HVAC Systems Installer Job Description and Salary

Find out an HVAC Systems Installer Job Description. Also, this article explains what an HVAC Installer does and the salary they make.

The human race has a burning desire to control their lives to bring ease, comfort, and luxury. For this reason, hundreds (if not thousands) of years of technological advancement are the outcome of this act.

One of these advancements is the origination of HVAC systems.

If you are a homeowner looking to install the most suitable HVAC system or you are looking to build a career as an HVAC systems installer, this article is for you.

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. An HVAC system is a piece of equipment, technology, and processes that go into heating, cooling, and ventilating a commercial or residential property most efficiently and comfortably possible.

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As these functions rely on airflow, ductwork is necessary to house and move the air inside and outside the building.

Not all HVAC installations require the need for ductwork, though. A good paradigm of such is the Mini Split HVAC System, which employs air handlers or blowers installed throughout the residence.

A typical HVAC system connects indoor and outdoor units to allow air movement. Most homes will have a furnace to perform the temperature-raising function for heating.

Furnaces come in different types and can use various fuel sources such as natural gas, electricity, propane gas, or oil. In contrast, cooling systems comprise an air conditioning unit or a heat pump, with the former performing only cooling functions and the latter performing both cooling and heating functions.

How Do HVAC Systems Work?

HVAC systems move air. Depending on the user’s preferences, warm or cold air move into or out of the premises.

The components of an HVAC system, being an AC, heat pump, or furnace, create the heat with the blower motor or ductwork to facilitate the movement of the air in the building.

An HVAC system tweaks the internal environment into a more favorable one since the home should provide comfort away from the harsh summer heat or the cold outside world.

An HVAC system has different ways by which it performs its functions. A blower could employ a forced air system that brings in or sends out air through ducts.

Warm air leaves through a set of vents, and cold air leaves through another set of ducts, depending on whether you are using the air conditioner or the furnace.

It can also employ the principle of gravity which denotes that while cold air sinks, warm air rises.

However, this cannot be used along with air conditioning systems but is excellent for heating systems. When put to work, the warm air rises and provides warmth to the premises inside the building.

Various components in an HVAC system make all these functions possible. They include:

The furnace heats the air. Inside the furnace is a heat exchanger which raises the temperature to the right degree and controls the rising temperature.

The refrigerant or coolant keeps the interior atmospheric condition cool. A general misconception is that Air Conditioners produce cold air.

They absorb ambient heat from the home’s interior and transport it to the outside environment. The refrigerant’s pressure is changed and sent in the air at a different temperature.

Any HVAC system relies on its thermostat. It controls the temperature or humidity and any other particular specifications installed in the system.

Installation of an HVAC System

It is generally and sensibly advised to seek the professional services of an HVAC systems installer.

Doing this ensures that the system will work efficiently and avoid unnecessary blowouts (malfunctions of the air handlers or blowers) or energy loss resulting from improper installation.

The cost of installation of a standard HVAC system varies. These factors include the size, location, and preferences of the professional charging firm, as well as the size of the building receiving installation.

A Central or Ducted HVAC system costs between $3,800 to $7,500, while a Mini Split or Ductless HVAC system costs between $4,000 to $14,500.

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Ducted or Ductless HVAC Systems, Which one is Better?

Ducted Central HVAC Systems

These make use of ductwork in the walls or ceilings of a building. They are the earliest HVAC systems, having been in use since the early 17th century.

Pros of Ducted HVAC Systems

Ducted HVAC systems are cheaper to install
They are better at controlling the humidity inside the home.
Their discrete nature enables them to be installed inside the walls
They are permanent because, being hidden in walls, they come to little or no harm.
They add value to a home’s resale index.

Cons of Ducted HVAC Systems

Repairs to ducts mean tearing down and mending walls which is a real hassle.
They have tended to be loud and noisy.
Dust can build up in chimneys, and this can contaminate the quality of the air.

Ductless or Mini Split HVAC Systems

These systems do not need ducts. Instead, they use air blowers. They were first used in 1959 by Mitsubishi but have undergone a series of evolutionary improvements into what they are today.

Pros of Ductless HVAC Systems

Ductless HVAC systems prevent wall damage.
Free flow of air prevents the accumulation of dust.
Conservation of energy. Ducts lead to energy loss which amounts to about 30% of the amount paid to run ducted systems monthly.
They are easier to install

Cons of Ductless HVAC Systems

Ductless systems are expensive to install
People do not like that it is visible outside the home as it may become faulty or, worse, stolen.

HVAC Systems Installer Job Description

An HVAC installer is a technical expert that specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems in residential homes, event centers, or organizations.

Duties of an HVAC System Installer

Perform maintenance routine to check the performance of the HVAC system.
Replace worn-out or faulty parts of the system.
When necessary, offer referral or advice on the best practice or tools to use to complement the systems
Perform warranty services.
Map out suitable places in the building to run the ducts for the HVAC systems installation.
Ensure proper connections and linkage in the installation of the systems.
Fill out all the necessary paperwork
Fix the installation of the wiring following the building codes and standards

HVAC Systems Installer Salary

For an HVAC system installer, the average salary in a year is $48,673, per the reports from ZipRecruiter

Skills of an HVAC System Installer

Technical Skills

It is essential to have basic and advanced knowledge of engineering systems and how to work with them.

Communication Skills

HVAC installers need to communicate their findings and suggestions to the customers.

Good Customer Service

A good customer service relationship is suitable for HVAC installers.

How to Become an HVAC System Installer

Start by earning your high school diploma or GED
Enroll in an HVAC program usually takes between 6-12 months
Embrace apprenticeship under a certified installer
Become certified, as this increases your chances of employment. You can do this by sitting for a series of exams.

Final Notes on HVAC Systems Installer

In the post, we dissected what HVAC systems are with some information regarding the types of HVAC systems. Furthermore, we talked about the job description of an HVAC installer.

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