HVAC Technician

You're the person everyone calls in August when their AC dies. You'll work in attics that hit 140°F, basements that haven't seen light since the Cold War, and occasionally a nice commercial building with good snacks in the break room.

What you'll actually do

• 01Diagnose heating and cooling system failures
• 02Install new HVAC units and ductwork
• 03Perform routine maintenance and filter replacements
• 04Recharge refrigerant and check for leaks (in an attic that's basically a sauna)
• 05Read technical manuals for systems built before you were born
• 06Climb ladders, crawl in attics, and squeeze into tight spaces
• 07Explain to customers why a new unit costs that much

Career Path

Where this role sits in the bigger picture — and where it can take you.