Patricia Nilsson (asker) Nov 3, 2009:

Thank you What a discussion! Thank you for so much input. Since my contact worked mainly with ventilation, I listed him as a HVAC technician since it was a CV and we want the man to sound professional. Everyone has a good point here.

George Hopkins Nov 3, 2009:

vvs and suchlike vvs system enligt Plan och byggtermer 1989: den del av en byggnads installations system som avser värme, ventilation och sanitet, heating, ventilation, water and sanitation. Termen ventilation används i förekommande fall synonymt med termen sanitet synonymt med va-installation.
va-installation = vatten och avlopp inom fastighet. water supply and sewerage installation
va-anläggning = vattenförsörnings- och avloppsanläggning. Kan vara allmän eller egen. water supply and sewerage plant

For further clarity or confusion check Gullberg, Engström, TNC Byggtekniskt lexikon, TNC Bygg & Planlexikon

Gayle Rolando (X) Nov 3, 2009:

I deleted my post when I meant to edit it :)

I agree Christene. I think the point I was trying to make is that the aspect of sanitation, even if it is only related to actual sanitaryware, must still include aspects of plumbing. The man who has installed our toilet and shower as well as the drainage system associated with these, has also installed our heating system (water-based), and we call him the plumber. I know he also works with ventilation. I think the shortcoming of HVAC is that is doesn't include the apsects of water and drainage. Many of the google hits on HVAC do not include this water aspect and i think a VVS Montör does.

Which is why I would go with either your term or George's. (Just my opinion.)

asptech Nov 3, 2009:

Given that "sanitet" in this case may be roughly translated as "bathroom appliances", you do not call on a "VVS-montör" to fix your sink, but rather a "rörmontör" (or "VA-montör"). The VVS people nowadays tend to stick to boilers, heat pumps and (yes) air handling and conditioning units.

Christine Andersen Nov 3, 2009:

sanitet is more related to sanitaryware sanitaryware
n noun toilet bowls, cisterns, and other fittings.
(Concise Oxford)

I still think a VVS montör is more or less what we call a plumber in English.
http://www.arbetsformedlingen.se/yrken/yrkesbeskrivning.aspx...
But of course the job and its possible applications are increasing in complexity, so there is a lot of advanced technology involved, including a knowledge of electrical installations and plenty more... I quite understand that some want to call themselves plumbing technicians or engineers, as opposed to the person you call out to unblock the kitchen sink.

However, a 'montör' as I understand it is a skilled fitter and technician.

asptech Nov 3, 2009:

Obviously, I was wrong all those years that I worked in the construction business... Seriously, I think you are confusing the Swedish word "sanitet" with the English word "sanitation", they mean different things.

Gayle Rolando (X) Nov 3, 2009:

Yes asptech, I agree that these things change over time, but sanitation normally involves water and plumbing services, and when you check the google hits for HVAC, they often don't include these services (there seems to be much more air-con and ventilation work). I wasn't thinking just of VA Montör, but VVS definitely involves tha aspect of sanitation. Having said that, I doubt the terminology is cast in stone.

asptech Nov 3, 2009:

"VVS" stands for "värme, ventilation, sanitet", maybe you are thinking of "VA" (vatten och avlopp). In the last decades, the "VVS" business has focussed increasingly on complete climate control systems and equipment and might thus be adequately translated as "HVAC".

Gayle Rolando (X) Nov 2, 2009:

HVAC has no sanitation aspect While HVAC installer sounds good, I think they deal in heating, venitlation and air conditioning, which unfortunately leaves out the water and sanitation part (ie the whole plumbing part). So it doesn't cover the things a VVS Montör does. Some kind of acronym for George's answer might be nice, although I don't know of one.