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Air conditioning & heating mechanics assemble,
install, test, service and repair industrial, commercial and domestic
heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems in homes, shops,
factories, office buildings, hospitals, and supermarkets.
Air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
install, maintain and repair heating, cooling and refrigeration systems and
equipment. They may install ducted air-conditioning in a family home, or
build large walk-in refrigeration units for businesses needing mass food
storage. They bolt and build units into buildings with brackets, piping, gas
and water lines, cabling and wires. Following pre-set specifications, they
use motors, pumps, filters, switches and gauges to put together the heating
or cooling system that is required for the job.
In Australia,
air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics are mainly employed by
installation service maintenance and manufacturing firms that service shops,
hotels and factories. Others can find work with firms that specialise in
cold storage, food treatment plants and refrigeration on ships.
ANZSCO ID: 3421
Alternative names: Air conditioning
and heating mechanic
Knowledge, skills and attributes
An airconditioning and refrigeration mechanic needs:
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to enjoy practical work
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technical aptitude
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good hand eye co-ordination
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good fitness, with an ability to lift heavy pieces of
equipment
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the ability to follow instructions
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to be precise in their work.
Duties and Tasks
This occupation may include associated
occupations with varying tasks.
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establishing job requirements from
drawings and specifications, and laying out installation reference
points
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drilling holes, installing mounting
brackets and cutting, bending and threading piping
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installing and repairing components
such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, switches and
gauges, and copper lines for steam, gas, refrigerant, compressed air,
oil and chilled water
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bolting, soldering, riveting,
welding and brazing pipes to connect equipment, and checking alignment
and accuracy of fit
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filling systems with gas or fluid
to check for leaks
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test-operating refrigeration
systems, checking mechanisms and making adjustments
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removing test gas and fluid using
vacuum pumps, and filling with refrigerant
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checking and overhauling
refrigeration systems, diagnosing faults and repairing and replacing
defective components
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adjusting system controls and
mechanisms and reassembling systems
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recording causes of malfunctioning
and action taken
Working conditions
Air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics work wherever
they are required to install heating and cooling systems. These locations
can be indoors or outdoors, at factories, industrial plants, restaurants,
licensed premises, offices, private dwellings or construction sites. Their
work environments can often be cramped, noisy, dirty or humid. Sometimes,
they may have to work at heights. They usually work normal business hours,
but may be required to be on call, day or night, to conduct emergency
repairs.
Tools and technologies
Air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics use drills, spanners,
screwdrivers, hammers, welding equipment, pumps and grinders to install and
repair heating and cooling units. Since their working environment can
sometimes be hazardous, they are often required to wear personal protective
equipment (PPE), which may include bright and reflective safety gear, hard
hats, earmuffs, goggles, masks and enclosed steel-capped boots.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, you usually need
to complete an apprenticeship. The air conditioning and refrigeration
mechanic – engineering trade apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to
complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.
To work as an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic in Australia, you
must obtain a restricted electrical licence. Contact the EnergySafety
Division of the Department of Commerce (in each State)
for more information.
To work with refrigerant chemicals in Australia, you must apply for a
refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council
(ARC).
Apprenticeships and traineeships
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with
an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical
skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training
with a registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your
skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a
nationally recognised qualification.
If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your
school. You generally start your school based apprenticeship by attending
school three days a week, spending one day at a registered training
organisation and one day at work. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to
start your training now through VET in Schools. If you get a full-time
apprenticeship you can apply to leave school before reaching the school
leaving age.
If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or
traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.
Did You Know?
The average 6 room house collects
18.1437Kilograms [40 pounds] of
dust a year.
Air ducts have more germs than a chicken coop.
EPA claims indoor air has been found to be up to 70% more polluted
than outdoor air.
A build up of 10.668mm [0.42 inches]
of dirt on a heating or cooling coil can result in a decrease in
efficiency of 21%.
(Source:
Elite)
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