Residential HVAC Service Technician
EPA 608 Universal Certification Required
Job Listing — Skill Requirements & Qualifications
Certifications & Licenses (Required)
- EPA Section 608 Universal Certification — required by federal law (Clean Air Act) to purchase and handle refrigerants
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
Experience & Education
- High school diploma or GED required; HVACR trade school certificate or associate’s degree preferred
- Minimum 2–3 years of residential HVAC service experience
- Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and repair residential heating and cooling systems
- Experience with gas furnaces, heat pumps, split systems, air handlers, and package units
Core Technical Skills (Required)
Refrigeration & System Knowledge
- Refrigerant recovery, recharge, and leak detection in compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations
- Proficiency using manifold gauges, vacuum pumps, micron gauges, and leak detection equipment
- Knowledge of proper refrigerant pressure readings and superheat/subcooling calculations
- Experience with R-410A systems; familiarity with A2L refrigerants (R-32, R-454B) a plus
Electrical Diagnosis
- Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams and manufacturer schematics
- Testing and replacement of capacitors, contactors, control boards, motors, and relays
- Safe use of multimeters and clamp meters for electrical troubleshooting
Residential System Service
- Diagnosis, repair, and seasonal maintenance of central A/C, heat pumps, gas furnaces, and mini-splits
- Thermostat wiring, programming, and smart thermostat installation (Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, etc.)
- Filter changes, evaporator and condenser coil cleaning, drain line maintenance
- Annual tune-up and preventive maintenance inspections
- Basic ductwork inspection, sealing, and minor modifications
Residential Service Operations
- Obtain replacement parts, calibrate systems to manufacturer specifications, and communicate outcomes clearly to homeowners
- Present and explain residential maintenance/service agreements to customers
- Experience using field service software (ServiceTitan, Successware, or similar) for work orders and invoicing
- Professional conduct in occupied homes — courteous, neat, and respectful of the customer’s property
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly
- Comfortable working in confined spaces including attics, crawl spaces, and basements
- Ability to climb ladders and work at heights safely
- Able to work outdoors in extreme heat and cold — critical for Tennessee’s climate
- Able to kneel, bend, and work in awkward positions for extended periods
Soft Skills
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability under pressure
- Clear communication skills — able to explain repairs and recommendations to homeowners in plain language
- Punctual, self-motivated, and efficient at managing time across multiple daily calls
- Professional, courteous demeanor — this is a customer-facing, in-home role
- Honest and transparent with customers regarding repair vs. replacement options
- Must be able to pass a background check, drug screen, and have a clean driving record
Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)
- Brand experience: Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, or York
- NATE specialty certification in Air Conditioning or Heat Pumps
- OSHA 10 certification
- Experience with ductless mini-split systems
- R-454B / A2L refrigerant handling experience
- Comfort with GPS dispatch and mobile scheduling apps