Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Does an HVAC Supervisor Do?

Maggie Worth
Maggie Worth

HVAC is an abbreviation for "heating, ventilation and air conditioning." An HVAC supervisor is a senior technician who manages a team of technicians who work on heating and cooling systems. In most cases, this is a working manager position. This means that the supervisor performs installation and repair duties in addition to management and administrative duties.

An HVAC supervisor might be involved in many types of jobs. He might work at a residential, commercial or industrial site with a team of installers or repair technicians. His team might consist of a single additional individual or several people of varying skill levels, depending on the size and nature of the job. He might also travel between several jobs, supervising the work of several crews at different sites.

Exterior wall vent leading to an HVAC system.
Exterior wall vent leading to an HVAC system.

This type of supervisor might also visit a proposed job to evaluate a problem. Diagnosing an issue and providing an estimate for repair or installation is a responsibility that is often assumed by an HVAC supervisor. This might be a simple process of evaluating the coolant levels in a residential air conditioning unit, or it might be the more complex process of making systems recommendations for a new commercial building.

An HVAC supervisor may make recommendations for a commercial air conditioner installation.
An HVAC supervisor may make recommendations for a commercial air conditioner installation.

In most cases, an HVAC supervisor has the final responsibility for all jobs under his supervision. If one of his team members makes a mistake, it is his job to catch it and get it fixed. He is also responsible for ensuring that all codes and regulations are met, and that all employees are doing their jobs properly.

Managerial functions can include hiring and firing employees and conducting performance reviews. Often, an HVAC supervisor is responsible for training new employees as well. He might also provide continuing education training by attending classes on new products and technologies, then returning with the knowledge to train the rest of the staff. In some cases, he may be the only one of a crew with certain certifications, so there may be specific jobs that only he can do.

Technicians who work on HVAC systems are supervised by a senior technician.
Technicians who work on HVAC systems are supervised by a senior technician.

Paperwork and other administrative functions often fall to the HVAC supervisor as well. This can include completing estimate forms, filing reports and even invoicing. It can also mean verifying time cards and other types of human resources documentation.

Few individuals become supervisors immediately upon beginning their careers. HVAC supervisors usually have several years of experience and have proven themselves capable of doing quality work and of leading a team effectively. These professionals often have college educations and a history of attending industry training classes. The supervisor pay rate is generally higher than that of a technician, partly because of this advanced knowledge and experience, but also because of the increased responsibility that comes with the role.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Exterior wall vent leading to an HVAC system.
      By: Tony Baggett
      Exterior wall vent leading to an HVAC system.
    • An HVAC supervisor may make recommendations for a commercial air conditioner installation.
      By: AndG
      An HVAC supervisor may make recommendations for a commercial air conditioner installation.
    • Technicians who work on HVAC systems are supervised by a senior technician.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Technicians who work on HVAC systems are supervised by a senior technician.
    • HVAC supervisors manage teams of technicians who work on heating, cooling and ventilation systems.
      By: ArenaCreative
      HVAC supervisors manage teams of technicians who work on heating, cooling and ventilation systems.