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Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 2,122 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 13% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. 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.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Similar work
    +4% pay3,557 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 4% more—$79,594 vs your $76,536 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Building and Construction
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Installation

    New skills to build

    • Design
    • Production and Processing
  • Sheet Metal Workers

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay471 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$75,758 vs your $76,536 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Building and Construction
    • Design
    • Mathematics
    • Near Vision

    New skills to build

    • Rate Control