A career path in HVACR is a rewarding experience, especially if you take the time to invest in yourself. Going through a postsecondary education; an apprenticeship to learn the ins and outs of the HVACR industry; or an employment opportunity that teaches you along the way is the first step toward success; but to get the most out of your career as an HVACR professional, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to enable a more fulfilling future.

Don’t Sell Yourself Short. Invest in Quality Tools.

Getting started as an HVACR technician can be an expensive undertaking as you quickly realize the person providing your HVACR tools (more often than not) is YOU. Yes, while there are some companies that provide tools or reimburse you for tool expenses, often you need to budget for your own tools. This is a big reason those starting off tend to lean toward purchasing inexpensive products in hopes of saving money.

The problem is they end up needing to purchase replacement tools more often than those that invest in quality the first time around. While finding the best bargain sounds like a good option when you are just getting started, the idea of tools breaking or not functioning properly may sound a little worse. Plus, you’ll want the bells and whistles soon. While just “the basics” may suffice on day-one of your career; in time, most technicians realize how much faster and more efficiently they can work with tools that do a bit more heavy lifting.

Purchasing durable HVACR tools that hold up to the test of time and withstand frequent drops and the rigors of field use, often means setting aside a slightly higher initial tool investment budget. Luckily student discount programs can help offset these costs.

And just because you’re new to the trade does not mean you need to buy “beginner” tools. It’s best to buy quality tools that provide assurance on the job and serve you well for the long haul versus purchasing more inexpensive, poorer quality tools that cost you more in the long run.

With this in mind, prioritize the tools you know you are going to use often, and whenever possible, purchase them through HVACR tool company program discounts. Consider this an investment in yourself.

Invest in Your Knowledge and Skillset.

Your initial education teaches you the basics of how to install, repair, maintain and troubleshoot systems whether in the commercial, residential or refrigeration space, but you’ll also learn something new on the job every day.

The very best HVACR professionals, or #MastersoftheTrade are always working to understand new technologies, tools and methods for completing a job. That’s why continuing education programs that enhance your HVACR knowledge and skillset— many of which are available free and online and offer NATE credits – can help you stay ahead of the HVACR curve.

If you find yourself with spare time while waiting for measurements or between jobs, take advantage of programs that serve to bolster your knowledge. And of course, always keep in mind the quality of your tools. Never question an investment in you – whether it is a matter of time or money, you and your future are worth it. Every HVACR professional deserves the best – even when they’re just getting started.

Visit fieldpiece.com/hvacrstudentresources today to learn more.

 

 

 

Heat pumps are a different animal from furnaces and have some uniquely different parts. If you’re servicing or repairing one that is underperforming, don’t overlook the reversing valve when doing your diagnostic checks.

HVACR Reversing Valve
One of the most critical components in a heat pump is the reversing valve. This valve allows the heat pump to switch from heating the air to cooling the air. It does this by reversing the refrigerant flow in the system. So, instead of removing heat from the air like an air conditioner, it adds heat.

When this valve malfunctions, the system won’t heat or cool efficiently, but symptoms don’t always point to the reversing valve. It’s easy to confuse defective reversing valves with faulty heating and cooling processes. That’s because the symptoms of inefficient heating and cooling are essentially the same.

Stuck Valves
If the system won’t switch from heating to cooling, your problem could be a stuck valve. If the valve is stuck, tapping on the body of the valve with a plastic tool may free it. Don’t bang on it with a hammer as that may bend or break some of the sensitive internal pieces. A plastic tool is all you need. you should also check and clean the capillaries for obstructions. This may free the valve. Look for dents on the valve that may have caused an obstruction inside and check to see if it has scorch marks that could be caused by overheating. If, after examining these components, you still do not free the valve, the system may have an electrical problem.

Electrical Issues
The solenoid in the reversing valve energizes to switch the heat pump from heating to cooling. If the solenoid is defective, it could turn-off mid-operation and not fully open or close. Use your voltmeter to see if the valve is energized and magnetized. If it isn’t, your problem could be a disconnected wire or a faulty solenoid. If everything is working fine electronically but you still aren’t heating or cooling effectively, you could have a leak inside the reversing valve.

Leaking Valves
Before you check to see if you have a leak inside your reversing valve, ensure that your system has the proper refrigerant charge. Overcharged or undercharged systems could cause the reversing valve to malfunction. If your reversing valve has a leak inside, it’s splitting the refrigerant from the hot to the cool side. To check this in the heating mode, compare the temperatures of the suction line from the outside to the suction valve at the bottom. If the difference is more than 3°F, the valve needs to be changed. In cooling mode, check both reversing lines the same way you did for heating mode. A difference higher than 3°F means the valve should be replaced.

 

As technology continues to improve and innovate, we at Fieldpiece Instruments want to do the same. We have designed a wireless app that now allows HVACR technicians to work smarter, not harder. Using our updated Job Link® System App, technicians can remove another layer of human error from their services. This makes their work that much more reliable and will help them find more and more customers. We are very excited about this new wireless app and hope that more technicians start to use it. Continue reading to learn more about what the app does and how it will help you during your next service.  

 

This newly designed wireless app features a simpler and more seamless interface that improves the experience for the HVACR tech in the field. We rebuilt the app to work the way the pros do to help them view measurements, link multiple tools and track jobs and orders. Every part of the app’s user experience has been improved to link your tools, and now, your jobs. Here are some of the features included with Job Link: 

 

One-time connectivity 

The new app helps integrate all Job Link wireless tools seamlessly with just a few clicks. Now, tools are easier to connect to, easier to manage and offer an easier way to work. 

 

One place to look 

In the spirit of making the wireless app easier to use, we’ve collected all of the important data that techs need on a single screen. From this one view on their device, they’ll be able to see every measurement from each connected tool.  

 

One-stop-shop 

The new Job Link System App also allows techs to search, sort and manage jobs by customer, job and location. This helps them collect, store and access customer data to work the way they want to. We also improved invoicing to create and send custom invoices more easily than ever — even from the job site. 

 

One pin per job 

Additionally, our new geolocation tagging feature lets techs virtually drop a geolocation pin on equipment that they serviced to add system details to each customer’s file. Whenever they’re back at that location, they can instantly access previous service calls, data and measurements without taking time to look up an old invoice or a client name. 

 

One app does it all 

Our new Job Link System App connects even more easily to tools, jobs, clients and even equipment. Every tech that has the Job Link System App in their pocket works better, faster and smarter. Of course, Fieldpiece would keep techs top-of-mind. 

 

One place to learn more 

If you’re interested in learning more about the features of the updated Job Link System App, visit the new Job Link System page. 

Here at Fieldpiece, we believe that professional development is essential in any line of work, but it’s especially important as an HVACR technician. Even if you are an experienced technician, it’s still necessary for you to learn the new technology that seems to come out every other month.

We are committed to helping you improve your HVACR technician skills by teaching you new techniques. We also want to help you in learning how to run an HVACR service company. We can provide you with new equipment that makes the job easier and professional advice for handling that equipment safely and correctly.

But don’t just take our word for it, here are three additional reasons why continuing to improve your HVACR technician skills matters.

Earn a Higher Salary.

While the average salary for an HVACR tech is $50,590, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVACR techs with years of experience in addition to certifications can make much more. Although certifications are not mandatory, earning NATE credits through free training programs allows you to stay competitive in the industry and gives you the benefits of receiving a salary on the higher end of the scale. What’s more, those with extra certifications under their belt engender a sense of security and build deeper trust with clients as techs who are going above and beyond the basic trainings are perceived as more committed to their field.

Keep Up with Evolving Technologies. 

Technology has made drastic changes in everything we know. That includes the HVACR industry – from systems to tools. In the mid-1840s, the first ice-making machine was invented by Dr. John Gorrie. Today, new compression technologies that do not require refrigerants are being talked about.

It is because of this evolution in technology that HVACR professionals should always look to continue enhancing their skills and knowledge. Whether learning about the latest best practices for refrigerant recovery or how to pull a faster system evacuation, there is always something new to learn. Plus, with so many new tools on the market, it’s always valuable to understand the myriad ways advanced tools can help get jobs done easier, faster and better—ultimately saving time and money.

Be a Trusted HVACR Professional.

Getting additional credits and certifications takes extra time and dedication as you do need to carve out time from your busy schedule to take courses and tests, ensuring you are building out your skills even further. Being a certified HVACR professional has many benefits, including having increased credibility. When techs are certified, because of their extra training and increased technical knowledge, they are generally perceived as higher value and thought of as a professional that will get the job done right the first time around.

The benefits to becoming a certified HVACR professional are endless. With emerging technologies come groundbreaking HVACR tools and complicated HVACR systems that pros need to stay on top of. What better way to do this than to continue enhancing your knowledge and skillset?

Courses offered by Fieldpiece University (FPU) not only teach you new skills, but also offer details about tools, their benefits and tips for using them in the field. Plus, Fieldpiece University courses are quick and can easily be accessed online! Perhaps most importantly, Fieldpiece University helps you achieve your goals of a higher salary thanks to NATE credits; and keeping up with evolving technologies ensures you remain a master of your trade.

To learn more about how you can enhance your HVACR technician skills and earn NATE credits, visit https://www.fieldpiece.com/fieldpiece-university/.

 

The new year is here, and as much as we are looking ahead to all the exciting things the new year will bring, Fieldpiece is also taking a moment to reflect on the HVAC industry news we achieved together in 2021.  

The Product Line-Up 

We started 2021 with the launch of our latest generation of vacuum pumps—the VPX7, VP87 and VP67. These workhorses feature four in-line ports and our patented RunQuick® Oil Change System to cut evacuation time and help techs knock out more jobs in one day. While all offer power and top-notch-quality, there are a few differences between the three.  

• The VPX7 has a 10 CFM flow rate, is the lightest weight pump (24 lbs.) and has a ¾ HP DC motor. 
• The VP87 offers an 8 CFM flow rate, weighs 27 lbs. and also has a ¾ HP DC motor. 
• The VP67 has a 6 CFM flow rate, weighs 29 lbs., and has ½ HP AC motor. 

In the summer, the Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector, DR82, and the Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector, DR58 hit the market, featuring a compact and durable design with a large backlit LCD screen—and setting the industry standard for durability, sensitivity and reliability. They detect leaks at less than 0.03 oz/yr (1g/a) and trigger on all HFC, CFC, HCFC, HFO and blended refrigerants. Plus, the LED lighted tip and loud beep help find leaks in noisy and dark environments seamlessly.  

And just when we had the industry thinking we didn’t have any more tricks up our sleeve, we introduced the newest member of our Fieldpiece family – the Wireless Vacuum Gauge, MG44. Rugged, accurate and with the ability to work as a standalone tool or wirelessly communicate with the Job Link® System app and the SMAN® Refrigerant Manifolds, the MG44 confidently monitors evacuations with a reliable, leak-proof seal.  

Graduating from Products to Education 

Fieldpiece didn’t stop at creating new HVACR tools.  

By launching Fieldpiece University, we contributed to the continuing education of industry professionals seeking to enhance their HVACR skills and knowledge. Whether a distributor, counter pro, sales rep, contractor or technician, Fieldpiece University was designed to offer online training modules, provide quizzes to test your knowledge and offer CE credits.  

 Fieldpiece also launched the #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship program to support those looking to kickstart their HVACR careers. As an industry leader with more than 30 years under our belt, the future of the trade is important to us. With nearly 80,000 jobs currently vacant, we are doing our part to help fill those positions with knowledgeable and proficient HVACR professionals. We announced the #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship in partnership with SkillsUSA in December 2021, offering ten $2,500 scholarships to support the technicians of tomorrow. Entries are open through March 1, 2022 and recipients will be announced in early May 2022, so be sure to share this with someone you think would be perfect for the industry! For those that want to apply, visit http://fieldpiece.com/scholarship.

Now that we took a moment to recap the successes of 2021, it’s time to look ahead as 2022 is sure to bring more exciting news! To keep up with our latest HVAC industry news, latest updates, and newest launches, follow us on social via @fieldpieceproducts.