Top 9 HVAC Technician Tips and Tricks That Every Technician Should Check

Are you an established technician?

Or are you beginning a new career as a technician in the HVAC industry? We know, starting a new career is always nerve-wracking. 

New home service technicians, in particular, encounter various problems that would demand anyone to be quick on their feet. 

But do not worry; we have compiled the top nine HVAC tech tips you must be aware of before entering the field or new tricks which might help you in the future!

So, let’s quickly get into these tips:  :

9 HVAC Technician Tips For Technicians to Check now

1. Ensure Your Safety

The physical demands and hazards of trade work are clear. Some of the professions with the highest risk of fatal injuries are listed in the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the 2017 National Census Of Fatal Occupational Injuries report:

• Workers in general maintenance and repair
• Supervisors that work directly with mechanics, installers, and repairers
• contractors’ helpers
• Electricians
• Assistance in the building industry
• Roofers

Sadly, many fatalities are brought on by commonplace situations like driving, falls, slips, and trips. Driving carefully, dressing appropriately, and wearing industrial-grade footwear are some practical safety measures you may take. 

You should also constantly be cautious. Speak with your manager to ensure you have all the recommended safety equipment for your specific role and to get further HVAC technician safety advice.

2. Focus on the Particulars

Like any new work, paying close attention to details is essential to impress your supervisor and simplify your life as an HVAC technician. There is much to keep track of between customer information, HVAC repair project specifics, price books, and much more. Your best option is to concentrate on customer service before you leave the house.

Do your best to collect any prior system service information your HVAC firm may have on the customer and take the time to recall the name of your next customer. You can show that you are well-prepared by doing so. Additionally, job histories and customer profiles give you information about the work you’ll be doing.

3. Make an Accurate Diagnosis

Nothing makes homeowners feel more uneasy than an HVAC technician who doesn’t appear to be skilled at what they are doing. Although you may be confident in your technical expertise and ability to complete the task, you must also consider the customer’s satisfaction.

Is the thermostat the problem? A heat pump or outdoor AC unit? A leak or insufficient refrigerant? Before you make the HVAC service call, familiarize yourself with the precise work you might need to accomplish on the customer’s cooling or heating systems. In this manner, you can prepare some straightforward problem-solving.

When it’s time to explain your diagnosis to the client, be precise and straightforward as much as possible, and refrain from employing technical or jargon-filled language, it will help to create customer confidence and prevent any uncertainty on the side of the homeowners by clearly explaining what is incorrect.

Customers are more inclined to trust your advice if you back it up with visual proof, such as images, diagrams, or video material. They are also less likely to look for a second opinion.

4. Request Assistance

Even after performing all the fundamental air conditioning system troubleshooting steps and double-checking your work, your efforts have been ineffective. Even though it may be humiliating, especially for inexperienced technicians eager to impress, never misdiagnose a homeowner to avoid an awkward conversation, don’t assume if you’re unsure whether the issue is with the compressor or condenser blower or simply a refrigerant leak.

Assure the client that you have done everything possible to locate the issue. Inform them that you are dedicated to fixing their problem and that your next course of action is to get in touch with the HVAC contractor.

Ask your supervisor for their professional opinion after being upfront and honest with them about the work you’ve previously completed. By doing so, you are adhering to the correct HVAC servicing processes set forth by corporate protocol.

From there, you may map out your next course of action for fixing the heating and cooling systems and let the client know what has to be done either right away or at a later visit when you can return with any extra tools, information, or assistance you might need to identify the issue correctly.

5. Engage with the Client

Don’t forget to listen when you’re speaking with customers. They don’t only want to be heard; they may also speed up your problem-solving process by contributing their ideas.

Does the air conditioning have a problem? Does the homeowner believe that the ducting is the problem? Do they appear to be especially worried about the pandemic? Even if consumers don’t understand the distinction between an evaporator and a heat exchanger, they still want to be heard.

As an HVAC technician, you should find out the customer’s perspective on the issue. Since when has it been happening? What do they consider to be wrong with the HVAC unit? Or if they have already tried to repair it?

What actions you take next can be determined by these queries. Before you get started, please respond to all of their inquiries. Customers are more likely to believe what you say if they feel heard. Inform the customer before leaving and let them know when they can expect you to return.

Avoid escalating the issue if you find yourself dealing with an irate consumer. Strive to speak impartially and directly address their problems. As a contractor, show compassion and avoid criticizing or demeaning a client by avoiding the actual issue.

Here are a few measures to immediately defuse the situation: express regret, accept responsibility, and tell the client that you are ready to make things right. Just remember to act professionally and that it may happen to anyone.

6. Stay Connected with your Team

The ability to communicate effectively with your team and customers will determine your success as a new HVAC professional. Your employer might already have established procedures and preferred communication channels, or they might need to update their tools for communication so that everyone on the team is on the same page.

If you forget a customer’s address, do you phone the dispatcher? When a consumer isn’t at home, who do you call? Ensure you receive precise instructions on how your entire team wants you to communicate with them immediately. If it’s still a mystery to you, you can start creating a routine for yourself.

With everyone who contributes to your daily work, decide on preferred communication channels and stick to them consistently to ensure nothing gets missed. However, it’s up to the homeowner or manager to put the right policies in place and create an efficient structure promoting open and consistent communication.

7. Be Organized

And we are not simply referring to financial matters. But in all seriousness, nobody likes to deal with a technician who is rummaging through an unorganized vehicle, leaves mud stains on the carpet, or appears to have lain low for a while.

How you manage yourself reflects how clients expect you to handle the job. Even if it means keeping a spare, spotless uniform neatly folded in the back of your truck, be well-groomed and presentable. Always take precautions to avoid any potential mess, whether donning boot covers or placing a tarp over your work area.

Make extra efforts to ensure that everything is cleaned up and put back as it was before you arrived at a job site before you left.

Finally, never be caught driving a messy van or vehicle. Some businesses have incentive programs in place because it’s so difficult to get technicians to clean out their vans. It will be a surefire method to win the boss over. 

8. Talk with the Client Directly

For several reasons, staying in touch with the client is a crucial first step. This initial communication has a customer service component, but it also plays a crucial role in your diagnostic efforts. It enables you to look deeper into the subject of the HVAC service call by asking some pointed questions.

When you first speak with the consumer, you might want to consider asking them the following questions:

• What initially led you to believe there was a problem with your HVAC system?
• Is this a brand-new issue for you, or has it happened before?
• Has the issue gotten worse with time?
• Is it sporadic or continuous?

These inquiries are intended to assist you in getting relevant data from the patient that will aid in your diagnosis.

You can be direct in your inquiries, but be sure to treat the responses with caution. Some eager clients may attempt to make their suggestions. Don’t allow these comments to lead you astray; instead, use the information you acquire to guide your routine activities.

9. Preliminary Inspection 

There is no need to make an HVAC service call too difficult. This is why it’s crucial to perform a preliminary inspection immediately to filter out any evident issues.

You might wish to check the following items during your HVAC service call:

• Air conditioner: One of the parts in HVAC systems that need replacement the most frequently is the air filter. Any discrepancies in the functioning of the heating or cooling system that first alerted your customer may be brought on by a filter that requires cleaning or replacement.
• Electrical components: What may appear to be a clear HVAC issue may only be an electrical issue’s symptom. These problems can endanger the HVAC system and generally be dangerous. Verify all electrical components’ connections, measure voltage and current, and gauge voltage.

For this stage of the procedure, you might need to refer to the wiring diagrams for the apparatus. Check the owner’s manual if you can’t find a diagram on the actual piece of equipment.

• Vents: Even the slightest obstruction can cause problems with ventilation systems, which are meant to transport dirt to filters. It’s crucial to inspect grills, ducts, and vents for any obstructions causing uneven airflow in the entire process.
• Smart thermostats: Ensure that the thermostat or primary control switch is turned to “on” before moving on to the next step in troubleshooting HVAC equipment that isn’t working. Additionally, you should confirm that it is adjusted to a temperature that will activate the appliance.

Conclusion

When working as a professional technician, try setting up little goals and tasks. Your talents will be polished in addition to your speed.

The leader of a team of technicians should provide the team members with challenges or tasks to complete while working together. In addition to boosting production and assisting the team, it can help assess each technician’s capability. However, keep in mind that setting reasonable targets will help to excite the technicians rather than demotivate them.

In today’s world of intense competition, simply being capable of doing the job is insufficient. Your ability to complete the task more quickly and efficiently will distinguish you from the competition. Any HVAC expert may increase productivity and quickness by implementing these recommendations.

And with these reliable tips and techniques, you’ll leave a lasting impact on your workforce. Even though working as a technician might be difficult, it is a fulfilling career.

To manage your HVAC technicians and jobs, you can use HVAC business management software to manage smoothly.