Typical Day in HVAC

Crews typically start their days at 6:00 AM  and report straight to the job site or to the warehouse depending on whether you work in multi-family or residential. Everyone convenes at their local shops at 6:00am every morning to unload excess materials, clean out trucks, and load up materials for the job(s) scheduled for the day. Once loaded everyone heads out to the job site.

Once on the jobsite a typical work day for a HVAC installer generally consists of working with a crew of 3 to 4 other installers to complete a rough-in install. A rough-in is considered the installation of the HVAC system in a new house after it has been framed, but before insulation / drywall. The installation includes installing the air handler / furnace, hanging and running ductwork, making connections to plenums, wiring units, brazing copper, condensate drains, roof flashings, dryer boxes / dryer vents, and range venting.

There is also a finish phase where a 1-2 man crew installs the condenser unit outside, wires the thermostat, commissions the HVAC system into operation, and installs range hoods / hooks up range venting. During both rough in and finish stages, the day ends once the job is finished.

With any trade, employees may be relied on to be flexible within their day as different scenarios arise. An individual may get called during the day to run an unexpected service call, correct a punch item, meet with a builder / homeowner / inspector, etc.

To start as an HVAC installer the most common tools needed to install the ductwork include a tool belt, impact drill, hammer, tape measure, aviation snips, a zip tie tensioner, and a pair of construction grade scissors. As someone progresses in their career there is a bevy of other tools needed, but those mentioned are the tools needed to start.