Author: clidzbarski@fieldpiece.com

Every day, it seems HVACR systems are evolving to work with new refrigerants, use less energy, and take advantage of new innovations. Since many customers want to use the best technology to heat and cool their homes and offices, staying up to date on these changes is crucial.

Market shifts also change the way that diagnostic tools are utilized. Staying up-to-date on both the latest HVACR systems as well as the tools used to diagnose and repair them has never been more important. Here are three ways that HVACR professionals can expand their knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.

1. Stay Sharp

Continuing education can help a tech stay in the know and prepared for industry changes. Leveraging online tutorials, podcasts, videos, HVACR training meetings and conferences can help techs to learn the latest trends, stay current on emerging technologies, and utilize existing tools in the best ways possible. One such place is Fieldpiece University [LINK TO: https://www.fieldpiece.com/fieldpiece-university/]. This online resource was created to help HVACR technicians boost their skills and learn more about Fieldpiece products. These courses explore how each product benefits customers and offer Pro Tips for using them correctly in the field. This is an ideal tool for any HVACR professional looking to get the most from the tools they work with every day to get better, faster, and easier.

2. Help others

Learning on the job is another way to grow. Try volunteering with local charities or churches for pro bono work and for neighbors in need. Helping a family maintain an older furnace through the winter is a great way to gain experience on a legacy system. In an ever-changing landscape of HVACR technology, familiarity with a range of systems both old and new is yet another important tool in a tech’s bag.  And helping your friends and neighbors adds an extra sense of accomplishment after a long day in the field.

3. Listen to customers

Before a tech opens their tool bag and starts running diagnostic tests, it’s important to know what needs fixing. To do that, the most important tool in an HVACR techs arsenal is his or her ears. Start by asking questions. The customer doesn’t need to be an expert in HVACR to answer. Questions about symptoms they can see and feel in their spaces may lead to finding the problem. This could include even the simplest questions like: Does the system turn on? Do you hear any strange noises when it’s running? Does the system blow cold air? Does the system blow any air at all?

Letting the customer speak typically points in the direction of the real reason for the service call. The more useful information that’s gathered up front, the easier it can be to find the true cause of the issue.

If you’re looking to be a better HVACR tech tomorrow, start learning, helping and listening TODAY.

As we look to the new year, the landscape of the HVACR industry continues to evolve and change in new ways. Expected shifts come from new innovations in technology, market needs for greener products, an unpredictable global economy, supply chain issues and shifting energy demands—all of which promise to make 2023 a very exciting year.

The economy

Let’s start with inflation, a global recession and a supply chain that continues to struggle after the pandemic. Hopefully, as the pace of inflation eases throughout the year and the job market continues to be robust, this should help the economy continue its upward movement, improving construction numbers and the HVACR industry in general. However, even if the economy dips, existing systems will still need maintenance, so service and maintenance calls are going to continue to drive the growth of our business.

Going green

Something else driving our industry is decarbonization. This push accelerating throughout the world of HVACR is driven by climate change, the insecurity of world energy supplies and new legislation, like the Inflation Reduction Act. New heat pump technology could help customers move away from using fossil fuels to heat their homes – and big tax incentives are driving their implementation. This movement also encourages homeowners and businesses to retrofit existing systems to meet new standards. As HVACR technicians, staying current with these advances is critical.

Living healthy

Residential and commercial customers are asking for healthier, energy-efficient homes and buildings. They care about the comfort of their homes and their businesses, but they’re also focused on the well-being of the planet. As a result, they’re investing in systems and technologies that optimize energy use. In addition, the pandemic brought wellness, ventilation, air quality, thermal health and humidity to the forefront. All of this is going to shape our industry over the coming year.

New technology

As we move towards using more sustainable components and refrigerants in our systems, technology and innovation are both going to be key drivers. Throughout the last decade, we’ve witnessed the segment’s most significant technological revolution. We’re seeing new electronic tools, cloud-based solutions, higher efficiency ratings, mini-splits systems, new codes and new control strategies driving product development and helping HVACR systems deliver new solutions for customers. As HVACR technicians, we need to stay ahead of these advances which have the potential to transform how HVACR professionals are trained and how we do our jobs. 

Welcome to the new HVACR industry

It’s an exciting time to be part of an industry that benefits so many people every day. At Fieldpiece, we’re looking forward to developing the new tools that help HVACR techs install, diagnose and repair these evolving and ever more innovative systems. We’ll keep current of all the latest trends and help ensure that your tools are ready for the jobs to come!

Most techs in the field want to be better, faster and more efficient at their jobs. Here are three things to focus on to help improve skills, satisfy customers and finish jobs more quickly and thoroughly.

First, focus on airflow.

HVACR is all about moving air around. No matter how efficiently a system runs, or how expertly it’s fine-tuned, if the ductwork is too small, makes too many bends, has blockages or large gaps or leaks—the space is not going to be properly cooled or heated. Techs can frequently focus on “the box” because that’s where the technology is, and they ignore the rest of the system. Seasoned technicians understand the importance of airflow when installing a system, making sure duct systems are correctly sized, contain fewer bends, and allow for free flow of air throughout the entire home.

If you’re changing out a system, consider repairing or replacing necessary ductwork as well. Remember, older systems may contain asbestos, requiring certified professionals to aid in removal. Even in newer systems, it remains important to test for leaks and efficiency, so always be prepared to make revisions that improve overall performance in the long run.

Second, look for obvious problems.

When assessing a system, start with the easy stuff. Be alert and look for things that are out of the ordinary and may be symptoms of bigger problems. For instance, refrigerant oil stains on the floor could mean a refrigerant leak in the system. Use a flashlight to visually inspect the evaporator coils and blower wheels. By examining them for dirt or corrosion, you could uncover what’s causing the issues. Another quick, easy fix is the air filter. Swapping it out with a clean one immediately improves airflow and circulation.

 Also, look for UV damage on control wiring. Sunlight tends to cause wiring to degrade prematurely, and this may adversely impact a system. By checking the entire system, it’s easy to judge the quality of workmanship and know how carefully to inspect other areas of the system.

Lastly, doublecheck your work.

No one intends to do subpar work, but sometimes steps are missed, and mistakes are made. Be sure to doublecheck everything throughout the day. This starts with caps and seals. Leaving them off is never OK. It’s a simple step to ensure they won’t be accidentally knocked onto the ground or lost behind a piece of equipment. Put caps and seals back on finger tight and snug hex flare caps up with a wrench.

When performing electrical work, don’t leave spade connections loose and don’t forget to properly torque contractor lugs. Also, never leave exposed wire. Strip back insulation to the length required to make the connection.

When the job is done and after performing a comprehensive run test at the end of a repair, do a final walk of the job and check all disconnects and set points. Also, perform a final cleanup and collect all tools. Leave nothing unchecked and nothing left behind.

While these three things are simple, they do help all HVACR techs work faster, safer and smarter on every job.

As Far As Careers Go, HVACR Goes Farther

As the job market ebbs and flows, hot new careers may come and go. But one thing remains consistent – homes and businesses always need skilled technicians to design, install and service their HVACR equipment. This makes the trades   an ideal choice for someone looking for a lasting career that makes the most of their love of technology, problem-solving abilities and communication skills. Stability, security and plenty of opportunity are just a few reasons to consider a career in HVACR!

There are several ways to get started and many paths to grow a career. One way to start is to become a technician in the field for residential or commercial customers. These are the professionals who travel to a customer’s home or business to install a new system or troubleshoot and repair existing ones. They build relationships with customers while working in all kinds of settings and conditions. Skills and experience for this job are gained at a technical college or through an apprenticeship.

Another career could be designing new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for buildings. This involves working with a team of mechanical, electrical and civil engineers to design a system that meets customer needs as well as building codes. Typically requiring an engineering degree, these roles are ideal for professionals who want to work in a comfortable environment away from the outside elements.

There are other options as well like a career in sales and marketing or working in a “green” field by retrofitting existing systems to work more efficiently. Each one of these career paths requires unique skills and has its own degrees as well as apprenticeship opportunities. Which path you choose depends on your career goals, skills and preferences.

One way to learn more about the field, products and how best to use them is through Fieldpiece University. This free online tool was designed for technicians and HVACR tool distributors to learn more about Fieldpiece products and how customers use them best.

Fieldpiece partnered with BlueVolt to develop the curriculum that makes the most of its

learning management system tools. Each segment of Fieldpiece University is accessible on computers and mobile devices, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

Interested in a career in HVAC? Kickstart your career and visit www.fieldpiece.com/fieldpiece-university/.