What Does An HVAC Technician Do?

WHAT DOES AN HVAC TECHNICIAN DO?

Published: Aug 06, 2025 - The Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician maintains and repairs building systems in compliance with safety regulations, local laws, and manufacturer guidelines. This role handles preventive and reactive maintenance, supports energy-efficient operations, and ensures accurate documentation and contractor oversight. The technician also contributes to safety compliance, procedural updates, and prompt technical support across the facility.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for HVAC Technician

1. HVAC Technician Duties

Equipment Inspection: Perform visual and operational inspection of associated equipment and interpret specifications, blueprints, and job standards to perform assigned duties
Performance Improvement: Recommend measures to improve equipment performance and suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency
Facility Maintenance: Provide general labor services throughout all areas maintained by the facilities department including cleaning and organization of designated work areas
Equipment Monitoring: Complete training and demonstrate the ability to perform equipment monitoring and operational checks on utility equipment
Hazardous Materials: Comply with company policy for the safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials
Regulatory Compliance: Maintain all codes, laws, and regulations through the compliance program
Workplace Safety: Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workplace
Team Interaction: Interact well with others in a team environment including operational team members and other internal or external customers
Teamwork Promotion: Foster teamwork to help create a positive working environment
Self-Motivation: Be self-motivated, work independently, and follow the escalation policy
Training Participation: Actively participate in technical and safety training programs

2. HVAC Technician Details

Liaison Coordination: Liaise with the maintenance lead to ensure the site is operated and monitored in accordance with local legislation and manufacturers' guidelines
Maintenance Management: Ensure all assigned maintenance and reactive work is professionally performed within service level agreements and key performance indicators
Work Order Compliance: Complete all work orders in full compliance with the equipment maintenance system
Plant Maintenance: Maintain plants and utilities to ensure proper operation within specifications, efficient and reliable installations, and that records are filed by operational, legal, and statutory practice
Technical Availability: Contribute to the maximum availability and proper functioning of technical installations
Fault Response: Ensure prompt response to faults and emergencies with accurate reporting of events
Safety Compliance: Carry out all work in a healthy and safe environment, following safety instructions and policy
Contractor Guidance: Guide specialist contractors through the site and report performance issues to the engineering lead
On-Call Support: Participate in the on-call rota for technical issues
Building Control: Ensure control through the building management system for proper functioning with optimal energy efficiency
Installation Work: Perform small installation works when instructed by the manager and report all new equipment
Technical Support: Provide technical support and knowledge within the team
Team Collaboration: Work closely together with team members on a daily basis
Flexible Scheduling: Work upon request outside normal working hours, weekends, and public holidays

3. HVAC Technician Responsibilities

Document Management: Contribute to the update of as-built files, drawings and technical data sheets
Drawing Markup: Mark up drawings and documentation to show changes and issues to the line manager
Compliance Enforcement: Ensure all activities are carried out in compliance with the tasks as set out in site standard operating procedures, processes and any adopted procedures
Record Keeping: Keep mandatory logbooks and records up to date
Purchase Coordination: Issue purchase requests and work orders in respect to the budget
Training Management: Ensure the mandatory and specialist training plan is up to date
Procedure Update: Contribute to the update of site standard operating procedures, processes and procedures to ensure that repair and maintenance activities are compliant
Safety Compliance: Ensure all entrusted activities are carried out in a healthy and safe environment, following safety instructions according to safe systems of work policies
Permit Management: Receive permits to work, risk assessments and method statements
Risk Assessment: Contribute to keeping risk assessments up to date and review them when systems are modified
Team Meetings: Contribute to toolbox meetings with the team
PPE Usage: Wear personal protective equipment
Safety Culture: Drive and demonstrate a safe culture and maintain a safe workplace
Improvement Reporting: Report potential improvements and innovative practices in liaison with the line manager
Problem Monitoring: Monitor for problems and report them to the line manager

4. HVAC Technician Job Summary

Customer Response: Respond to customer requests in a timely manner
Maintenance Checks: Perform assigned maintenance rounds and equipment checks
Emergency Response: Provide immediate response to emergencies and urgent tenant requests
Contractor Supervision: Supervise contractors working at the facility to ensure quality workmanship
Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance work
Professional Conduct: Perform all work in a neat, orderly and professional manner
Housekeeping Practices: Maintain clean work areas and employ good housekeeping practices
Weather Response: Respond to weather-related events, which may require the removal of snow and debris
Client Collaboration: Work closely with the client to problem-solve and develop solutions
On-Call Duties: Have on-call responsibilities to address the facilities' needs
Event Support: Support set-ups and breakdowns of cafeteria and conference room tables and chairs for meetings, parties and other functions by different departments

5. HVAC Technician Accountabilities

HVAC Installation: Install, maintain and repair heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems
System Monitoring: Monitor HVAC systems and operations and ensure that routine preventive maintenance is performed according to established schedules and standards
Issue Resolution: Respond to hot and cold calls, troubleshoot and resolve issues
Component Repair: Check, repair and replace valves, motors, controls, switches, gauges, wiring, fans, pumps, compressors, condensers, cores, pipes and other functional components of the system
Safety Compliance: Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures
Work Documentation: Document all work in the CMMS system
Risk Management: Comply with all company safety and risk management policies and procedures
Incident Reporting: Report all accidents and injuries in a timely manner
Safety Meetings: Participate in regular safety meetings, safety training and hazard assessments
Regulatory Compliance: Apply all applicable OSHA and related local safety requirements to all assigned work
Training Participation: Attend training programs, both classroom and virtual

6. HVAC Technician Functions

Technician Support: Provide technician support to manufacturing, maintenance and repair in areas including robotics, CNC, tooling, wire EDM, facilities, mechanical, electrical, machine operations and tool and die
Training Compliance: Meet specific training requirements to complete assigned work
Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance as scheduled and in accordance with work safety requirements
Safety Checks: Complete job safety checklists and take appropriate action to ensure safety for equipment and the building
Troubleshooting Repairs: Locate, troubleshoot and repair breakdowns of machinery and other equipment to reduce production downtime
Facility Repairs: Make repairs and updates to the building facility including electrical, carpentry, plumbing, HVAC and painting
Quality Reporting: Promptly report quality problems and shut down equipment or operational areas if unable to resolve
Process Improvement: Identify process and equipment inefficiencies and suggest improvements

7. HVAC Technician Job Description

Facility Operation: Safely operate the facility in accordance with all applicable government and regulatory requirements
Safety Enforcement: Demonstrate and enforce safety rules and behaviors
Hazard Assessment: Identify, enforce and assess safety hazards and risks
Incident Investigation: Participate in incident investigations
Maintenance Repairs: Perform maintenance and monitoring repairs to mechanical, plumbing, structural, furniture, control and fire, life and safety systems to keep building systems up to applicable standards
HVAC Maintenance: Maintain HVAC systems and equipment at optimum levels through cleaning, inspecting and changing parts
Equipment Monitoring: Record readings and make adjustments to ensure proper operation of the equipment
Hazardous Materials: Comply with departmental policies for the safe storage, usage and disposal of hazardous materials
Workplace Safety: Maintain a clean and safe workplace
Contractor Monitoring: Monitor pricing and work quality of outside contractors
Operational Review: Review monthly client service request summaries to identify and correct recurrent operational problems
Customer Service: Respond to customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner
Emergency Assistance: Assist the facility management team with emergency situations such as fire alarms, chemical spills and hazardous conditions and take appropriate actions

8. HVAC Technician Overview

HVAC Repair: Inspect, diagnose and repair mechanical defects and failures in various HVAC equipment
Work Prioritization: Prioritize equipment repair and maintenance work
Emergency Response: Respond effectively to emergencies
Safety Compliance: Comply with all safety procedures and maintain good housekeeping and safety of work areas
Regulatory Compliance: Maintain compliance with state, county and city ordinances, codes and laws
Hazardous Materials: Comply with all policies for the safe storage, usage and disposal of hazardous materials
Training Participation: Participate in ongoing technical, safety and operational process training programs
Operational Tasks: Perform other operational tasks as typically expected of the maintenance mechanic role

9. HVAC Technician Details and Accountabilities

System Monitoring: Monitor and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems
Work Order Response: Respond to work orders for HVAC and refrigeration areas
Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on all systems
Chemical Treatment: Analyze and maintain chemical treatment for water in cooling towers and boiler systems
Equipment Service: Install, repair and service motors, pumps, fans and compressors
Control Equipment: Repair, replace, set up, calibrate and operate control equipment to ensure efficient operation
Automation Systems: Navigate Johnson Controls and Trane Synchrony building automation systems
Maintenance Scheduling: Plan, schedule and perform routine maintenance and repair of structures and facilities by the supervisor
Plumbing Assistance: Provide backup and assist with plumbing and electrical work and problems
Emergency Response: Participate in weather-related emergencies including snow, ice, sleet and flooding
Inventory Management: Monitor inventory and re-order parts and supplies
On-Call Participation: Participate in the on-call policy

10. HVAC Technician Tasks

System Installation: Install ventilation and air conditioning systems and equipment
Risk Identification: Identify maintenance risks on equipment
Fault Diagnosis: Diagnose electrical and mechanical faults for HVAC systems
System Repair: Clean, adjust and repair systems and perform warranty services
Emergency Repairs: Perform emergency repairs promptly and efficiently
Control Systems: Work with HVAC control systems to regulate the operation of heating and air conditioning systems
Record Keeping: Keep daily logs and records of all maintenance functions
Standards Compliance: Ensure compliance with appliance standards and with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Service Compliance: Comply with service standards, work instructions and supervisor requirements

11. HVAC Technician Roles

System Installation: Install and replace HVAC systems and equipment following the manufacturer’s specifications
Equipment Maintenance: Assist with diagnosing, repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with teams to ensure the most effective HVAC systems are utilized
Material Coordination: Determine materials needed prior to installations and replacements and communicate with the manager
Record Maintenance: Maintain refrigerant, equipment and maintenance logs and records
Customer Support: Assist with customer queries and service requests
Scheduling Management: Work with managers to prioritize and schedule the timely completion of service requests
Technical Training: Provide technical direction and on-the-job training
Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure the company vehicle and tools are kept clean and well-maintained
Standards Compliance: Ensure compliance with appliance standards and with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Service Compliance: Comply with service standards, work instructions and customer requirements

12. HVAC Technician Additional Details

Root Cause Diagnosis: Diagnose root causes of equipment breakdowns, test parts with appropriate instruments, disassemble and assemble parts and make necessary repairs
Software Mastery: Learn and master climate control software to support healthy plant life and optimize systems to improve yields
Blueprint Analysis: Study building schematics and working drawings to determine required work aids and the sequence of installations
Installation Preparation: Locate and mark the position of pipe and duct connections and passage holes in walls and floors, then cut openings to accommodate pipe and duct fittings using hand tools and power tools
Data Reporting: Utilize and create reports using building automation system data to maximize equipment efficiency
Fault Response: Respond to automated fault detection systems and provide advice or direct support for corrective measures
Customer Support: Provide internal customer support services to ensure automation systems meet performance targets
Travel for Training: Travel occasionally for training or knowledge sharing

13. HVAC Technician Essential Functions

Customer Consultation: Perform consultations with customers
Needs Assessment: Determine customer needs and discuss all solution methods
System Installation: Install new heating, cooling and ventilation systems
System Inspection: Inspect current HVAC systems for effectiveness and safety
Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC systems to increase longevity
Performance Testing: Conduct performance tests with specialized tools
Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot current HVAC system issues
System Repair: Repair damaged HVAC systems
Record Keeping: Keep records of customer appointments and payment transactions including invoices
Inventory Management: Maintain an accurate inventory of all equipment and HVAC resources

14. HVAC Technician Role Purpose

Equipment Installation: Inspect, repair, modify and install HVAC equipment including refrigeration and air conditioning compressors, receivers, condensers, chillers, forced air converter units, pumps, automatic and hand valves, expansion valves and capillary tubes
Preventive Maintenance: Conduct regular preventive maintenance inspections of refrigeration units and isolated heating and ventilating units including boilers, gas and electrically operated air conditioning equipment, and make necessary adjustments or repairs
Parts Replacement: Repair or replace defective parts in units and equipment and their controls including thermostats, automatic switches, fan controls, log switches, damper motors, louvers, relays, filters, controls, belts, compressors, heat exchangers, high limit controls, pressure controls, safety valves and automatic gas valves
Underground Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on underground refrigeration units
System Knowledge: Learn and understand the underground chilled water system, add water system and the condenser water system
System Service: Install, replace and service systems, components and controls including chillers, pumps and all related components
Spray Chamber Service: Install, repair and start up spray chambers including piping manifolds, pumps, chambers and tanks
Tool Usage: Use all related meters, instruments and tools required to work on refrigeration equipment and systems
Compressor Repair: Repair and rebuild semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors and compressors for centrifugal refrigeration machines

15. HVAC Technician General Responsibilities

System Installation: Install and calibrate systems, install copper and steel tubing and repair pipes and tubing
Heat Exchanger Maintenance: Flush heat exchangers and descale tubing
Valve Rebuilding: Rebuild pressure and temperature safety valves and water pumps
Boiler Testing: Test and examine boiler operations
Water Treatment: Conduct boiler water quality tests and treatment
Combustion Adjustment: Adjust the boiler burner combustion
Electrical Repairs: Perform electrical troubleshooting and repairs up to 480V
Team Troubleshooting: Work with the electrical team in troubleshooting and repairs of equipment at 480V and above
Blueprint Reading: Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the operation, troubleshooting and repair of chillers and related components and systems
Machinery Installation: Install machinery and follow proper procedures for the installation and alignment of components and electric motors
Data Management: Input data for inventory and cost control tracking
Maintenance Reporting: Complete required maintenance work orders, reports and logs
Housekeeping: Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in the workplace
Environmental Compliance: Comply with applicable environmental requirements

16. HVAC Technician Key Accountabilities

Equipment Maintenance: Install, repair and maintain all air conditioning equipment, refrigeration equipment, appliances, chillers and pumps
Electrical Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and repair electrical systems related to HVAC systems
Inventory Management: Manage the inventory of HVAC shop supplies
Work Order Completion: Complete work orders and projects related to HVAC or refrigeration
Room Maintenance: Maintain overall cleanliness and safety of mechanical rooms
Maintenance Standards: Maintain maintenance standards according to established guidelines
Preventive Maintenance: Complete mechanical preventive maintenance schedules
Filter Replacement: Replace filters in guest rooms and common areas
Safety Reporting: Report any safety concerns to the appropriate managers

17. HVAC Technician Roles and Details

Troubleshooting HVAC: Troubleshoot HVAC equipment to determine if issues should be escalated to a contract service provider
Equipment Installation: Install refrigeration and HVAC equipment for commercial use with or without contractor assistance
Contractor Escort: Escort contractors on-site, explain repairs and installation needs that cannot be completed in-house and ensure compliance with safety standards
Contractor Management: Maintain a contractor list and provide feedback on services and prices
Equipment Repair: Repair malfunctioning building services equipment such as exhaust fans and HVAC units, including replacing belts and pulleys
Lab Equipment Repair: Repair malfunctioning laboratory equipment connected to the HVAC system such as fume hoods, fume enclosures and stacks
Automation Control: Maintain controls using building automation systems, track repair history and keep equipment in operating condition for optimum energy savings
Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on building services equipment, including changing filters on make-up air and rooftop units and greasing moving parts
Lab Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment such as fume hoods, enclosures and safety cabinets

18. HVAC Technician Duties and Roles

Equipment Inspection: Conduct regular inspections to identify and correct equipment malfunctions, repairs and replacements
Failure Analysis: Analyze root causes of equipment failures and propose corrective actions
Water Supply Checks: Complete daily checks on deionized water supply, operate according to schedule and arrange bottle replacements
Pressure Maintenance: Check and maintain appropriate output pressures on air compressors and steam generators
Exhaust Monitoring: Confirm exhaust system operation for fume hoods and update temperature records for all rooms, especially laboratories
General Maintenance: Work as a general maintenance technician when there are no urgent HVAC issues, including changing light bulbs, performing limited electrical work and inspections
Plumbing Tasks: Perform small plumbing and janitorial tasks including unclogging water systems
Spill Cleanup: Assist with cleaning spills and emptying overflowing waste bins
Painting Repairs: Assist with painting walls, doors and flooring repairs

19. HVAC Technician Roles and Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all regulations, policies and procedures
Performance Management: Achieve performance expectations as set forth in performance appraisals, including employee development planning
Team Communication: Communicate with team members to assist in the development of short and long-range planning to support company goals and objectives
Tool Provision: Supply the required tool listing as part of employment
Physical Fitness: Meet the physical requirements of the job
Pre-Employment Review: Review physical requirements prior to employment
Task Execution: Perform assigned tasks in a safe, effective and efficient manner
Task Review: Review the detailed listing of typical tasks as provided during employment
Administrative Duties: Complete accurate and timely administrative duties including time accounting and work order completion

20. HVAC Technician Job Summary

HVAC Services: Complete all HVAC-related services including heating, air, refrigeration, compressor repairs and unit repairs
Problem Diagnosis: Diagnose the causes of problems in all HVAC systems
System Inspection: Inspect all components of HVAC systems and complete necessary repairs to fix and prevent issues
Equipment Maintenance: Maintain vehicle, tools and equipment to ensure safe operating conditions and availability
Preventive Maintenance: Perform routine and preventive maintenance to ensure the ongoing functioning of all equipment
Expense Management: Work within established expense limits
Inventory Control: Maintain inventory controls for cost-effective operations
Emergency Response: Respond to 24-hour emergency maintenance needs
On-Call Availability: Carry a cell phone for on-call maintenance
Incident Reporting: Alert the district manager of any unusual occurrences or damage that has taken place or may occur

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