HVAC

5 Must-Have HVAC Tools to get you Started after Trade School

September 25, 2018

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Look in the van or garage of any tradesperson and you’re likely to find a vast array of equipment, bolts, wiring, and other raw materials. While this doesn’t build up overnight, some tools are much more important than others, and there are certain essential pieces you will need to carry out a routine diagnosis of problems and simple repairs once you finish HVAC training.

All the items mentioned below will serve you well throughout your career, so try to avoid penny-pinching when you’re in the trade shop. With proper maintenance, these tools will last for years, and quickly end up paying for themselves. Here are five pieces of equipment you shouldn’t be without during routine HVAC tasks.

A Reliable Power Drill is an Asset in Most Routine Repairs

Proper diagnosis of HVAC problems will require the removal of unit covers, so make sure you have a power drill to remove any screws. It will also be needed to secure new HVAC systems in position, so this is a tool that will have many daily uses.

Get a drill that has at least one rechargeable battery, so that it will keep going for as long as possible in a working day. Professionals with an HVAC diploma recommend finding a light, cordless drill with a minimum of 18 volts, so that you can efficiently carry out routine repair tasks.

Using Refrigeration Gauges After HVAC Training

This is one of the more unique trade tools possessed by HVAC technicians. Refrigeration gauges measure the pressure of liquids and gases in a cooling system, and are a very important piece of equipment in this field.

HVAC trainingRefrigeration gauges are essential pieces of HVAC equipment

The gauges are connected to a brass manifold to which hoses can then be attached. It’s essential to have R-143a and R12 manifolds to diagnose and repair modern systems. The gauges are normally read using an old-fashioned needle, but digital readouts are becoming increasingly popular.

Test Electrical Power with a Multi-meter

Most heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems require electrical components to function, and this is often what necessitates the visit of an HVAC technician. A multi-meter is crucial for diagnosing electrical problems because it can measure voltage, current and resistance levels. It’s therefore a simple tool for assessing whether there’s a weakness in the system. An electrical sensor isn’t as useful as a multi-meter, but is also a handy tool for spotting whether electricity is present.

Make Easy Work of Metal Cutting with these Tools

HVAC training exposes students to different forms of metalworking, and there are some important tools needed for these jobs. Tin snips cut metal, and technicians need ‘left’, ‘right’ and ‘straight’ versions to cut in different directions. Shears are less precise, but excellent tools for long, straight cuts on sheet metal.

Tubing and piping also needs to be cut to exact measurements during HVAC installation or repair, so find yourself a tubing cutter. This unique device can be adjusted to the diameter of the tube, and slowly splits it while spinning around.

trade schoolA tubing cutter being used on copper piping

Problems are Easier to Diagnose with a Powerful Flashlight

Nobody wants an unnecessarily large HVAC system installed in their house, so manufacturers make sure that the inner components fit snugly in place. However, this can make repairs a bit trickier, especially if it’s difficult to see into some smaller crevasses. Make sure you have a reliable, sturdy and portable flashlight for repair jobs to make it easier to diagnose these problems. It may not be a dedicated HVAC tool, but it certainly makes life much easier.

Enroll in HVAC training at a dedicated trade school.

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What You Need to Know about Recruiters after HVAC College

August 28, 2018

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HVAC technicians are in high demand across Canada at the moment, but that’s no reason to be complacent about finding work. Certified professionals still need to look in the right places and follow the right advice to impress employers.

Recruiters are a useful resource during the job hunt because they are given responsibility by HVAC companies to source the best possible candidates. There’s no standardized routine for recruitment, and each company uses slightly altered interview processes.

However, recruiters know the industry inside out, and offer essential advice to get you fully prepared. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of recruiters, and what they’re looking for from prospective job candidates.

Recruiters Have a Wealth of Useful Information for HVAC College Graduates

Companies avail of recruitment agencies to help them find reliable and skilled candidates. Prospective candidates can take advantage of their services for free, and there are lots of good reasons to do so. Because recruiters work closely with lots of different employers, they develop a great knowledge of the HVAC industry. This allows them to advise candidates on what skills and experience levels are most highly sought after.

become HVAC technicianRecruiters want to find talented HVAC technicians for employers

These services are a great help as you get ready for an interview too, and many agencies will make sure that you’re ready for whatever questions may arise. It’s normal to become nervous during the job application process, especially when you’re looking for your first full-time job after graduating with an HVAC diploma. Recruiters help to make sure that you have all the bases covered, whether it’s with your resume, cover letter or communication skills for the interview itself.

How to Impress Recruiters With Your Professionalism

Recruiters have a duty to source the right candidates for employers, so it’s just as important to make a good impression when you’re meeting with these agencies. Double and triple check your resume and other documentation before submitting it to make sure there are no typos, and that all the necessary information is included. HVAC professionals carry out technical work that requires a lot of concentration, and a sloppy resume creates concern about a candidate’s attention to detail.

HVAC collegeProve your attention to detail by spotting and removing resume typos

Jobseekers should also maintain a professional look, whether it’s in person or online. Remember that it’s very easy for companies and recruiters to do a little bit of background research on candidates by checking for social media activity. Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date as well, just in case recruiters want to double check any work-related information or qualifications, such as your HVAC college certification.

Accept the Constructive Feedback Offered by Recruiters

Recruiters know the intricacies of the interview process, so take on board their advice at all times. Constructive feedback is not always easy to listen to, but it’s absolutely vital if you’re to make the best possible impression on employers. Be honest with recruiters so they know everything about your work history. It’s better that any issues are addressed at an early stage, rather than being caught by surprise with a tricky question during a job interview.

Recruiters are happy to hold one-on-one meetings with candidates, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions about the feedback being offered. Clarity is essential in ensuring that candidates know exactly why they’re being asked to make changes. Following this advice will give you the best possible opportunity to find your dream job.

Job prospects are great, so it’s the perfect time to become an HVAC technician.

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A Quick Intro to Hotel Ventilation for Students at HVAC College

July 11, 2018

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The phrase ‘drive it like you stole it’ comes to mind when you consider spending time in a hotel room. While most people won’t go crazy, it’s fair to suggest that our normal energy use habits are slightly adapted when we’re away from home. The room has already been paid for, so we might stick on the heating for a lot longer during a winter stay, or leave the air conditioning unit humming for an increased amount of time in the summer.

HVAC technicians need to consider this added strain when fitting necessary equipment to large hotel developments. Here’s a quick primer on what to look out for when working on hotel HVAC projects.

The Unique Challenges Posed by a Hotel Development

Hotels are a mixture of rooms and facilities of all shapes and sizes. As well as conventional bedrooms, you also have kitchens, restaurants, bathrooms, swimming pools and fitness centres. Many others have underground car parks and larger penthouse suites in their blueprints. Professionals with HVAC certificationtherefore have to introduce a variety of different ventilation systems to suit these different environments.

HVAC certificationA typical hotel air conditioning unit

Occupants expect the same ventilation standards in all rooms, and this can be difficult given the vast scale of normal hotel developments. Some rooms will be south-facing and naturally cooler as a result. Others will be north-facing and may require an increased emphasis on ventilation to reduce temperatures. Demand on HVAC systems is also significantly higher in the evenings and nighttime when visitors are more likely to be in their rooms. This means that professionals are continually trying to devise systems which are effective at times of low and high demand.

Natural Ventilation Should be Used Where Possible after HVAC School

Cost efficiency is always a consideration for clients, and it’s especially pertinent when discussing a vast HVAC system with a hotel developer or manager. Natural ventilation from outside air carries many benefits, including its cost-effectiveness and lack of noise pollution. Of course, it does have limitations due to its limited temperature range.

Students at HVAC college should always consider the ‘Stack Effect’ when considering high-rise development such as hotels. This phenomenon finds that air gradually warms up and rises through the floors, eventually escaping through vents or other openings at the top of the building. This is replaced by cold air at the bottom and the cycle continues. Rooms at the top of the building are therefore likely to maintain better warmth, so mechanical systems must be introduced to create a constant temperature throughout the building.

Mechanical Ventilation Systems Bring Lots of Comfort to Hotel Occupants

Natural ventilation is particularly limited in hotel areas of high air flow, including swimming pools and kitchens. HVAC technicians therefore commonly use a hybrid of natural and mechanical ventilation to make sure occupants are always happy. A balance often has to be struck between the high costs of a very powerful HVAC system and the demands of hotel visitors who want to treat themselves to the most pleasurable experience.

HVAC collegeSwimming pools pose unique challenges because of high humidity levels

As well as maintaining pleasant temperatures in the hotel rooms, extractor fans need to be introduced in kitchens to remove odours, water vapour and heat. Specialized ventilation is also required in the swimming pool facilities because of increased air humidity, which runs the risk of developing mould in confined areas.

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Essential Advice to Pass on to Pet Owners After HVAC Training

June 13, 2018

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Pets bring a lot of joy to our lives, but they can cause their fair share of annoyance. As well as dragging dirt into the home, they can also leave behind plenty of hair and dander for the owner to clean up. Unfortunately, HVAC systems can also easily accumulate such materials, meaning precautionary measures and ongoing maintenance is often needed to prevent the need for expensive repairs.

HVAC professionals are quite likely to encounter clients who have one or more pets at home. The latest figures from the Canadian Animal Health Institute show there were 8.8 million pet cats in households in 2016, and a further 7.6 million pet dogs. So what sort of advice should professionals pass on to pet owners when discussing HVAC equipment? Read on to find out.

Dander Can Clog Up Important HVAC Components

Pets throw off lots of small pieces of skin called dander. This is very difficult to spot, but it can be quite obstructive if it’s allowed to build up in enclosed spaces, such as heating and ventilation components. Professionals with HVAC training recommend a couple of ongoing maintenance tasks to make sure that this equipment continues carrying out its job effectively.

For instance, pet owners can install air filters that are specifically designed to catch pet dander, and replace them periodically. Dander can also build up in HVAC ducts, so these should be cleaned regularly too.

HVAC college-1 Clients should have the right air filter to deal with dander

Owners Should Take Precautions with Pet Hair

Pet hair is a much more obvious source of frustration for owners, because it can easily become stuck on couches or carpets. This hair can also get sucked into air filters and air ducts, so make sure that clients take precautions to ensure this can’t happen.

Cats and dogs should be brushed and washed outside regularly, with the excess hair discarded away from any HVAC equipment. It’s inevitable, however, that some traces of hair may end up within the house, so pet owners should give the place a rigorous vacuuming.

Consider the Pet When Altering HVAC Settings

Our pets may display some of the same traits as humans at times, but remember that their physiology is different. Generally, animals are content within a wider temperature range than humans, so clients should adjust their HVAC settings accordingly.

Cats and dogs are better at dealing with the winter cold and summer heat, so there is no need to build up excessive heating or air conditioning bills when they are at home alone. Birds are also a common pet, but remember they are usually from tropical backgrounds. They should therefore be kept away from close contact with air conditioning systems.

Trade School Grads Know That HVAC Components Must be Protected

HVAC college grads recognize that pets don’t only pose problems within the home. HVAC units are often stored outside, and should be protected at all times. Dogs or cats could become curious about some of the components and before you know it, some cabling can become exposed and damaged.

They can also make a mess by urinating on important electrical components. Guard against such problems by encouraging clients to fence off their HVAC units. It’s a short-term pain with plenty of long-term gains.

HVAC training-4HVAC units are often exposed to potential damage from pets

Trade school training can open up a range of interesting career opportunities.

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Getting An Air Conditioning Unit Summer-Ready After HVAC Training

May 25, 2018

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When it’s scalding 25 degree weather out, the last thing someone needs is for their air conditioner to stop working. If this does happen, however, an overall lack of maintenance on the unit could be to blame. Properly maintaining an A/C unit is vital to helping it last longer, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring it provides cool high quality air all summer long.

As a result, many clients call on the help of HVAC technicians to get their air-conditioning systems summer-ready. Here are a few of the things you can do to make sure that an A/C unit is in working order to last the summer.

HVAC Technicians Must Clean the Condenser Coils on an Air-Conditioning Unit

When maintaining a central air conditioner, you will need to clean its condenser unit, which is located outside. Unless the condenser unit is protected by a special cover, keeping out dirt and snow, you’re likely to have plenty of debris trapped inside. This can clog the coils, which means they need to be cleaned too, otherwise it obstructs air flow and prevents the condenser from running as it should.

HVAC technician training-1Air-conditioning units should be maintained regularly to keep them summer-ready

HVAC grads can clean the condenser coils by using a screwdriver to remove any panels and grilles covering the unit. Once the side panels and top of the condenser have been removed, you can use either a refrigerator coil brush or a soft vacuum brush to carefully clean off the coils on both the inside and outside of the unit. You may also want to use a commercial coil cleaner for any dirt that you cannot remove with the vacuum. Be sure to turn off the power to the unit before beginning any type of maintenance, and be careful not to bend or damage any of the more delicate pieces, such as the fins.

Pros with HVAC Training Will Check if the A/C is Cooling Properly

Another important maintenance tip for students in HVAC trainingis to make sure that the unit is cooling effectively. One way to do this is by comparing the temperature that the air conditioner provides to the temperature of the air that flows back into the return air vent. Normally, the difference would be around 27 to 32˚C (15 to 18˚F), but if there is a wider gap then it’s an indication that your A/C unit has a problem.

You can also check the air conditioner’s coolant lines to see if they’re running properly. The coolant lines, or pipes, bring air from the evaporator to the condenser, and will usually be covered with foam insulation. You will need to replace the insulation with either foam insulation sleeves or foam insulation tape if there are any rips, tears, or pieces missing. With maintenance, it’s often good to be thorough, so make sure to check the unit’s wiring to see if it’s in good shape as well.

Check for Filters on an HVAC Unit That Need to be Cleaned or Replaced

Another good suggestion is to check the filters on an air-conditioning unit every month, or more if it is being used often. An air filter is responsible for pulling in dust and allergens from out of the air before it starts to cool it. Like condensers, the build up of dirt and debris in the filter can prevent air from passing freely to and from the unit, and that could reduce its effectiveness.  You can clean and replace filters by taking off the grill covering the register. If the filter is clogged beyond repair, remove it and make sure to clean off the grill, and then install a new filter.

While all of these tips can be helpful for keeping A/C units in good shape, enrolling in a good HVAC school can give you even more skills, so that you can keep your customers cool and satisfied throughout the hot summer months!

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HVAC technicians get skills and know-how from great HVAC schools

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How Professionals With HVAC Training Help End Sick Building Syndrome

April 17, 2018

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Whether it’s a house or apartment, a home is a place for relaxation away from the stresses of everyday life. But could your home be making you unhealthy? Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a relatively new phenomenon used to describe issues with building features which could be causing harm to your health.

Poor HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) is a crucial component of SBS, with improper systems posing a number of risks. Fortunately, there are many ways in which HVAC technicians can fight the problem and create a more pleasant home environment for customers. Read on to find out what they are.

The Origin of SBS and the Impact Buildings Have on Health

SBS is usually a result of a change in construction methods in the 1970s. Buildings were being made increasingly airtight, as the worldwide energy crisis forced planners to create houses and apartments which could better retain heat. This came at the cost of decreased ventilation, with dangerous toxins in the air unable to escape.

Students in HVAC training  should be aware of some of the symptoms of SBS, which include sinus or skin irritation, aches in different parts of the body, and tiredness. These problems will usually only occur while spending time in the building, but may affect many of the people living there. Seasonal changes in the use of heating or air conditioning equipment mean that these symptoms can also come and go throughout any given year.

HVAC School Will Help You Discover Common Ways of Tackling Sick Building Syndrome

A trained occupational health or industrial expert will often carry out official tests to determine whether a building is ‘sick’ and in need of action. Where these problems exist, proper maintenance of HVAC equipment is vital. Air conditioning filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly in order to catch bacteria, molds, pollen and viruses. Those living in the building may not see the results of this regular maintenance, but they will feel it in their standard of health.

 

HVAC technician courses-3Properly maintained HVAC units can make a living space much more pleasant

Graduates of HVAC school can also improve conditions by installing the latest equipment which meets current environmental codes, and service and repair existing systems which may need to be updated in order to prevent SBS. Other possible solutions include fitting whole-home air cleaners into the air ducts, while purifiers are also useful in capturing and killing air contaminants.

Copper as Part of HVAC Solutions to Sick Building Syndrome

The health benefits of copper have been known for many centuries, but the substance may still be an underused option when tackling Sick Building Syndrome. Copper has antimicrobial properties and is used in antiseptics, medical devices and oral hygiene products among other things.

Copper therefore could be a used as an alternative to biologically inert materials in HVAC products such as heat exchanger tubes, fins, and filters. The European Copper Institute has described it as a cost-effective way of preventing fungal and bacterial growth which can thrive in dark and damp components of HVAC systems.

HVAC training-2Copper could be an underused solution to Sick Building Syndrome

Trained HVAC technicians therefore have a vital role in preventing SBS, and the ability to improve a person’s wellbeing is a rewarding aspect of this career.

HVAC technician courses are an excellent way to learn all you need to get started in the trade.

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3 Essential Safety Habits of Pros With HVAC Training

February 15, 2018

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Working with HVAC equipment isn’t dangerous when you know what you’re doing. Good training programs instill in graduates a healthy respect for the risks that are present in the HVAC industry and teach foolproof habits to help avoid them.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in HVAC maintenance, it’s never too early to start getting in the safety-first mindset that is common among the top professionals in the field. Here’s an overview of some of the most important safety habits that are taught to students in HVAC training programs.

HVAC Training Teaches the Value of Checking & Maintaining Equipment

One of the most important things an HVAC repair student will learn is that it’s important to have the tools necessary for the job. This means ensuring all the standard tools are transported to the job site, and that work is postponed if a necessary tool is missing. Attempting to improvise with tools that are unintended for a given task is, at best, ill-advised. At worst, it could lead to a serious accident that damages the HVAC system or even hurts someone.

Maintenance is another important consideration in HVAC repair. Broken, worn down, or otherwise substandard tools should not be used, as they make it more likely that something could go wrong. Taking preventative action and regularly inspecting your toolkit for flaws is considered good practice among HVAC professionals.

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Inspect your tools to ensure they are in good enough shape for safe HVAC work

Safety in Working With Chemicals is a Critical Lesson in HVAC Technician Training

One of the most important things taught in HVAC training is that coolants and other chemicals must be handled appropriately. This means, among other things, not leaving open chemicals in confined spaces, not mixing chemicals, and always wearing protective gloves when handling them. Maintaining the attitude that chemicals should be treated with respect and caution is one of the best ways to avoid accidental misuse that could have unfortunate consequences.

Training programs like the one offered at North American Trades Schools ensure students get plenty of practice working on real HVAC systems in a supervised environment, so that expert guidance is always at hand while this important habit is still being formed. Given time and practice, you can expect chemical safety planning to become second nature.

HVAC Technicians Take Measures to Avoid Getting Shocked

It’s not impossible to get an electrical shock while working on HVAC equipment, which is why the smartest graduates of HVAC technician training don’t leave things to chance. As a first step, they cut off the breaker for the unit they are going to be working on.

As a second step, they use a multimeter to double-check that the wires are not live. This is because any professional who works with or around electrical devices knows that wiring is sometimes done differently than expected, meaning disabling the “right” breaker might not actually eliminate the current. Taking both steps can help HVAC repair technicians be sure that there’s no chance that they’ll get shocked.

hvac technician training

HVAC technicians often use multimeters to ensure there’s no power running to the systems they work on

Thanks to their access to instructors with many years of professional HVAC maintenance experience, students in HVAC repair training can learn about these and many other useful safety practices that can help prevent harm. This is a good way to begin your career with wisdom far beyond your years, and stay safe in working with HVAC systems.

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How to Spot Ignition Problems During Your HVAC Career

January 28, 2018

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Gas heating is an effective way to keep a building warm, and though the technology behind it has gotten a little more elaborate over time, the core concept is pretty basic: introduce gas, strike a spark, and enjoy the warmth generated by the ongoing flame.

Of course, a problem with the ignition in this type of system can leave building occupants shivering, so it’s important to be proactive in finding and fixing these kinds of issues.

Curious about how you can spot ignition problems during your HVAC career? Here are some steps that you ought to follow.

Pros in HVAC Careers Know Frequent Cycling Can Point to Ignition Issues

When an HVAC system is working correctly, it won’t draw much attention from a building’s occupants. If the system detects the building is colder than it should be, the heat will kick in to raise the temperature to the necessary level. Once the correct temperature is reached, the system will shut itself off until it is needed again.

A faulty ignition reduces the amount of heat that the system can provide, and often leads to a much more frequent engagement and disengagement of the heating system. This is the kind of thing that people notice, so if you or the building’s occupants know that the system has been cycling much more frequently than normal, it’s a sign that something is probably wrong. It could just be a relatively minor issue, like a dirty air filter, but it’s also possible that the ignition is in need of service.

You Don’t Need an HVAC Diploma to Know a Pilot Light Going Out is a Bad Sign

Older gas heating systems have a pilot light, which is a flame that is left burning even when the heat isn’t properly engaged. These sometimes go out, and while reigniting them isn’t usually a problem, it does sometimes happen that a system just can’t keep its light going. Needless to say, this is a pretty important and obvious sign that something’s wrong with the ignition.

There are many reasons a pilot light might not be able to keep a flame. During your HVAC diploma, you will learn how everything from grime to malfunctioning regulators can create all kinds of issues that cause pilot lights to go out quickly.

That said, don’t forget that there can be simple, non-technical factors at play. One common problem is that there’s a draft blowing out the flame. Be ready to think outside the box when you approach these kinds of issues, and you’ll be able to handle pretty much anything you encounter.

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HVAC skills and a healthy dose of common sense can help you solve most ignition problems

If the Blower Won’t Stop Running, Odds are Good That There’s an Ignition Problem

The blower in an HVAC system is basically just a fan that runs to deliver hot air through the system. It gets especially active when the upper heat limit is reached, engaging to flush the hot air and keep the system safe. If the blower does not stop running, it could be a sign that something has gone wrong with the ignition’s limiting switch and made the system think it is constantly overheating.

When you become an HVAC technician, you’ll likely find that it’s often little issues like these causing problems within HVAC systems. It may not always be clear what is at fault, however, which is part of why your education is so valuable.

The expert instructors running the program have years of experience dealing with just about every issue you can think of, and know the little tricks that can be used to sort out precisely what is going wrong in a system. Learn from them and you, too, can become capable of finding and fixing all kinds of HVAC problems.

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A blower that won’t stop running could signal an ignition problem

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The Winter Heater Maintenance Tips Pros in HVAC Careers Recommend

December 26, 2017

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Turning on the heat to banish the winter cold from a building is a nice feeling. Discovering that the heat doesn’t work when the temperature dips below -10 is not.  To professionals working in the world of HVAC installation and repair, the best policy for keeping your clients’ toes toasty warm throughout the bitterest cold of winter is to plan ahead. That means completing sensible maintenance steps on heating equipment before it gets too cold out.

Curious about what goes into a good winter maintenance routine for heating equipment? Here are a few steps that HVAC pros recommend.

Change the Air Filters on Heating Equipment Before Winter Arrives

Heating systems basically heat air and disperse it throughout a room. To be able to do that, it needs to be possible for air to actually move around. This relies heavily on the condition of the air filters in the system.

An air filter that is clogged up with dust, animal hair, pollutants, or other matter will not be able to intake cool air or expel warm air properly. Not only does this stop heat from circulating, but it can also lead to a malfunction. A buildup of hot air within the system could result in components breaking down, causing a cascade of issues that can cripple the heating system.

HVAC career

A dirty air filter can lead to big problems for HVAC equipment

As a general rule, air filters should be replaced about once every three months, but every building is slightly different. For peace of mind in the coldest months, a professional HVAC technician might do well to recommend to clients that they plan on swapping out their filter right around the beginning of December.

For Energy Efficiency, Make Sure the Fan Motor & Blades Work Correctly

Moving pieces are more prone to wear and tear, and with fans serving as integral components of many HVAC systems, it’s important to ensure they’re in good condition heading into the winter season. A malfunctioning fan could mean worse circulation of air, perhaps leading to inconsistent heating or energy inefficiency as the system heats up more to try and compensate.

Moving parts require a delicate touch and a knowledgeable worker, which is why they really should be attended to by a graduate of HVAC college. Completing training can help you approach all manner of mechanical issues with comfort and ease, thanks to the skills you learn from instructors with many years of professional experience.

HVAC College Graduates Should Ensure System Sensors Are Functional

Many modern HVAC systems are programmed to operate according to a particular schedule. Different levels of heating can be established for particular times of day on particular days of the week, or even based on whether the system detects that people are inside of the building.

While these kinds of features can allow for a fair amount of control over cost, they only work if the sensors and schedules are properly maintained. Otherwise, they might activate at the wrong time, or in the wrong situations. As such, maintenance of system sensors and controls is an important part of the pre-winter process.

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Verifying that HVAC control systems work correctly is an important part of pre-winter maintenance

Getting to know the sensors, thermometers, and control consoles common in HVAC systems can take a bit of time and practice. However, a good training program will allow you to quickly pick up the know-how necessary for maintaining even the most complex systems, and help you keep clients and their buildings from getting too cold in winter throughout your HVAC career.

Do you want to get a great, practical education in HVAC systems?

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How HVAC College Helps Students Learn Professional Skills Fast

November 28, 2017

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As an aspiring HVAC technician, you want to be ready to start your new career as quickly as possible. This can make the prospect of going back to school somewhat daunting – will you be using your time well? Is it worth delaying your entry into the workforce?

These are good questions to ask, and, fortunately, there is an encouraging answer. By pursuing a HVAC Technician Diploma, students are able to develop the skills they need in order to succeed on the job very efficiently, making this the ideal path forward for a quick career launch. Keep reading to learn more about how you can develop your professional skills faster.

Learning from Experienced Instructors Gives HVAC College an Edge

One of the most valuable assets of a good HVAC program is experienced course instructors. These professionals have many years of experience in the trades, and have the specialized HVAC expertise required to shape you into a qualified professional.

Instructors at NATS, for instance, are all experienced professionals who are experts not only in the HVAC field, but also in instructing new tradespeople in a manner that makes learning fast and easy. In relatively small class and workshop sizes, students get ample instructor attention during HVAC college. This means that they can be confident that their skills will be closely observed and corrected, allowing them to improve at a quick pace.

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Experienced instructors will help you develop your skills quickly as an HVAC student

HVAC College Helps Students Learn Faster Than They Would on the Job

Some students worry that learning at a trade school will make it harder for them to develop practical skills quickly. After all, isn’t on-the-job training the best preparation for your career? In fact, earning your HVAC certification can help you learn at a faster pace than workplace training alone.

For one thing, your instructors are there with one purpose: to teach you. This means they do not have to divide their attention between training you and meeting their own work demands. Additionally, learning at a trade school does not mean that you will be spending all of your time in a classroom. Students have many opportunities to practice their skills in hands-on, realistic workshop environments.

That way, you get the practical hands-on learning opportunities that you would get from on-the-job training with the additional benefits of full-time instruction. It is simply the most efficient way to develop your professional skills.

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Students gain hands-on experience during their HVAC training

Develop Construction Trades Connections Through Your College

Finally, attending a trade school will give you the opportunity to develop the ‘soft skills’ you need for career success alongside your HVAC competencies. At NATS, for example, the college’s Career Services representatives work alongside students to help them improve their resumes, develop interview skills, and master the job search process.

This allows students to complete their training with the skills and confidence they will need to land their first job as a HVAC technician, rather than learning these skills themselves through trial and error. Further, the college’s many industry connections make it easier for new graduates to form relationships with potential employers and find suitable job opportunities. Overall, if you choose to pursue HVAC training, you can be sure that you will be career-ready in no time.

Do you want to know more about how you can kick-start your HVAC career?

Contact NATS to learn more about our HVAC diploma programs!

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