Author: fieldpiece

As you are doing more and more service calls this summer, a few advanced and techy HVACR tools in your bag could help make every call faster, easier and more accurate. The latest Job Link® tools from Fieldpiece use wireless technology to help make troubleshooting and diagnosing a system faster by giving techs an overview of the entire system in real time.

Back in the days before wireless tools, a tech would arrive on-site and need to rundown a checklist that covers airflow, refrigerant charge and the electrical components of the system to get to a more accurate diagnosis. Each test would be done independently, and each would take a lot of time. In fact, this used to be the main reason that diagnosing a system was the most time-consuming part of any service call. The other, more common scenario would have techs only focusing on one part of the system, typically located near the refrigerant charge and any other electrical components. This became the more common practice as it was the best way to save time and get to the next call.

Now, with wireless HVACR tools, techs are better equipped to work easier, faster and better the first time around. For instance, to determine the DeltaT a tech could rely on using two Job Link® Flex Psychrometer Probes, JL3RH; and for the Total External Static Pressure, a tech could use Job Link® System Dual Port Manometer Probe Kit – both wireless tools that enable more efficient work. And, at the same time, they can connect the Job Link® System Premium Pipe Clamp Probe, JL3PC and Job Link® System Pressure Probe, JL3PR to the system and calculate superheat and subcooling. These tools can turn what would have been multiple attempts and extra time spent in the past into a quick, accurate system diagnosis. No more guesswork. No more scrambling around the jobsite to find another reading.

Right away, a tech will have the pertinent information they need to diagnose if the system is running poorly because of airflow or the refrigerant charge.

Wireless technology can also help a tech determine if there’s an electrical problem with a system. Not only does it enable more accurate measurements, but wireless HVACR tools like the AC/DC Swivel Clamp Meter Dual Display, SC680 and the Clamp Mater Dual Display, SC480 are designed to complete the total diagnostic picture of the system. They enable electrical documentation directly to the Job Link® System.

These data points – like voltage going into the system or the amperage of the compressor when it’s running – can be collected throughout the job and the tech can monitor their fluctuations as they make adjustments to other parts. These clamp meters also work on newer systems with Variable Frequency Drives. If a tech is using an older meter to measure the voltage of these new drives, they won’t get an accurate reading. These clamp meters can even be used to show a customer how much power in kW the system draws both before and after a service call – it’s a great way for a tech to show how they improved the system’s efficiency.

The entire Job Link System was designed with techs in mind. These new wireless HVACR tools will help a tech in the field take measurements more easily, diagnose systems faster and allow real time readings to populate in one place, cutting out the extra steps!

What other Fieldpiece products with wireless technology is available to support tech during cooling season? Glad you asked:

• Wireless Vacuum Gauge, MG44 is built to make work easier, eliminating misleading measurements by allowing techs to connect it at the system port – even in those awkward, hard-to-reach spots.
• Wireless Refrigerant Scale, SRS3 performs at a high level with a 250 lb. capacity, combining modern wireless electronics and rugged materials for accurate and live weight measurements.

The Job Link suite of wireless HVACR tools from Fieldpiece helps techs get it right faster and get it right the first time. Put some in your bag right now.

Developing and mastering HVACR technician skills can be exceptionally fulfilling and rewarding. As an HVACR tech, you must possess many talents – a problem-solver with in-depth knowledge of HVACR systems and instruments; a professional with excellent communication and time management skills; and a life-long learner with a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and evolving technologies.

All of these qualities are what make a person pursuing an HVACR career a true master of the trade. What’s more, HVACR technician skills are beneficial not only to that individual but to the communities and people they provide their services to. It really is a helping profession that serves so many.

Establishing mastery can be a journey though. So as you get started, here are some valuable suggestions to keep in mind and practice.  

In the HVACR industry, methods, technologies, and tools are constantly changing and improving.  

Have you heard of the “beer can cold” method? What was once considered standard practice is now outdated, and techs in the field have changed to keep up with the times. Today, rather than comparing a suction line to a cold can of beer by feel to see if there is enough refrigerant in a system, techs can rely on precision-engineered HVACR tools to get the job done right. 

The commitment to the ongoing enhancement of one’s knowledge doesn’t just stop at learning new skills. HVACR pros also need to stay on top of new tools and technologies that support working smarter, faster, and more efficiently. The industry is always evolving, and as experts, it is a tech’s duty to stay ahead of the curve for ultimate success. 

Enhance Your HVACR Technician Skills Any Time, Anywhere. 

A key to staying ahead of the curve is to remain in-the-know with the latest best practices, many of which you can learn on your own terms. 

Are you looking to kill time while pulling a vacuum on a system? Take an online course! Are you a hands-on learner that prefers face-to-face instruction? Not a problem. There are in-person trainings near you!     

No matter what your learning style is or what you are looking to learn more about, taking courses to enhance your knowledge and skillset is never a bad decision. 

Use Tools that Help You Work Smarter. 

With so many HVACR tools on the market, it’s easy to want to get your hands on all of them especially if they are inexpensive. However, do keep in mind that the products you purchase should enable you to work faster, better and smarter. Investing in your tools is an investment in yourself. You want tools that can help you get readings that are accurate the first time around, ensuring your work is done right without a need to come back to a service call.  

You want tools that will stand the test of time – including long drops and wet conditions. Your HVACR tools need to be able to withstand the harsh conditions techs typically face – rain or shine! Quality tools should give you confidence on the job, knowing you’ll get the job done right – regardless of the job you are performing. 

No matter where you are as an HVACR tech, becoming a master of the trade takes a good amount of skillset, knowledge, and power. Visit fieldpiece.com/hvacrstudentresources today to learn more.  

In the HVACR industry, there are always new tricks and methods to getting the job done easier, faster, and smarter. Whether learning about the latest in refrigerant recovery or discovering new ways to troubleshoot with a wireless system, the techniques of HVACR professionals are constantly evolving. Plus, with so many new HVACR tools out on the market each year, it is always best to stay ahead of the game when it comes to industry “how-to’s” to be most efficient and effective. 

Keeping up with the latest approaches, best practices, and new tool functionalities requires an additional commitment that is usually outside of work hours. And while that does seem tiresome after a long day of hard work, think of it as an investment in the long run, where learning these tips and tricks, and executing them on the job site, ultimately saves you time and money. 

The best part of HVACR professionals training courses today is that you get to choose how you learn and when you learn—all to suit your schedule and lifestyle.

Online Training 

Online courses, like those offered by Fieldpiece University, give HVACR technicians opportunities to continue their education, enhance their skillsets and grow as professionals.   

These on-demand training courses are typically offered online – accessible by desktop, iPad, tablet, or via a mobile phone – ensuring learning can happen from the comfort of your home or in between work breaks. Not only are you learning about new skills, tools, tips, and more, but you are learning on your time and at your pace. Looking to learn more about how to verify the airflow, refrigerant charge, and electrical performance of an HVACR system with the Job Link app? No problem! These courses are available, quickly and conveniently. 

In-Person Training 

Although online courses are the more convenient option, as they typically offer more choices in how and where you learn, in-person trainings are available for those who prefer hands-on learning and tool exploration. Plus, in-person training courses allow technicians to ask questions on the spot and learn from other peers. And if you are trying something new during the course, you have support right there with you.  

Interested in discovering how to do a system evacuation easier, faster, and better? There’s HVACR professionals training for that!

Regardless of what style of training you prefer, becoming an HVACR master of the trade is in your hands. 

In addition to expanding your knowledge, supplementary training offers opportunities to earn NATE continuing education credits to further benefit your career. Sounds like time well spent! To learn more about how you can continue your education and earn NATE credits, visit https://www.fieldpiece.com/fieldpiece-university/.

It’s spring, which means it’s maintenance time for all of us HVACR pros. You should start scheduling appointments to give every system that we service a thorough check. Make sure to give a spring check-up to each of your customers as this regular maintenance keeps their warranties up-to-date and helps diagnose small problems before they become big ones. And don’t forget before you head out to all of your appointments to make sure you have all of the HVACR tools needed to service your customers.

As you know, these check-ups start with simple visual checks like cleaning the evaporator coils and drain lines and changing air filters, as well as clearing leaves and debris from around outside units and inspecting and straightening the condenser fins.

But your spring check doesn’t stop there. After your visual inspection, you should thoroughly inspect every part of the system. For starters, test airflow through the system. Airflow is everything, and it’s important to inspect the ductwork for any leaks or obstructions. Check for proper airflow by measuring the Delta T across the evaporator coil and calculating total external static pressure (TESP) in the air handler unit. To make measuring the Delta T easier, use two cordless psychrometers. Also, use a wireless dual port manometer kit to measure the static pressures easier for calculating TESP. Some of the newer meters and testing equipment calculate these values for you.

It’s also important to test the function of the electronic controls. A clamp meter should be used to help troubleshoot these components. If possible, be sure to inspect, clean, and tighten all of the terminals and connectors within the system. Then, test the incoming VAC at the outdoor unit and check the current of the compressor inrush as well as the compressor running amps. After that, check the capacitors, service the motors and inspect any belts and hoses for wear.

After performing these tests, check the refrigerant charge. If the system is low on refrigerant, check for leaks. A leak detector helps pinpoint leaks that are as small as 0.03 ounces a year — that’s 20 times more sensitive than soap bubbles. If you need to evacuate and recharge the system, the latest vacuum pumps on the market are portable, fast, and allow you to change the oil without turning off the pump or losing the vacuum. Newer digital vacuum gauges are more accurate, more durable, and designed to be connected directly onto the system. These pumps and gauges help make evacuations easier, faster, and even more accurate.

By conducting these regular spring inspections for your customers, you’ll help them keep their HVACR systems running for years and also keep your customers comfortable and happy.

To learn more about the latest HVACR tools, news, and resources, visit fieldpiece.com.

Plus, check this product list to be certain you have all the products you’ll need this cooling season:

• Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector, DR82 and Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector, DR58
• Vacuum Pumps, VPX7, VP87 and VP67
• Wireless Vacuum Gauge, MG44
• SMAN Digital Manifolds, SM380V and SM480V
• Job Link Charge and Air Kit, JL3KH6
• Clamp Meters, SC480 and SC680
• Job Link® System Flex Psychrometer Probe®, JL3RH
• Job Link® System Dual Port Manometer Probe Kit, JL3KM2