An air conditioning mechanic is a man or woman who specializes in installing and repairing various types of air conditioning units. Some professionals work on very large heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in office buildings, warehouses, schools, and manufacturing plants, while others focus on smaller units that are used in houses and apartment buildings. Air conditioning mechanics maintain units by paying special attention to ventilation systems, coolant tanks, electrical motors, and other vital components. The majority of professionals work for independent repair shops, manufacturers, and retail stores, though some are hired by private companies or operate their own businesses.

People depend on the services of skilled air conditioning mechanics to keep rooms cool during hot weather. An air conditioning mechanic who specializes in repair work understands the complex structure of HVAC systems and residential air conditioning units, and knows how to troubleshoot systems when problems occur. 

The PTAC combines the parts of the air conditioning unit in one package which typically mounts through an exterior wall. This type of mounting arrangement places the evaporator coil, fan, and controls inside the room with the condenser coil and compressor on the outside. This allows the PTAC to effectively maintain optimal temperatures while shedding heat into the outside air.

The average packaged terminal air conditioner will generally mount with the majority of the unit located within the wall cavity and outside the building, leaving only a fairly slim console inside the room. This, in conjunction with attractive grills and covers, makes the packaged terminal air conditioner unobtrusive and easy on the eye. 

There are three ways to learn air conditioner repair: research air conditioner repair, take a course, and complete a training program. Air conditioners are units designed to pull air from the circulation system in a building, cool the temperature of the air, and return it to the circulation system. The type, size, and complexity of the air conditioner depends on the size of the space and the type of air circulation system used.

There are two types of air conditioner units: residential and commercial. Residential units can be small, window units designed to cool one room, or larger units designed to cool the entire home. Commercial units are much larger, typically installed on the roof of a building, and are designed to work with commercial air circulation systems.

Air conditioning repair courses are available at a wide range of community and career colleges. Their courses are usually offered in the evening and on weekends and will provide a thorough training in repair techniques, common issues, and how to select a suitable air conditioner. Make sure that a certified HVAC mechanic is teaching the course and that all the information is current.

For those who want to enter the workforce right away, finding a company willing to hire an HVAC repairman without experience may be possible. Getting hired may be difficult, as the company will likely realize it will take some time before they realize a return on their investment. Those who attempt this should have an inclination for mechanical things and stress to a prospective employer what other kinds of mechanical repair experience they may have.