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HVAC Technician Interview Questions

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7 min read

An HVAC technician, or Heating and Cooling Tech, performs the manual labor for an HVAC company by installing or repairing customers’ systems. Their duties include diagnosing and performing repairs, installing new heating and cooling units and handling routine maintenance. These HVAC technician interview questions and answers can help you identify the right candidate quickly and confidently.

  1. What type of mobile HVAC technology have you used? See answer
  2. What steps do you take to ensure safety on the job? See answer
  3. How do you learn about new technology and standards in HVAC? See answer
  4. What types of HVAC systems are you most familiar with? Are there any that you have no experience with? See answer
  5. How do you handle situations where a client is upset about the cost of the service? See answer
  6. What is your approach to energy efficiency and environmental concerns? See answer
  7. How do you ensure you document your activities accurately? See answer
  8. Can you describe why proper duct sizing is essential? See answer
  9. Can you describe your process when you arrive at a client’s house to perform a repair?
  10. Can you explain a complex HVAC service call where you didn’t know how to handle the situation?
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Hire your next HVAC Technician today.

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Hire your next HVAC Technician today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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10 HVAC Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Can you describe your process when you arrive at a client's house to perform a repair?

This HVAC technician interview question helps you analyze a candidate's customer service skills and approach to handling a service call. You can better understand what they think is important and determine if their customer care approach aligns with your company. It's also a way to analyze the extent of their diagnostic and technical skills. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Customer-focused approach to greeting clients
  • Analytical thinking to diagnose problems accurately
  • Familiarity with common HVAC issues and tools
Example:

"I always present my credentials and greet the customer, verifying that I have the correct address. After listening to the owner's description of the problem, I begin my thorough diagnostics from top to bottom. I continue the checks, even if I find one problem early, to make sure I don't miss anything."

Can you explain a complex HVAC service call where you didn't know how to handle the situation?

This question can help you gauge the extent of the candidate's experience in the HVAC industry. If a basic HVAC problem was difficult for them, they might need more time to develop their skills. It also gives you insight into their analytical and problem-solving skills and their resourcefulness in challenging situations. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Multiple diagnostic strategies
  • Creative and safe solutions
  • Ability to ask for help or learn new skills when needed
Example:

"Early on in my career, I arrived for an installation where there were old pipes in the way that interfered with our work. I was unsure of how to proceed. Fortunately, I was able to refer back to my training notes and modify the existing pipes, allowing me to problem-solve and handle the work myself."

What type of mobile HVAC technology have you used?

Many HVAC companies use mobile solutions to handle dispatching, communication, customer records and invoicing. This question helps you determine how comfortable the applicant is with using technology and how willing they are to learn new programs. Previous experience in the tools you use can shorten the training and onboarding process. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Experience with ServiceTitan, FieldEdge or other mobile service apps
  • Familiarity with common features
  • Understanding of how the apps streamline the workload
Example:

"Mobile tools are essential to me as an HVAC technician because I have access to all necessary information while I'm in the field. I previously used ServiceTitan, but my current company recently switched to FieldEdge, so I feel comfortable with both apps."

What steps do you take to ensure safety on the job?

Safety is essential in the HVAC industry, so it can be helpful to assess each candidate’s experience with safety protocols and whether they prioritize it. It's also a way to verify that they know all of the typical safety protocols you expect. The answer can tell you how much ownership they take in the safety of your customers. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Responsibility for keeping customers and their homes safe
  • Routine safety procedures they follow
  • Well-rounded approach to HVAC safety
Example:

"I play a crucial role in safety, which is why I always wear the standard safety gear and ensure I safeguard the work area. Because I'm NATE-certified and regularly take HVAC classes, I stay current on all relevant codes and regulations and always make sure I follow them exactly."

How do you learn about new technology and standards in HVAC?

This question assesses how much priority the interviewee places on continuing education. A candidate who seeks out new information and stays current on industry technology may be able to offer more innovative, efficient service to your customers, which could improve customer satisfaction. It could indicate a commitment to the industry and to offering exceptional service. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Membership in industry organizations
  • Participation in ongoing education beyond the minimum
  • Understanding of the importance of staying current
Example:

"I'm fortunate that my current company offers ongoing education, and the learning programs you offer are what drew me to this position. As a NATE-certified HVAC technician, I have access to additional ongoing education. I also read trade publications and follow major industry manufacturers online."

What types of HVAC systems are you most familiar with? Are there any that you have no experience with?

With this HVAC technician interview question for employers, you gain an understanding of how varied the candidate's experience is. It helps you determine if they can work on the types of equipment you service with little to no additional training. If they don't have experience with a specific type of equipment, you can determine if you're willing to train them on-the-job. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Wide variety of HVAC equipment types
  • High proficiency with the system types you service
  • Willingness to learn new systems
Example:

"I've repaired, installed and maintained all types of residential HVAC systems, including central systems, ductless mini-splits and heat pumps, made by all major manufacturers. I recently completed training on geothermal systems, and I've begun working on commercial heating and cooling systems."

How do you handle situations where a client is upset about the cost of the service?

Because HVAC technicians perform customer-facing duties in addition to the technical parts of the job, this question helps evaluate how they would handle common interactions with customers. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Negotiation and customer service skills
  • Emotional intelligence and empathy
  • Effective conflict resolution skills
Example:

"I recently had a customer who misunderstood the quote for the work and complained about the final price. I let them share their concerns, and we reviewed the estimate together to identify where the confusion was. I also verified that the pricing was correct to ensure I didn't make a mistake. Because it was a larger bill, I offered the option of our payment plan."

What is your approach to energy efficiency and environmental concerns?

With this question, you can evaluate the applicant's knowledge of energy-saving options. If environmentally friendly solutions are a key part of your company, the candidates' answers can help you find a new hire that shares the same values. You may learn if the candidate has eco-friendly experience or a willingness to learn. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Ability to explain energy-saving philosophies
  • Understanding of efficiency ratings for HVAC equipment
  • Attention to the needs and preferences of customers
Example:

"I always educate customers on their energy-saving options, whether they're looking for a new system or are having a tune-up on their older equipment. I encourage all customers to have an energy audit performed, and I give them tips to improve energy efficiency based on what I see."

How do you ensure you document your activities accurately?

This question helps you determine how detail-oriented the person is. An organized candidate may be more likely to describe specific steps they take to keep accurate records about client interactions and services performed. Having detailed documentation can help you resolve customer issues and handle future service calls more efficiently. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Understanding of different record-keeping methods
  • Prioritization of documenting situations accurately
  • Familiarity with HVAC software for documenting client information
Example:

"I always review a client's file before the visit to check for a history that could help with the new service call. I leave thorough details in every customer's profile after the service, documenting all interactions and details about the equipment. HVAC software is a helpful way for me to document interactions while saving time."

Can you describe why proper duct sizing is essential?

Asking this or similar technical questions can allow you to evaluate the candidate's knowledge of the industry. Their answer can help demonstrate a mastery of the industry terminology and important concepts within heating and cooling. Determine what types of technical questions you ask based on the experience level you expect from candidates. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

  • Proper use of HVAC terminology
  • Accurate explanation of the concept
  • Demonstration of how to measure or calculate various HVAC components
Example:

"Getting the duct sizing correct is essential for optimal airflow and proper static pressure within the system. A miscalculation could limit airflow or cause inconsistent temperatures throughout the home. I have calculated the proper duct size for multiple projects, using various calculation methods."

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