The New HVACR Technician Is All About the “Tech”

With the projected growth and job opportunities in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry, there’s never been a better time to become an HVACR technician in the New York City area. But before you start out on this career path, it’s important to understand the huge role that technology plays in HVACR.

“One of the fantastic things about this industry is that it has always moved forward with enhancements in technology and promoted change through best practices,” says Vincent Eckerson, Vice President of Operations at Arista Air Conditioning, who has been in the business for more than 20 years. “The big difference today is that advancements are happening more quickly than ever before.”

To stay competitive, HVACR companies are looking for technicians who are committed to staying current on all the latest technology changes and developments. That means being a successful HVACR technician today (and tomorrow) is not just about having good mechanical skills — it’s about fully embracing the “tech” side of the work.

What is driving the demand for tech-savvy HVACR technicians?

Let’s take a closer look.

New logic-based HVACR systems

The past 5 to 7 years have seen a rapid increase in changes to HVACR systems. The industry has evolved from analog to logic-based systems that have a lot of integrations.

For example, many HVACR systems now need to work with building automation and smart home systems to integrate control of various building operations — such as adjusting the temperature at different times of the day in different areas.

Today’s HVACR manufacturers make equipment with operating systems that use proprietary software. That means an HVACR technician needs to learn and keep up with each of those unique systems to service equipment from different manufacturers.

HVACR technology also changes due to the manufacturers’ ongoing efforts to make their systems more efficient, as well as the move to more environmentally friendly refrigerants.

These new and improved technologies require a skilled HVACR technician to be able to adapt existing equipment or install, maintain, and repair newer and ever-more complex systems. For instance, with the EPA-mandated phase-out of R22 refrigerant (freon), the next few years will see a lot of demand for technicians to replace or retrofit older systems to use newer refrigerants.

In addition, these newer and more complex systems can take extra time to install, maintain, and repair — adding to the demand for highly tech-savvy HVACR technicians.

Greater energy efficiency

Since HVACR systems are often the biggest energy consumers in a building, many of the new developments in the industry are geared toward increasing energy efficiency. In addition, concerns over climate change are driving the demand for more efficient systems.

With the passage of Local Law 97, as part of the NYC Climate Mobilization Act, buildings larger than 25,000 square feet will have to meet strict limits on greenhouse gas emissions in the next decade. Many of these building owners will look to HVACR technicians to help find solutions that improve the energy efficiency of their mechanical systems.

As the demand for renewable energy and green technology increases, the need for technicians who are trained in these technologies will also increase.

More advanced management and diagnostic tools

Advancements in the software and digital tools used for HVACR technician dispatch, invoicing, and field support have streamlined those processes. Today’s technicians use various smartphone and tablet applications to make keeping track of their work and time easier, more efficient, and more accurate.

Diagnostic instrument manufacturers are also creating tools that integrate with smart devices by leveraging Wi-Fi, GPS technology, and cellular data. For example:

• Images from infrared cameras and visual inspection linked to smartphones and tablets
• Data transmitted from electrical and moisture meters to thermal imagers
• Blower door and duct leakage testers with Wi-Fi readouts and controls
• Smart devices used for diagnostic instrument displays, communication, labeling, reporting, and online help

In addition, for technicians who have strong IT skills, there are opportunities to become an instructor, training other HVACR technicians how to use the latest troubleshooting and diagnostic tools.

What does new technology mean for an HVACR technician?

The learning never ends

With the expanding use of technology in the industry, a new HVACR technician must not only understand traditional mechanics and troubleshooting, but also have skills in electronics and computer technology.

It also helps to start out by learning the language of the HVACR business — something you can even do on your own with the help of your smartphone or computer.

Just as newer HVACR systems are more logic-based, the career of today’s HVACR technician is also logic-based. So, the ability to learn and work with new operating systems, equipment, and software over the long term is a necessity.

To stay relevant and add value in this new technology-driven field, technicians must continue to grow their technical know-how throughout their career.

Even a highly experienced HVACR technician who has been working in the industry for decades needs to learn how to use new tools and how to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair new systems.

Your employer makes a difference

Because there are so many different manufacturers with their own unique operating systems, it can be challenging to keep up.

So, when seeking employment as an HVACR technician, you want to work for a company that partners with manufacturers to provide training on new systems and technology enhancements. In addition, look for:

• A company culture that encourages continual learning and stresses the importance of keeping up with technology
• An internal training program that supports ongoing education
• A process that holds technicians accountable and recognizes those who put in the time and effort to learn new technology

Many technicians also opt to continue their formal education to learn the additional technical skills that green technology and other specialized jobs require. So, look for an employer that is supportive of your own continuing education efforts.

Are YOU ready to embrace new technology as an HVACR technician?

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HVACR Career Connect NY was created to promote the exceptional quality-of-life benefits of a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and also to provide a clear path for getting started in the profession. In doing so, we serve as a resource for employers in the New York City metro area to find and hire smart and capable new technicians. We also serve as an educational resource to support business growth and to help service technicians succeed in their chosen profession.