23 HVAC Interview Questions to Hire Dependable Techs

In the HVAC industry, finding and retaining skilled technicians is crucial for business growth and customer satisfaction. With a projected shortage of HVAC professionals in the coming years, it’s essential to have a comprehensive interview process to identify the best candidates. This article will provide you with 23 insightful HVAC interview questions to help you hire dependable and knowledgeable techs.

Probing General Skills and Background

1. Why did you get into the HVAC trade? (Frequency: 2)

   • This question allows you to understand the candidate’s motivations and passion for the industry.

2. Why are you available or looking for new opportunities? (Frequency: 2)

   • Understanding the reasons behind their job search can reveal their career goals and potential fit within your company.

3. What do you know about our company? (Frequency: 2)

   • Assess the candidate’s research efforts and interest in your business.

4. Why do you want to work with us? (Frequency: 2)

   • Gauge their knowledge of your company culture and values.

5. What in your previous experience and/or training makes you feel you would be a good fit for us? (Frequency: 2)

   • Evaluate how their skills and qualifications align with the role’s requirements.

Assessing Technical Expertise

1. What does BTU/CAV/AHU mean?

   • Test their understanding of common HVAC terminology and concepts.

2. What is cooling or heating load, and how do you calculate it?

   • Determine their ability to assess a building’s heating and cooling requirements.

3. What are the different ways heat can be lost or gained?

   • Evaluate their knowledge of heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, and radiation).

4. What is relative humidity, saturation point, and the relative humidity at saturation point?

   • Assess their comprehension of humidity and its impact on HVAC systems.

5. What is the difference between a heat pump, heating, and refrigeration?

   • Gauge their understanding of the underlying principles and operations of various HVAC systems.

Evaluating Problem-Solving and Situational Skills

1. Describe a specific HVAC job where you sacrificed safety for speed.

   • Evaluate their commitment to safety protocols and ability to prioritize correctly.

2. In previous HVAC jobs, did you ever turn an unhappy customer into a satisfied customer? How?

   • Assess their customer service skills and ability to resolve conflicts effectively.

3. A customer expresses anger or frustration over a bill. How do you respond?

   • Determine their ability to handle difficult situations with professionalism and empathy.

4. What safety violations do you see most often, and how would you prevent them?

   • Gauge their awareness of common safety issues and their proactive approach to mitigating risks.

5. Here’s a specific HVAC job scenario. Explain your process for handling the call.

   • Evaluate their problem-solving abilities and attention to detail in addressing technical challenges.

Gauging Communication and Customer Service Skills

1. After diagnosing the problem, what tools have you used to explain options to a customer?

   • Assess their ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical customers.

2. Talk about a time when it was important to make a great impression on a customer. What did you do?

   • Determine their customer service mindset and ability to build positive relationships.

3. Tell me about a time when you disappointed a customer, and how you tried to resolve it.

   • Evaluate their accountability and problem-solving approach in handling customer dissatisfaction.

Exploring Work Ethic and Mindset

1. Talk about a time when you failed at something. How did you react?

   • Gauge their resilience, ability to learn from mistakes, and growth mindset.

2. How have you made an impact on your team in the past?

   • Assess their teamwork and leadership skills, as well as their ability to contribute positively to the company culture.

3. If you started a company today, what would its top values be?

   • Understand their priorities, values, and vision for a successful business.

Technology and Adaptability

1. How do you view mobile technology and its role in the future of the HVAC industry?

   • Evaluate their openness to embracing new technologies and their understanding of industry trends.

2. What is your experience with using mobile technology on the job?

   • Gauge their familiarity with field service management software, mobile apps, and other relevant technologies.

By incorporating these HVAC interview questions into your hiring process, you’ll be better equipped to identify candidates with the right mix of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, customer service orientation, and adaptability to thrive in your HVAC business. Remember, hiring the right techs can significantly impact your company’s success, customer satisfaction, and overall growth.