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Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers

Also called: Refrigeration Mechanic, Refrigeration Technician, Service Technician, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Technician (HVAC / R Technician)

What they do:
Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.
On the job, you would:
  • Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
  • Adjust valves according to specifications and charge system with proper type of refrigerant by pumping the specified gas or fluid into the system.
  • Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • mechanical
  • computers and electronics
Business
  • customer service
  • management
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Skills

Basic Skills
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • talking to others
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Technical
  • repairing machines or systems using the right tools
  • figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use
  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers
Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems
Hearing and Speech
  • recognize spoken words

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Persistence

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Facilities management software
  • Facility energy management software
  • Johnson Controls Metasys
Data base user interface and query software
  • Database software

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
some college or
associate's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Bright Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
$43,380
per year, on average
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Green
This work is part of the green economy.

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about refrigeration mechanics and installers.