Will AI Replace Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?

Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Supervise and instruct assistants.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, and refilling non-toxic refrigerants.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Test pipes, lines, components, and connections for leaks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.