Service

HVAC service technicians work on both residential and light commercial projects. With residential service, technicians have direct contact with customers, so they must possess not only technical skills, but salesmanship, organizational and customer service skills. They service a wide variety of systems, such as gas and electric furnaces, heat pumps, geothermal, mini-splits, and ductless and floor radiant systems. Residential service technicians will be familiar with zoning systems, Wi-Fi thermostats, humidifiers, air cleaners, airflow distribution and UV lights.

When working on light commercial projects, service technicians perform maintenance and service on everything from building rooftop units to systems inside buildings such as apartments, retirement communities, hotels and college dorms. Light commercial service technicians have direct contact with building and office managers, patrons and employees, so they also must possess a high level of customer service skills.

Other than some of the other specialties, service technicians may work with a partner but commonly work independently.

Architectural

Architectural sheet metal is a combination of technical skill and artistry. Buildings rely on architectural sheet metal for function with attention to fastening and joining, managing expansion and contraction, moisture control, and sealing. But esthetics are important, too. Many stadiums and popular landmarks include architectural panels on the building’s skin, and if you spot stainless steel or copper structural elements and decorative features such as cornices, gutters and facades, it may be architectural sheet metal.

Career paths for architectural sheet metal include working outdoors at great heights installing wall panels and creating a piece of the city skyline.

HVAC

HVAC professionals fabricate and install high-volume mechanical systems in the shop and the jobsite for commercial projects and residential new construction. These systems deliver comfortable, conditioned air to commercial buildings such as schools, hospitals, airports, factories and office buildings.

Career paths can include a position as a shop fabricator or a field installer, where every project, including major sports stadiums and arenas, is a new adventure.

Industrial/Welding

Welding sheet metal isn’t just about creating sparks; it’s about having knowledge of the equipment and codes as well as the ability to work in sometimes unfavorable conditions. Industrial welders fabricate and install ductwork for dust collectors, ovens, stacks, particulate reclaim systems and paint booths, among others.

Career paths include working in an industrial shop or inside manufacturing, assembly and power plants.

Measuring & Detailing

Every project has to start somewhere, and most begin as a detailed, complex drawing. Using software such as AutoCAD, Revit and Fusion 360, among others, detailers work to make sure the project’s sheet metal components work together with other trades to allow for easy installation. They work with HVAC system designers to ensure their drawings convey the vision for functionality, efficiency and control design engineers intended.

Career paths include working for a general contractor, designing complex HVAC systems.

TAB

Testing, adjusting and balancing, or TAB, is a key part of air and water delivery in HVAC systems. Keeping airflow balanced throughout a building is an important part of ensuring the system performs as it was designed. Ventilation and air flow keep a building’s occupants comfortable and safe.

Career paths for TAB experts include TAB technician and supervisor; fire life safety testing, maintenance and inspections; and working in clean rooms in hospitals and microchip/technology plants.

FIND YOUR

SERVICE

ARCHITECTURAL

HVAC

INDUSTRIAL/ WELDING

MEASURING & DETAILING

TAB

Service

Architectural

HVAC

Industrial/Welding

Measuring & Detailing

TAB