Knowledge an HVAC Journeyman should equip
1. What Is an HVAC Journeyman?
A highly skilled specialist that installs and fixes HVAC systems is known as an HVAC journeyman, or HVAC contractor. They are responsible for creating new systems, maintaining existing ones, and making repairs after determining the client’s needs and the building’s limits. They may also be responsible for performing routine maintenance to keep systems operating well. The most efficient and cost-effective heating and cooling alternatives are offered to customers by those in this line of work.
2. Journeyman HVAC Technician Salary
The average annual salary for a journeyman HVAC technician in the United States as of November 21, 2022 is $60,797.That works out to be approximately $29.23 an hour, equivalent to $1,169/week or $5,066/month.
>> Read more: HVAC Career: What Are The Pros And Cons
3. Journeyman HVAC Duties
3.1. Installation
The HVAC technician will install the unit selected by the design expert if an architect or architectural engineer specifies an HVAC system as part of a building’s blueprints. Before beginning the installation, a professional will do the calculations to determine what HVAC system is suitable for a building. The HVAC technician will connect the HVAC unit to the ductwork or distribution system and test the system’s plumbing and connections. He will also add refrigerant to the system as an EPA-certified refrigerant technician. The HVAC system’s electrical and electronic components are also installed by a specialist.
3.2. Repair
A journeyman HVAC technician finds the issue and fixes the system when an HVAC system malfunctions, whether the issue is with the actual equipment, the thermostats or other controls, the air handling system, compressors, or the refrigerant level. Additionally, a professional will add refrigerant to the system as needed. An HVAC expert will test the system once it has been fixed to make sure it is still operating correctly.
3.3. Maintenance
Any HVAC maintenance schedule includes seasonal maintenance of the air handler and any heating or cooling components. The blower fan is examined and cleaned by an HVAC professional, who also examines the cooling system’s coolant level and the thermostat’s operation. These maintenance visits, which are advised twice annually at the start of the autumn and the spring, guarantee the system’s ongoing effectiveness all through the year.
4. Working Conditions of HVAC Journeyman
An HVAC journeyman operates in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, including residential, commercial, industrial, and public settings. They are exposed to all types of weather, including cold, heat, wind, rain, and snow. The place may be affected by the weather, which could expose the person to mud and water.
5. How to Become an HVAC Journeyman
To become a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) journeyman or HVAC contractor, you must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. A journeyman HVAC exam must also be passed in order to obtain the license required by your state. Although requirements for licenses can vary, you almost always need a high school certificate and prior experience working as an apprentice.
>> Read more: EPA 608 Certification
6. Knowledge an HVAC Journeyman should equip
6.1. Gas, Electric, and Heat Pump Heating Systems
As an HVAC technician, you’ll almost certainly be working on heating systems. You must have a thorough understanding of how they operate whether you’re installing, repairing, or performing routine maintenance on them. The three most prevalent forms of heating systems in homes and businesses are gas furnaces, electric furnaces, and heat pumps.
You need to be aware of the nuances of how each kind of heating system works. You must learn about all three, their components, and the steps necessary for maintaining, repairing, and installing them because each type of heating system has a different way of producing heat. Heat pumps are completely different from gas- and electric-burning furnaces in almost every regard.
6.2. Residential and Commercial Refrigeration
Did you know that working with refrigeration systems is an important aspect of being an HVAC technician? You will be expected to deal with residential and/or commercial-grade walk-in refrigerators and freezers once you begin your career. You may be sure that you are fully experienced and aware regarding this area of the HVAC industry by understanding residential and commercial refrigeration.
6.3. Principles of Electrical Circuits
Different HVAC systems may experience a variety of mechanical issues. To fix many HVAC system difficulties, you’ll usually need to work with electrical circuits.
Working with electricity is always risky, so it’s crucial to understand and adhere to proper protocols and safety measures. You must therefore arm yourself with the information required to handle all of these electrical circuits in a safe manner.
6.4. HVAC/R Computer Fundamentals
In the current world, nearly every industry has been impacted by the development of technology, and the HVAC/R sector is no different. Computerized controls have become more common in contemporary HVAC/R systems. Even while not all of the tasks you’ll accomplish as an HVAC technician will be concerned with the electronic components of the equipment, knowing how they operate will undoubtedly make you more effective at what you do.
6.5. Low Voltage Controls and Thermostats
Low-voltage thermostats typically have a voltage range of 12 to 24 volts. They can use control signals to run the main HVAC system in the house instead of running individual heating units.
To work as an HVAC technician, you should become knowledgeable about the distinctions between low and high voltage thermostats, as well as their most typical applications and how to handle them safely. You’ll frequently need to be an authority on low-voltage thermostats if you want to assist property owners with HVAC-related issues in their homes or places of business.
6.6. Customer Service and Safety
The safety and comfort of their clients are the primary concerns of the majority of HVAC specialists. HVAC systems can be quite harmful if handled carelessly or improperly. You must therefore be knowledgeable of the appropriate safety measures and procedures. Your top focus should always be your safety.
You must have practical experience in addition to learning about how HVAC systems work. Externships are a fantastic opportunity to enhance your resume and stand out from the competition while applying for jobs. You will learn valuable skills in the field via an externship.
7. What is a Journeyman’s License for HVAC Techs?
For an HVAC journeyman to be eligible to sit for a state-licensed journeyman’s exam, they often need to complete a predetermined number of hours of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
It’s true that you need to absorb a great deal of HVAC knowledge to become an HVAC journeyman. If you are having difficulty with memorizing such a huge amount of knowledge, let our HVAC Practice Tests and HVAC Flashcards help you.
With HVAC Practice Test, you can practice with hundreds of questions that cover all the knowledge of HVAC. Taking a free online test can let you determine how much better prepared you are for the official exam and obtain a sense of the format and content of the real test.
We provide you with multiple sets of flashcards, which are divided into 5 different sections to practice: HVAC Basics; HVAC Controls; HVAC Electrical Basics; HVAC Journeyman IMC Code; HVAC Oil and Gas Heating. These flashcards will make it easier to grab the knowledge and remember information longer, so that you can get ready for the Journeyman HVAC Technician Exam.