ISCO-08 7127
Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
25.4%
ADI · 267th of 433 · 95% interval 12.4–40.9
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 25.4% of the task time of air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics, and finish 0.4% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
ADI · partial or full25.4%
267th of 433 · interval 12.4–40.9
ADI3 · full delegation0.4%
185th of 433 · interval 0.0–1.3
ADIs · share of time25.1%
273rd of 433 · interval 18.6–32.4
Evidence52
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 4.4 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 51.8%L1Augmentation · 22.7%L2Partial delegation · 25.0%L3Full delegation · 0.3%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
52 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 4.8% | L0 | L0L2 | 16% | 4.4 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 4.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 1.3 h | Physical presence |
| Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 4.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.8% | L0 | L0L2 | 16% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 18 min | Trust and care |
| Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 2.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 15 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.3% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 2.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 72% | 18 min | Access to systems |
| Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, and refilling non-toxic refrigerants.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers · supplemental task | 3.2% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Test pipes, lines, components, and connections for leaks.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers · supplemental task | 3.2% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| 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.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 1.4 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 37 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 3.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 40% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.9% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.9% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 1.1 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 25 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Supervise and instruct assistants.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 52 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.7% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 3.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.4% | L0 | L0L1 | 14% | 14 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 20% | 3.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2.0% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 1.8% | L0 | L0L2 | 22% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers · supplemental task | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 18% | 2.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Monitor employees' work levels and review work performance.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Determine schedules, sequences, and assignments for work activities, based on work priority, quantity of equipment, and skill of personnel.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 1.0 h | Access to systems |
| Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Inspect, test, and measure completed work, using devices such as hand tools or gauges to verify conformance to standards or repair requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Monitor tool and part inventories and the condition and maintenance of shops to ensure adequate working conditions.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Requisition materials and supplies, such as tools, equipment, or replacement parts.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Perform skilled repair or maintenance operations, using equipment such as hand or power tools, hydraulic presses or shears, or welding equipment.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Compute estimates and actual costs of factors such as materials, labor, or outside contractors.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 1.8 h | Access to systems |
| Examine objects, systems, or facilities and analyze information to determine needed installations, services, or repairs.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Interpret specifications, blueprints, or job orders to construct templates and lay out reference points for workers.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 1.0 h | Physical presence |
| Participate in budget preparation and administration, coordinating purchasing and documentation and monitoring departmental expenditures.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 3.0 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Confer with personnel, such as management, engineering, quality control, customer, or union workers' representatives, to coordinate work activities, resolve employee grievances, or identify and review resource needs.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 38% | 1.0 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Develop or implement electronic maintenance programs or computer information management systems.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 6.0 h | Access to systems |
| Counsel employees about work-related issues and assist employees to correct job-skill deficiencies.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 35% | 52 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Compile operational or personnel records, such as time and production records, inventory data, repair or maintenance statistics, or test results.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers · supplemental task | 0.3% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Meet with vendors or suppliers to discuss products used in repair work.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 1.0 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Develop, implement, or evaluate maintenance policies and procedures.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 4.0 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Review, evaluate, accept, and coordinate completion of work bid from contractors.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers · supplemental task | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 2.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Conduct or arrange for worker training in safety, repair, or maintenance techniques, operational procedures, or equipment use.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Design equipment configurations to meet personnel needs.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers · supplemental task | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 2.0 h | Access to systems |
| Recommend or initiate personnel actions, such as hires, promotions, transfers, discharges, or disciplinary measures.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 1.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Investigate accidents or injuries and prepare reports of findings.First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 4.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 25.4% | 39 | |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.135 | 25 | |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | -0.78 | 31 | |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 29.833 | 22 | |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.053 | 26 | |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0.026 | 52 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (71)
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| House builders 7111 | 77.9 | |
| Carpenters and joiners 7115 | 21.9 | |
| Insulation workers 7124 | 20.6 | |
| Building frame and related trades workers not elsewhere classified 7119 | 16.1 | |
| Glaziers 7125 | 12.4 | |
| Plumbers and pipe fitters 7126 | 11.5 | |
| Painters and related workers 7131 | 11.4 | |
| Building structure cleaners 7133 | 7.5 | |
| Floor layers and tile setters 7122 | 6.4 | |
| Bricklayers and related workers 7112 | 5.2 | |
| Roofers 7121 | 5.1 | |
| Plasterers 7123 | 4.3 |
Dashed line: air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics (25.4%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics (ISCO-08 7127), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/7127
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics (ISCO-08 7127)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/7127.json.