What Do Atlanta HVAC Companies Look for When Hiring New Technicians?
There are around 8,500 HVAC Technician jobs available each year. To get one, technicians need a variety of skills, backgrounds and aptitudes that make them ideal for this unique line of work. 
Training is important, but let’s keep it in context.
While you need to know about HVAC, if a technician has the soft skills and ability to stay on schedule, then a lot of the training will come on the job with the right Atlanta HVAC company.
At the same time, it needs to be a good fit. Technicians need to feel at home working on motors, hose lines and mechanical components. After all, once the HVAC tech is on the job, it’s on him to complete repairs and install any part of the system that’s required.
What Skills Does an HVAC Technician Need?
Fine people skills are an imperative for the HVAC technician, because his job takes him to the location of every one of his clients. These clients can be homeowners, property managers and building supers. There are many personalities and situations, and the HVAC tech must be able to get along with everyone in a tactful manner.
Being organized is always important. Because techs are running around to different jobs, it’s important that they be able to troubleshoot quickly, while efficiently making repairs and solving problems. The more calls the tech can handle each day, the more satisfied customers there will be at the end of each day.
It’s usually advisable for techs to get a formal certificate of training for HVAC. Programs may be 6 months to 2 years. Techs will also learn on the job but the training offered by a certificate program provides the credentials sought by both clients and HVAC companies. Formal training also provides the theoretical knowledge behind the trade skills of HVAC maintenance and repair.
Does a Technician Need a Valid Georgia HVAC License?
There are two classes of licensing. Class 1 requires four years of experience. Class 2 requires five years of experience, including documented installation of AC systems that have an output greater than 175,000 BTU’s of heating and 60,000 BTU’s of cooling.
The test evaluates the following areas of expertise:
- Laws
- AC system designs
- Installation
- Equipment
- Duct systems
- Flues and venting
- Gas piping and tubing
- Refrigerant piping
- Condenser piping
- Electrical control systems
- System operations
- Maintenance and repair
- Electrical equipment
Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all AC technicians who work with refrigerants (such as Freon) to be certified in its proper care and handling.
Important Skills Every HVAC Technician Should Have
Any HVAC tech working solo has to lift heavy parts, equipment and objects. Team workers also have to lift weighty objects.
They must be able to maintain accurate records of each visit, the work that was performed, and any equipment that was used.
Because technicians almost always get a call about a problem before seeing it, skilled HVAC techs are comfortable with troubleshooting the issue on the spot, as well as investigating and asking questions to find out what isn’t working.
For more information about what you should look for in an HVAC technician, call Anytime, Cooling and Plumbing 24/7 and get the help that you need.