#airconditioning engineers

What do air conditioning engineers do?

Air conditioning engineers use specialist information and skills to make sure that products such as heat pumps and refrigerant gases are handled safely and securely.

It is important you try to reduce the impact on the environment as much as you can. Heat pumps are definitely an effective option for improving the environment. They only use around a third as much electricity as baseboard electric heaters and considerably less energy than gas or oil furnaces.

Air conditioning engineers install, service and maintain systems and equipment which maintain the quality, temperature and humidity inside rooms and buildings. Some of the tasks they might encounter along the way:

         Undertaking preparatory work

         Inspecting, testing, certificating, and commissioning

         Identifying faults with the equipment

         Providing functional and technical information to customers

         Build friendships with other air con engineers

         Oversee a range of different jobs

Air conditioning engineers usually work around 5 days a week, Monday to Friday. However, they need to be flexible with their hours, as the hours will depend on the project, priorities, and deadlines. Some engineers work for themselves or on short-term contracts and because of this, working hours can vary by the week.

The job can be quite difficult as some of the work may involve working outside as well as inside. When working outside, you might be positioned on a roof or building cramped into an uncomfortable position, and sometimes ladders and scaffolding may be required.

How much do air conditioning engineers earn?

Before you become a qualified air con engineer, you will most likely need to pass an apprenticeship. First year apprentices may start on around £10,000 per year and once completed and you are then qualified, you may earn between £20,000 and £27,000 a year. With a few years of experience, more experienced engineers may earn around £30,000 per year and upwards.

Vacancies for qualified engineers are usually advertised in the local newspaper or shop. These will most likely only be local jobs, whereas if you’re looking for something more complex, you may want to visit a recruitment agency which will have a larger selection of jobs available but most likely will not be as close.  

The air-con industry requires candidates to achieve the relevant NQV qualification at either Level 2 or 3. Candidates will achieve a technical certificate to attain qualified operative status. Most people start as an apprentice straight from school or college and gain these qualifications whilst working.  

Which company to choose for apprenticeship training?

There are many apprenticeship training providers in the Preston area who offer apprenticeship training. James Mercer has always been committed to training in Industrial and Commercial Heating and Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Plumbing trades.