Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 49-9021.00
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Moderate· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.019
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.21
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 45 hidden tasks30 rated tasks · 4 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (13.3%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupations 49-9021.01 Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers; 49-9021.02 Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
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.49-9021.01 | 0.004672.1 | 0.0016100.0 |
Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.49-9021.02 | 0.001827.9 | —0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.O*NET Task ID 23563 | 1.0 |
Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.O*NET Task ID 23572 | 1.0 |
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.O*NET Task ID 23558 | 0.5 |
Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.O*NET Task ID 23575 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (30)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment. | Core |
| Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring. | Core |
| Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions. | Core |
| Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit. | Core |
| Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers. | Core |
| Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers. | Core |
| Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks. | Core |
| Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools. | Core |
| Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions. | Core |
| Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders. | Core |
| Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming. | Core |
| Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system. | Core |
| Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches. | Core |
| Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms. | Core |
| Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters. | Core |
| Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills. | Core |
| Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment. | Core |
| Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools. | Core |
| Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions. | Core |
| Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems. | Core |
| Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition. | Core |
| Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock. | Core |
| Supervise and instruct assistants. | Core |
| Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments. | Core |
| Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Test pipes, lines, components, and connections for leaks. | Core |
0.46/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring. | E0 none |
| Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area. | E0 none |
| Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers. | E0 none |
| Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming. | E0 none |
| Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms. | E0 none |
| Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills. | E0 none |
| Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition. | E0 none |
| Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| 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. | E0 none |
| Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems. | E0 none |
| 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. | E0 none |
| Test pipes, lines, components, and connections for leaks. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 441K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 489K
- Change (2025–35)
- +10.9%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $61,010
- Typical education needed for entry
- Postsecondary nondegree award
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75351 | 건물용 냉동·냉장·공조기 설치 및 정비원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 75359 | 그 외 냉동·냉장·공조기 설치 및 정비원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 75361 | 건물용 보일러 설치 및 정비원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 7127Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.
Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair air conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment.
Tasks
- (a) interpreting blueprints, drawings or other specifications;
- (b) assembling, installing and repairing components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, switches and gauges for air conditioning and refrigeration systems;
- (c) connecting piping and equipment by bolting, riveting, welding or brazing;
- (d) testing systems, diagnosing faults and performing routine maintenance or servicing.
Example occupations
Air conditioning equipment mechanic · Refrigeration mechanic
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technicianESCO 3115.1.5Overlapping, not the same
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technicians aid in the design of devices which provide heating, ventilation, air conditioning and possibly refrigeration in buildings. They ensure the equipment complies with environmental standards. They handle hazardous materials used in the systems, and ensure safety precautions are in place.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| F1620 | Installateur / Installatrice chauffage et climatisation | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| I1306 | Frigoriste | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| I1308 | Chauffagiste | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| I1316 | Technicien / Technicienne de maintenance Chauffage, Ventilation et Climatisation - CVC | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| I1336 | Technicien / Technicienne froid embarqué routier | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| F1621 | Ramoneur / Ramoneuse | Related, not a match |
| F1630 | Technicien / Technicienne de désenfumage | Related, not a match |
| I1325 | Technicien-cuisiniste / Technicienne-cuisiniste en cuisines professionnelles | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 7250 | Mecánicos-instaladores de refrigeración y climatización | Same scopeprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 34232 | Berufe in der Kältetechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 34212 | Berufe in der Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Overlapping, not the same |
| 34213 | Berufe in der Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 34222 | Berufe im Ofen- und Luftheizungsbau - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 34233 | Berufe in der Kältetechnik - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 551 | はん用・生産用・業務用機械器具整備・修理従事者 | Related, not a match |
| 666 | 配管従事者 | Related, not a match |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources