HVAC

Term from Property Management industry explained for recruiters

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the systems and equipment that control indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality in buildings. When this term appears in resumes, it typically relates to experience with maintaining, repairing, or managing these essential building systems. HVAC is a critical component of facility management and building maintenance, similar to plumbing or electrical systems. Think of it as the complete climate control system that keeps buildings comfortable and safe for occupants year-round.

Examples in Resumes

Supervised maintenance team responsible for HVAC systems across 10 commercial properties

Reduced energy costs by 25% through HVAC system optimization and preventive maintenance

Managed installation of new HVAC units in 200-unit apartment complex

Coordinated with contractors on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning repairs and upgrades

Typical job title: "HVAC Technicians"

Also try searching for:

HVAC Maintenance Technician Building Engineer Facilities Technician Property Maintenance Technician Building Systems Specialist Mechanical Systems Technician Facilities Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop and implement a preventive maintenance program for multiple properties?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss creating maintenance schedules, budgeting, team coordination, documentation systems, and strategies for minimizing system downtime while maximizing efficiency.

Q: How do you approach energy efficiency improvements in large building systems?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that include conducting energy audits, analyzing usage patterns, recommending upgrades, calculating ROI, and knowledge of current energy-saving technologies.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for diagnosing and fixing a malfunctioning air conditioning system?

Expected Answer: They should describe a systematic approach to troubleshooting, checking common failure points, and explaining how they prioritize repairs based on urgency and cost.

Q: How do you handle emergency HVAC situations during off-hours?

Expected Answer: Should discuss their on-call experience, decision-making process for emergency versus non-emergency situations, and communication protocols with property managers and tenants.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic maintenance tasks do you perform on HVAC systems?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list routine tasks like filter changes, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and basic system inspections.

Q: What safety procedures do you follow when working on HVAC equipment?

Expected Answer: Should mention personal protective equipment, electrical safety, proper tool usage, and following lockout/tagout procedures.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic maintenance and repairs
  • Filter changes and cleaning
  • Safe tool operation
  • Reading maintenance schedules

Mid (2-5 years)

  • System troubleshooting
  • Regular maintenance planning
  • Emergency repairs
  • Basic energy efficiency measures

Senior (5+ years)

  • System design and installation oversight
  • Team supervision
  • Budget management
  • Energy efficiency optimization

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No certification or formal training in HVAC systems
  • Lack of hands-on maintenance experience
  • No understanding of safety protocols
  • Unable to read building systems blueprints
  • No experience with digital control systems