Profession heating, ventilation, air conditioning (and refrigeration) service engineer

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (and refrigeration) service engineers install and maintain industrial heating, air conditioning and possibly refrigeration systems. They set up furnaces, thermostats, ducts, vents, and other equipment needed to ensure the controlled passage and treatment of air. They also carry out repairs.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

• Enterprising / Conventional

Related professions mechanic, electrician

• Aircraft engine technician
• Aircraft mechanic
• Bicycle repairer
• Construction machinery mechanic
• Electronics mechanic or servicer
• Engine or diesel mechanic (not in motor vehicles)
• Industrial machinery erector-installer
• Industrial machinery mechanic
• Installation or service technician conveyor belts
• Lift mechanic
• Metalworking machinery fitter
• Moped or scooter mechanic
• Office machinery fitter
• Plant maintenance electrician
• Plant maintenance mechanic
• Plumber
• Printing machinery mechanic
• Process control technician, all other
• Textiles machinery mechanic
• Turbine fitter
• Vending machine money collector
• Vending machine service operator
• Wheelchair repairer
• Woodworking machinery mechanic

Knowledge

• Refrigerants

  The characteristics and properties of the different fluids used in heat pump and refrigeration cycles.

• Fluid mechanics

  The characteristics and properties of fluids, including gases, liquids and plasmas, at rest and in motion, and the forces on them.

• Mechanics

  Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

• Hydraulics

  The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.

• Thermodynamics

  The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy..

• Electricity

  Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration parts

  The different parts constituing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems such as the different valves, fans, compressors, condensers, filters and other components.

• Electrical wiring plans

  Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.

Skills

• Resolve equipment malfunctions

  Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.

• Perform test run

  Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.

• Operate welding equipment

  Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel; wear protective eyewear during the working process.

• Apply proofing membranes

  Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any membranes overlap top over bottom to prevent water from seeping in. Check the compatibility of multiple membranes used together.

• Maintain electronic equipment

  Check and repair electronic equipment. Detect malfunction, locate faults and take measures to prevent damage.

• Operate hot glue gun

  Operate the electric machine used to apply hot melt adhesive to join two pieces of material.

• Consult technical resources

  Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.

• Handle refrigerant transfer pumps

  Handle the different transfer pumps used to keep a refrigerant in the liquid phase at the right pressure for an optimal accuracy and speed of the charging station.

• Install heating furnace

  Place a furnace which heats air to be distributed around a structure. Connect the furnace to a source of fuel or electricity and connect any air ducts to guide the heated air. Configure the furnace.

• Maintain electrical equipment

  Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.

• Install heating boiler

  Place heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration boilers, which heats up water and circulates it through a closed radiator system to distribute heat around a structure. Connect the boiler to a source of fuel or electricity and to the circulation system. Connect it to the water supply if it features an automatic filling system. Configure the boiler.

• Install air conditioning device

  Install air conditioning devices, which remove heat, and often moisture, from the air through a variety of mechanisms. Create the necessary openings through walls and floors and place the device. Connect it to a power supply. Configure the device.

• Operate hand drill

  Use a hand drill to make holes in various types of material such as stone, brick and wood. Take care to use the appropriate equipment, settings, drill bit and pressure for the task.

• Conduct routine machinery checks

  Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.

• Use testing equipment

  Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.

• Use measurement instruments

  Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

• Install ventilation equipment

  Install equipment to enable the ventilation of a structure. Mount fans and install air inlets and outlets. Install ducts to permit the transfer of air. Configure the ventilation system if it is electronically controlled.

• Record test data

  Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.

• Install electrical and electronic equipment

  Install equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes switchboards, electric motors, generators or direct current systems.

• Install heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration ducts

  Install ducts to deliver and remove air. Determine whether the duct should be flexible or not, and select the appropriate material based on projected usage. Waterproof and airproof the duct and insulate it against temperature influence to ensure maximum efficiency and prevent contamination with mould. Make the correct connections between the ducts and endpoints.

• Perform maintenance on installed equipment

  Perform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Operate soldering equipment

  Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB