HVAC Technician Job Description + Free Template [2023]

An HVAC technician job description can make or break whether quality candidates apply for an open position. To stand out, the job description needs not only clear-cut roles and qualifications, but a compelling portrayal of the company's culture and benefits.

Table of Contents

What Does an HVAC Technician Do?

Common HVAC Technician Responsibilities

Common HVAC Technician Education, Requirements and Skills

HVAC Technician Job Description Template

Whether you're an HVAC contractor seeking to draw in top-tier talent or an aspiring technician looking for the ideal position, this article discusses the common responsibilities and requirements of an HVAC technician, and includes a free HVAC technician job description template. 

What Does an HVAC Technician Do?

An HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician installs, maintains, and repairs commercial and residential HVAC equipment to ensure optimal indoor air quality and comfort. This includes furnaces, heat pumps, chillers, boilers, air conditioning units, ventilation systems, air quality systems, compressors, and humidifiers/dehumidifiers. 

Communication skills are equally as important for an HVAC technician as the technical know-how. Technicians often interact directly with clients, explaining issues, providing maintenance tips, and discussing potential system upgrades. Building trust and rapport with customers is essential, as it ensures a positive experience and may lead to repeat business or referrals that help grow the HVAC business.

Common HVAC Technician Responsibilities

Some of the main and most common HVAC technician responsibilities include the following:

• HVAC installation in residential, commercial, and industrial settings

• Performing routine maintenance tasks and warranty work to ensure the efficient and safe operation of HVAC systems

• Diagnosing and troubleshooting system malfunctions, then performing the appropriate HVAC system repairs

• Recharging refrigerant levels, checking for leaks, and ensuring the refrigerant cycle is functioning correctly in air conditioning, and refrigeration systems

• Performing energy-efficiency upgrades, like installing smart thermostats or sealing ducts

• Explaining maintenance procedures to customers and providing recommendations for system upgrades or replacements

• Maintaining accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and service calls

Common HVAC Technician Education, Requirements and Skills

Some common HVAC technician requirements and skills are:

• Knowledge of the fundamentals of how residential heaters, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment operate and function

• Ability to mentor and train less-experienced team members

• Solid communication and excellent customer service skills

• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

• Proficient in reading schematics, blueprints, and work plans

• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen

• GED or high school diploma

• NATE certification in six specialties

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification

• Required state licensing for HVAC technicians 

Due to common working conditions, candidates must be able to function in extreme temperatures, and have the ability to lift heavy equipment, work in confined spaces, and climb ladders.

While not typically required, it’s helpful if candidates have work experience with field service technology, which empowers them to arrive at job sites fully informed and close more sales. For example, ServiceTitan Mobile syncs with the office, so techs have all the information collected when the customer first calls in. 

They can also access customer profiles from their phone or tablet, which include job histories, prior invoices, photos, and voice notes. And with the ability to build professional estimates in just a few taps, technicians close more jobs in the field. 

HVAC Technician Job Description Template

With a better understanding of the core job duties and experience requirements of an HVAC technician, it’s time to write a job description that attracts top talent to your shop. The following HVAC job description template provides a starting point. Customize it to incorporate any specific requirements or values for your HVAC company employees. 

HVAC Technician 

The HVAC technician performs semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The Service Technician 1 provides exceptional customer service and educates customers regarding technical and investment decisions by providing multiple options and solutions while making service calls in customers’ homes. Requires two years of verified residential service.

► Primary responsibilities:

• Service, repair, and/or propose replacement of gas furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, electric furnaces, packaged terminal units, ductless split systems, humidification and dehumidification equipment, electronic air cleaners and air purification systems, and residential control systems, including Evolution and zoning systems.

• Troubleshoot, adapt, and resolve/repair all issues to keep equipment functioning properly.

• Test each system after service/repair is complete to ensure the system is functioning properly.

• Perform proper inspection of customer systems to prevent future issues.

• Explain to customers each service and repair performed.

• Assess systems and assist the customer in making a buying decision through detailed education of system needs as well as a thorough cost/benefit analysis of purchasing a new system.

• Accurately document:

• Age and type of each system component on invoices

• Services completed

• Discussion with customers regarding current and/or future equipment/service requirements

• Invoices and costs for service

• Debrief with dispatch after each service call.

• Turn in all parts receipts, packing slips, contracts, and invoices daily.

• Wear floor savers while working in client homes.

• Inspect area for cleanliness after job completion.

• Maintain company vehicle, ensuring cleanliness and organization, both inside and out.

• Always maintain a professional image by:

• Wearing only company-approved apparel

• Following safety policies and procedures

• Abiding by all standards of performance and code of ethics

• Maintaining a courteous demeanor with all customers and associates

• Respecting the customer’s property

• Participate in company-sponsored training classes.

• Assist in mentoring and training maintenance technicians and service technicians.

► Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a service technician in a residential service and maintenance operation

• Knowledge of the fundamentals of operational functionality of residential heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment

• Ability to mentor and train less-experienced team members

• Solid communication and excellent customer service skills

• Must have appropriate trade tools

• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen

► Educational/certification requirements:

• GED or high school diploma

• NATE certification in six specialties

• EPA certification

• Preferred: Associate’s degree in related field

► Work environment conditions:

• Extreme temperatures

• Climbing, heavy lifting, loud noise, crawling, working in confined spaces, pushing/pulling, carrying equipment, bending, turning, kneeling

► Physical requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and climb ladders and stairs

• Ability to work in confined spaces and to maneuver in attics, basements, and crawl spaces to access HVAC units

• Ability to continually climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl

• Natural or corrected vision to see and focus for close, distance, and peripheral vision with normal depth perception

• Work assignments may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to a known disability

Once the HVAC service applications start rolling in, prepare your HVAC technician job interview questions to find the ideal candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have lingering questions about HVAC technician careers? Read on.

What is the salary of an HVAC technician?

According to Indeed, the average wage of an HVAC technician is $27.30 hourly, with a range of $16.73 to $44.55. This amounts to $33,530 to $89,291 annually, with the average being $54,717.

When should I add an HVAC technician to my company?

You should add an HVAC technician to your company when your business experiences an increase in service demands that you can't efficiently handle with your current resources, or if you want to expand service offerings or geography.

What are the main skills an HVAC technician needs?

The main skills required for an HVAC technician are:

• Excellent communication 

• Technical proficiency with HVAC systems

• Troubleshooting/problem-solving skills

• Attention to detail

• Physical stamina

Field service platforms like ServiceTitan HVAC software help complement a technician’s skills by providing the tools they need to operate more efficiently in the office or field. Get started with a free demo.