Chiller Technician/ HVAC Technician

Core Role

A chiller/HVAC technician installs, operates, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and chilled-water systems so that buildings stay comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient. In the UAE, where cooling runs nearly year-round, district cooling and central plant chillers are especially critical.

1. Preventive Maintenance

• Carry out scheduled PPM (planned preventive maintenance) on chillers, AHUs, FCUs, VAV boxes, cooling towers, pumps, and split/package units
• Inspect and clean condenser and evaporator tubes, coils, strainers, and filters
• Check and replace belts, bearings, filters, and worn components
• Lubricate motors, fans, and moving parts
• Perform water treatment checks and chemical dosing in chilled/condenser water loops
• Log all readings and maintenance activities

2. Operation and Monitoring

• Start up and shut down chillers and associated plant in the correct sequence
• Monitor operating parameters: chilled water supply/return temperatures, condenser water temperatures, refrigerant pressures, oil levels and pressure, compressor amps, and approach temperatures
• Use the BMS/SCADA to track alarms, trends, and setpoints
• Optimize operation (staging chillers, adjusting setpoints) to reduce energy use
• Take rounds of the plant room and record daily log sheets

3. Troubleshooting and Repair

• Diagnose faults such as low refrigerant, high head pressure, tripped compressors, frozen coils, poor airflow, and leaking valves
• Repair or replace compressors, expansion valves, contactors, sensors, VFDs, fan motors, and controllers
• Handle breakdown calls and emergency callouts within agreed response times
• Perform root cause analysis and recommend permanent fixes

4. Installation and Commissioning

• Install HVAC equipment, piping, ductwork, insulation, and electrical connections per drawings and specifications
• Pressure test, leak test, evacuate, and charge refrigerant systems
• Support testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) of air and water systems
• Commission equipment and verify performance against design values

5. Refrigerant Handling

• Handle, recover, recycle, and charge refrigerants (R-134a, R-410A, R-407C, R-513A, etc.) safely and per regulations
• Detect and repair refrigerant leaks
• Maintain refrigerant usage records
• Follow environmental regulations on ozone-depleting and high-GWP substances

6. Electrical and Controls Work

• Read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Test and troubleshoot starters, VFDs, relays, thermostats, and control circuits
• Calibrate sensors, actuators, and controllers
• Work with BMS points, DDC controllers, and basic programming/setpoint changes

7. Health, Safety and Compliance

• Follow permit-to-work, lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, and working-at-height procedures
• Use PPE correctly and handle chemicals and refrigerants safely
• Comply with local authority and client requirements (e.g., Abu Dhabi OSHAD, Civil Defence, DM/ADDC regulations, ASHRAE standards)
• Report incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions
• Maintain indoor air quality standards (cleaning, filtration, fresh air supply, Legionella control for cooling towers)

8. Documentation and Reporting

• Complete job cards, PPM checklists, and service reports
• Record spare parts used and recommend stock replenishment
• Maintain equipment history and asset registers
• Report recurring faults and energy-saving opportunities to supervisors

9. Customer and Team Interaction

• Coordinate with facilities managers, electricians, plumbers, and other trades
• Explain faults and repair work clearly to clients or tenants
• Support junior technicians and helpers through guidance and on-the-job training

Typical Skills and Qualifications

• Diploma/ITI/trade certificate in refrigeration and air conditioning (or equivalent)
• Experience with centrifugal, screw, scroll, and absorption chillers (Carrier, Trane, York, Daikin, etc.)
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, psychrometrics, and the refrigeration cycle
• Familiarity with BMS, VFDs, and electrical safety
• Certifications such as refrigerant handling, OSHA/OSHAD safety training, and first aid are valued
• Good troubleshooting, teamwork, and communication skills; willingness to work shifts and on-call

Pay: AED2,000.00 - AED3,500.00 per month

Work Location: In person