2. HVACR Training
This Guide and Workbook is intended for use as a
basic bootcamp level of training for refrigeration
and air conditioning. Basic skills needed to
successfully integrate into an operating HVACR
business as a recruit with little or no HVAC training
are covered. The goal is to provide those taking it
with training they can rely on to quickly develop
into entry level technicians.
3. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) Basics
HVAC for residential applications is used to make a
home comfortable to live in. To remain comfortable
in every season, most buildings need to have heat
removed in the summer and heat added in the winter.
Residential HVAC systems are designed to maintain
temperature and relative humidity ranges that are
comfortable for most people. This Training provides
the basics needed to understand how a basic HVAC
system operates. However, it is also intended to help
you become a successful technician as you learn more
and get hands on experience that will solidify your
understanding of the basics.
4. HVAC Career Opportunities
Entering the HVAC field as a technician trainee
provides a valuable hands-on foundation for a
professional career. A “master license” in the
trade provides a greater earning potential than
most traditional master’s degree from a
traditional educational system. Those who take
full advantage of the ongoing educational
opportunities and apply themselves have an
unlimited number of career opportunities.
5. Defining Who A Technician Is
There has never been a greater need for technicians, or a greater
opportunity for those who are entering the HVACR field to succeed.
In addition to the brief list below, those with college degrees in
science, engineering, business administration, human resources,
marketing, etc. will find that they are needed in the HVACR industry
too.
6. Getting Started HVAC Company Culture
(1)
Every HVAC company has a culture. The good ones
actively work on developing and maintaining a
positive culture and groom people who fit into their
culture. Those who fit in seamlessly are given more
responsibility and higher paying positions. Every
work culture will expect a certain style and type of
clothing, a way they want employees to treat their
customers and fellow employees. Additionally,
there will be expectations like being prepared to
work when you arrive on time, preferably a little
early (just in case something goes wrong with the
travel route).
7. Getting Started HVAC Company Culture
(2)
Most people were raised by their parents to be
polite and to present themselves well in public
places. In other words, to behave in an appropriate
manner. Then we all were further groomed to
behave acceptably in the grade school setting.
However, once and awhile, especially in stressful
situations, we forget the good manners most of us
learned at home, and proper group-social actions
we learned in grade school. The basics are simple
things can help you succeed; like being polite and
listening to others when they are speaking to you
rather than texting and ignoring them.
8. Getting Started HVAC Company Culture
(3)
HVAC is a service industry, technicians are highly
skilled people. However, the homeowners are
paying for the service and should always be treated
with respect. Looking at other service industry
examples, when you order something, isn’t it nice
when the clerk listens to you and responds with a
yes sir or yes ma’am? What would you prefer to
hear when you enter a doctor’s office: “take a
number and sign in over there?’ or “how can I help
you today?” We make first impressions every time
we meet someone new.
9. Getting Started HVAC Company Culture
(4)
Unfortunately, many people are quick to develop a
negative impression based on their first interaction
with someone. Would your HVAC company rather
have a customer look at your appearance and think:
“he is a slob, he will mess up the job or worse yet
my home” or “he looks sharp, like he knows what
he is doing” How about our actions speaking louder
than words: “I need my concerns heard, she should
put down that phone when trying to do business,
and listen to me”, or “she listened to my problem
and is very polite I think she understands my
issues.”
10. Good Advice For Everyone (1)
Always plan to arrive a little early in case something
goes wrong on the commute.
Dress appropriately for the position you have. Ensure
your clothes fit properly and are clean and in good
condition (No jeans or tennis shoes with holes in
them).
Watch how successful people within the company
dress and behave and learn to dress and behave in a
similar way.
11. Good Advice For Everyone (2)
Find out what is expected of you, for specific training
and/or job/skill goals and do your best to meet those
requirements early or at least on time.
It is a good practice to read HVAC equipment and
tool instructions.
Review the HVAC fundamentals on your own time
until they are second nature to you.
12. Good Advice For Everyone (3)
The ancient adage “you get out of something what
you put into it” is still true. Spending as little as 15
minutes a day learning about or studying something
related to HVAC and your job will over time help you
to become an expert and to separate yourself from
the crowd of people who learn on the job the hard
way: one mistake at a time.
13. Lessons Learned
• You should now be able to explain why it is
important to be on time.
• You should now understand why it is
important to dress properly for the job.
• You should be able to explain why being polite
is an important habit for successful HVACR
technicians.
