Specialty Summary. Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, combustion equipment, and industrial air compressors. Maintains and repairs non-electric kitchen equipment. Manages HVAC and R functions and activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Installs and operates HVAC and R systems and equipment. Interprets drawings and schematics, and installs HVAC and R components. Installs, repairs, fabricates, and tests piping and tubing systems. Installs, connects, troubleshoots, and maintains HVAC and R controls. Tests HVAC and R equipment for proper operation. Balances air and water in HVAC systems. Monitors systems operation to ensure efficiency and compliance technical orders, manufacturer handbooks, local procedures, codes, and directives. Evaluates water treatment for heating and cooling systems. Ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations for fuels, refrigerants, and hazardous materials.
Maintains, and repairs HVAC and R equipment and systems. Performs recurring maintenance and seasonal overhaul on systems and components. Uses drawings and schematics to analyze and isolate system malfunctions. Troubleshoots malfunctions. Repairs or replaces components. Modifies equipment for specific missions or to increase efficiency.
Maintains tools and equipment. Maintains shop tools and equipment.
Advises on problems installing and repairing HVAC and R equipment and systems. Solves maintenance problems by studying layout drawings, wiring and schematic drawings, and analyzing construction and operating characteristics. Develops and establishes operation and maintenance procedures to ensure maximum efficiency.
Performs planning activities. Performs facility surveys. Surveys proposed work to determine resource requirements. Prepares cost estimates for in-service work. Applies engineered performance standards to plan and estimate jobs. Coordinates plans and other activities.
Specialty Qualifications:
Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: principles of HVAC and R systems, controls, and components; combustion systems; air and water balancing; non-electric kitchen equipment; industrial air compressors; interpreting drawings and schematics; fundamentals of HVAC and R equipment and troubleshooting techniques; industrial water treatment; environmental regulations for fuels, refrigerants, and hazardous materials; and military and commercial publications and environmental regulations.
Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in mathematics, general science, physics, shop mechanics, electricity, and computer fundamentals is desirable.
Training. For award of AFSC 3E131, completion of a basic HVAC and R course is mandatory.
Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
3E151. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3E131. Also, experience in functions such as operation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC and R equipment and control systems.
3E171. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3E151. Also, experience performing or supervising functions such as operation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC and R equipment and control systems.
3E191. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3E171. Also, experience managing functions such as inspecting, operating, maintaining, and repairing of HVAC and R systems.
Other. The following are mandatory as indicated: For entry into this specialty, the following are mandatory: Normal color vision as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards. For entry, award, and retention of AFSCs 3E111/31/51/71, qualification to operate government vehicles according to AFI 24-301, Vehicle Operations. For award and retention of AFSCs 3E151/71/91/00 must maintain an Air Force Network License according to AFI 33‑115, Vol 2, Licensing Network Users and Certifying Network Professionals.
