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 What was once considered standard practice is now outdated, and techs in the field have changed to keep up with the times.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

The mechanical systems that are used for cooling, heating, and ventilation in an interior setting are referred to as HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) systems. The world of HVACR is a great career opportunity but has a few myths that need dispelling. Contrary to what many believe, the HVACR industry has many diverse job opportunities for everybody.

Myth #1: You need a university degree.
The HVACR industry offers a wide range of career options; some need a university degree, while many do not. Though most occupations need more education than high school, you are not required to attend university. Only approximately one out of every ten jobs need a university degree, according to the Construction Sector Council.

Myth #2: In HVACR the only job opportunities are field positions
Professionals that can conceive, plan, and interact with both external and internal customers, and innovative individuals who welcome the use of constantly evolving technologies improving HVAC tools and systems, are needed in the HVACR business. In addition to the skilled trades’ careers, opportunities can be found in planning and project management, sales, marketing, administrative functions and more.

Myth #3: Working with HVAC Tools requires brute strength
This is an industry that thrives on new ideas! Through innovation and improved technology HVAC tools often require more brains than brawn. Today’s HVAC tools are more efficient, save time and are easier to use.

Myth #4: HVACR jobs don’t pay well.
Competitive pay is available in this field. Salary levels vary depending on the professional route chosen, but the field offers well-paid opportunities for those who are ready to put in the effort. If you opt to work in the trades, you will find that demand has grown for qualified, trained associates.

A refrigerant weight scale is an essential piece of equipment for an HVAC technician to have. A refrigerant weight scale is specifically meant to help install and maintain air conditioning units, measuring the weight of refrigerants when they are removed from an air conditioning unit’s compressor.

There are a few things that you should consider before you buy a refrigerant weight scale. Let’s look into a few of them below.

What is the Maximum Weight Capacity?
One of the main things that you need to know before purchasing a refrigerant weight scale is the scale’s weight capacity. You also need to understand the type of systems you will service and what is needed to get the job done. For most residential and light commercial jobs, a refrigerant weight scale that offers 115lbs would be sufficient. However, for larger commercial jobs a higher weight range will be needed.

What is the Resolution?
The resolution of a refrigerant weight scale is the smallest change or increment that can be measured. You will want to understand the accuracy needed for the jobs you perform. You can find scales with a resolution as small as 2g while many have a resolution of 5g to 10g.

What Is the Size and Weight of the Scale?
Because refrigerant weight scales need to be transported between sites, the size and weight of the scale can make a big difference in the overall ease of doing your job. Look for something that is compact and easy to transport. Be sure to consider what you have to weigh. If you have to weigh larger tanks, having a scale with a larger base and non-slip surface would be beneficial. Also, don’t be fooled. Just because a refrigerant weight scale is large doesn’t mean that it has the weight limit you’ll need.

What is the Construction Quality?
As is the case with most products, a refrigerant weight scale should be sturdy, durable, and rugged. While some scales are well-constructed, other scales may not be up to the standards that you need for the rigors of your daily routine. Water resistant, rubber feet and rubber padding are a few attributes to consider looking for when choosing a refrigerant weight scale.

How Easy is the Scale to Use?
Overall using a refrigerant weight scale is not difficult but there are things to consider for ease of use. Are the controls wireless? Does the scale run on batteries and if so, what is the battery life? Are platform measurements sent to both the remote display and a mobile app? Can you view units how you want? (pounds and ounces, pounds only, ounces only, kilograms and grams, kilograms only, or grams only).

Before you buy a refrigerant weight scale, make sure you ask yourself the five things listed above. They’ll help you find the right one you need.