In the world of HVAC, there are many common mistakes that new technicians make on the job. These can be costly, not just in terms of money but also your reputation. If you’re starting out as an HVAC technician, you have a lot to learn and plenty of opportunities to make mistakes. However, you don’t have to let your inexperience hold you back. With the right approach and a bit of education, you can avoid these common HVAC mistakes and become an expert technician who takes pride in their work and delivers excellent results every time.

Not taking the time to learn

One of the biggest mistakes new HVAC technicians make is not taking the time to learn. You have to be willing to invest time in learning the basics of HVAC. There are many resources available to help you, including online tutorials, classes, and manuals. However, if you don’t take the time to learn, you’ll never be able to reach your full potential as a technician. You’ll also be at risk of making some of the more common HVAC mistakes, including not following proper protocols and not knowing when to seek help when you need it.

Not knowing your equipment inside and out

Another common mistake new HVAC technicians make is not knowing their equipment inside and out. You need to know the ins and outs of your equipment in order to perform it properly and safely. This includes knowing how to use the different parts of the unit, how to troubleshoot problems, and how to install and repair equipment. If you don’t know your equipment well, you’ll be unable to provide high-quality service to your clients. You’ll also be at a higher risk of making some of the more common HVAC mistakes, including using the wrong parts or not knowing when to call in a technician for help.

Forcing it

Another common mistake new HVAC technicians make is trying to force the unit to work in ways it shouldn’t. For example, you might be trying to repair an older unit but are using tools designed for newer models. Doing so may not only be ineffective but could also put you at risk of making some of the more common HVAC mistakes, including damaging the unit and not following proper protocols. You need to use the right tools to repair an older unit, and you need to follow proper protocols when working on any type of unit. If you try to force the older unit to work the way you want it to, you’re likely to make a lot of mistakes and have a hard time getting the repairs done.

Not following protocols

Another common mistake new HVAC technicians make is not following proper protocols. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing and repairing equipment. If you don’t, you’re likely to make some of the more common HVAC mistakes, including installing the wrong parts and not knowing how to properly troubleshoot problems. If you don’t follow protocols, you’re also likely to make mistakes that could put you and your clients at risk. For example, if you don’t know how to properly troubleshoot and repair a unit, you could end up causing more damage and exposing your clients to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just starting out as an HVAC technician or have been in the industry for years, it’s important to avoid making the common HVAC mistakes. You don’t want to damage your reputation or end up in a situation where you have to pay for expensive repairs out of your own pocket. With the right approach and a bit of education, you can avoid these common HVAC mistakes and become an expert technician who takes pride in their work and delivers excellent results every time.

Frequently Asked Question

HVAC service maintenance can be performed once or twice a year, depending on usage. If it runs intermittently, then once a year is usually enough.

In addition to your air conditioner and furnace, HVAC includes combined systems like heat pumps and indoor air-quality equipment like air purifiers. It also encompasses the control systems and smart thermostats that help everything work together.

It's recommended that you service your home air conditioning system at least once every year. The same goes for your heating system.
  1. Check the Battery. If your thermostat is battery-powered, the first thing you should look at is the battery life
  2. Clean Dust and Debris
  3. Test Heating and Cooling
  4. Clear Debris
  5. Clear Fins
  6. Make sure Unit is Leveled
  7. Finishing Up
  8. Clean Evaporator Coil
Here are the average life expectancies of different HVAC systems: Air conditioners and heat pumps: 10 to 15 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years. Geothermal: 30 years.