAC technician has to handle multiple jobs daily. And, of course, each customer expects technicians to arrive early—regardless of the number of jobs they’re handling.
Time management skills help HVAC technicians optimize their schedules, finish all the jobs assigned within the shortest time possible, and arrive on time for their next appointment.
This can boost customer satisfaction and prevent backlogs.
Pro tip!
Many HVAC companies use ServiceTitan’s Service Scheduling software to assign jobs and maximize tech productivity.
With it, HVAC companies can schedule jobs weeks and months ahead, so every tech knows the assignments they must handle long before the job site visit.
Furthermore, it empowers dispatchers to track the whereabouts of each tech in the job cycle. Dispatchers can identify technicians nearing completion of their current tasks and allocate new assignments accordingly––streamlining communication and reducing unnecessary interruptions.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking helps HVAC professionals quickly come up with solutions when complex HVAC issues arise.
They dissect the existing issue, sift through the available options, and develop a unique solution as the situation demands.
Critical thinking also comes into play when HVAC techs need to read and understand blueprints.
Willingness to continually learn
HVAC industry standards keep evolving. New tools and strategies are continuously being developed.
Examples include smart HVAC systems that use sensors, new cooling systems, innovative air purification systems, etc.
As an HVAC technician, the readiness to keep learning and keep up with these changes is critical. You have to learn and develop new skills continuously so you’re not left behind.
Overview
Becoming an HVAC technician requires various skills.
These skills are vital to having a successful career or positioning an HVAC company as different, credible, and professional.
If you're an entry-level professional, having these skills can accelerate your career progression and separate you from others.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC software that helps HVAC professionals and companies streamline their operations. This reduces errors and boosts productivity and efficiency. Contact ServiceTitan today to see how it can work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the responsibilities of an HVAC technician?
The basic responsibility of HVAC techs is to install and maintain HVAC systems and pieces of equipment.
Others include diagnosing HVAC electrical and mechanical faults and repairing them.
Additionally, techs are responsible for explaining the approach they’re using to repair or service an HVAC system.
What are the requirements to be an HVAC technician?
The basic requirements for becoming an HVAC technician include:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Apprenticeship with a qualified HVAC professional.
HVAC licenses.
Additional safety certifications from EPA.
Do HVAC technicians need continuing training and education?
Yes.
HVAC technicians need to keep learning and acquiring new certifications to keep up with the rapidly changing HVAC industry.
ServiceTitan HVAC Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
