One growing profession is that of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technician. As more homes are built, businesses expand, and the population grows, the demand for heat and cooling is growing. With so many of these types of systems currently operational, there is a high demand for qualified individuals who can both conduct routine maintenance on these systems to ensure that they are running properly as well as troubleshoot any issues that may occur over time as older models begin to wear out. So, what are some of the skills and qualities necessary to becoming a successful HVACR technician? These skills include good customer service, problem solving skills, critical thinking capabilities, good communication, the ability to adapt, and technical documentation recognition.
Skill #1: Good Customer Service
Unlike an office job, an HVACR technician is usually out in the field because this is where their customer base is located. Because you will speak directly in front of the consumer, it is imperative to have good customer service skills. This include putting the customer at ease, ensuring them that the problem will be resolved in a timely manner, and clearly and concisely answering any questions that the home or business owner may have along the way. If customers are satisfied with your skill and you have given them a positive feeling about the experience, they are much more likely to call you back the next time they have an issue with any of their HVACR systems.
Skill #2: Problem Solving Skills
Another skill that an HVACR technician must possess is that of problem solving. Issues are not readily noticeable, and the technician must think outside of the box to decide what has caused this particular issue. Troubleshooting a variety of different systems all of which perform different tasks is an invaluable skill that will quickly set you apart from colleagues. Most commonly, greater problem-solving skills often accompany years of experience. This means that getting to shadow someone who has been an HVACR technician for many years could serve to be an invaluable experience early in your career.
Skill #3: Critical Thinking Capabilities
In addition to troubleshooting, HVACR technicians must also have the skill of critical thinking. At times, the list of common issues that you may troubleshoot could fail to come up with a viable solution. This is when critical thinking will come in handy. By being able to recognize the issue and pair this to mechanical drawings of the HVACR systems, it may become much more clear what aspect of the system may be causing the issue. Critical thinking requires HVACR technicians not to become easily discouraged and instead push forward even when they are met with some adversity.
Skill #4: Good Communication
Communication can be the single most important skill for an HVACR technician. Not only must you communicate with your boss and your colleges who may be able to help troubleshoot a particular issue that you are experiencing, but you will also have to effectively communicate with the customer. This requires that you to explain complex issues and even more complex solutions to someone who knows little about the work that you do. In addition to verbal communication, written communication is also imperative. This ensures that all work completed is properly documented over time and that all emails from customers are clearly answered in a timely manner. If your lines of communication begin to falter, your job can become much harder in just a matter of days.
Skill #5: The Ability to Adapt
Being an HVACR technician in any field requires that you adapt to a new set of circumstances rather quickly. What may have worked for a particular issue at one site may not be a viable solution at another location. This will require you to quickly adapt and come up with multiple ways to remedy the issues.
Skill #6: Technical Document Recognition
Often the first step of completing any regularly scheduled maintenance or troubleshooting a broken unit is reviewing the technical drawings of the system. This will allow the HVACR technician to gain more insight into how the system is laid out, where particular parts of the system are located in the building, and what possible issue may be causing the problem. By recognizing the symbolism and other aspects of these technical drawings, HVACR technicians increase their probability of being successful on the job.
Final Thoughts
With this skill set obtained during an HVACR technician program, you can start earning in as little as 9 months. If you are handy with tools, are a good communicator, enjoy problem solving and have an ability to adapt than becoming a HVACR technician may be the right career for you.
Do you want to develop the skills to be a successful HVACR Technician? Does a career as a HVACR Technician interest you? The HVACR Technician Program at MIAT is 9 months in length for full-time students, assuming no interruption in training, and is offered at both the Michigan and Texas campuses. The training allows students to focus on their chosen field, graduating faster than it takes to earn a traditional 2 or 4-year college degree or complete a 3 to 5-year apprenticeship. To learn more about HVACR Technician career training and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page.
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MIAT College of Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
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