An HVAC technician provides many services. Installation, repair and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning or HVAC systems are one choice. Specialization in heating, air conditioning or refrigeration is another. Preparing for a career in this field will entail an apprenticeship or attending classes or both. The classes may be taken at a community college, a trade school or online.

When choosing an apprenticeship, the average is from three to five years. The apprenticeships are sponsored in combination by union chapters in many areas. The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association is one and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America is another.

An HVAC technician can be responsible for a variety of duties. The inspection and testing of systems to ensure they are working properly are part of the duties of some technicians. Others may be responsible for ensuring that standards are being complied with and procedures and policies are being followed. This will include maintaining a safe work area.

Still others may use electrical equipment to test for continuity of circuits and components. After making repairs and reassembling HVAC systems, many technicians are responsible for testing equipment to make certain the repairs were completed correctly.

Specific duties of the technician may vary according to the situation and time of year. During the winter months, the concentration is on the maintenance of heating systems. The cleaning, which allows more efficient operation as well as prevention of high carbon monoxide levels, which can be deadly is essential. Thermocouples are checked, flame levels are adjusted and testing for gas leaks are all part of the duties of a technician.