Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics

What the job involves

• Establishing job requirements from drawings and specifications, and laying out installation reference points
• Drilling holes, installing mounting brackets and cutting, bending and threading piping
• 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
• Bolting, soldering, riveting, welding and brazing pipes to connect equipment, and checking alignment and accuracy of fit
• Filling systems with gas or fluid to check for leaks
• Test-operating refrigeration systems, checking mechanisms and making adjustments
• Removing test gas and fluid using vacuum pumps, and filling with refrigerant
• Checking and overhauling refrigeration systems, diagnosing faults and repairing and replacing defective components
• Adjusting system controls and mechanisms and reassembling systems
• Recording causes of malfunctioning and action taken

Key values of workers in Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics

• Independence

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

• Working Conditions

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

• Relationships

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

• Achievement

  Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

• Recognition

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Top skills required for workers in Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Troubleshooting

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Installation

  Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

• Repairing

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.