Whether you’re just starting your journey or already enrolled in our HVAC program, having the essential tools of the trade is crucial for your success. Here’s a rundown of the top tools every young HVAC technician should have in their toolkit:

1. Digital Multimeter: As a budding HVAC technician, a digital multimeter will quickly become your best friend. This versatile tool allows you to troubleshoot electrical systems, test voltage, continuity, and resistance, and ensure systems are operating safely and efficiently. With hands-on training at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝, you’ll master the art of using a multimeter in no time.
2. Manifold Gauge Set: Dive into the world of refrigeration with a manifold gauge set. This tool is essential for checking refrigerant levels, pressure, and temperature in HVAC systems. With expert guidance from our experienced instructors, you’ll learn how to accurately diagnose issues and ensure proper refrigerant charging for optimal system performance.
3. Refrigerant Leak Detector: Leaky HVAC systems are a common problem that every technician will encounter. Equip yourself with a refrigerant leak detector to quickly pinpoint leaks and prevent costly damage. Our hands-on training will teach you how to use this tool effectively, saving you time and money on the job.
4. Pipe Cutter and Flaring Tool: Working with copper pipes is a fundamental skill for HVAC technicians. With a pipe cutter and flaring tool in your arsenal, you’ll be able to cut and shape pipes with precision, ensuring leak-free connections and efficient system operation. At ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝, you’ll receive hands-on training to master these essential techniques.
5. Adjustable Wrenches: From tightening fittings to loosening bolts, adjustable wrenches are indispensable tools for HVAC technicians. With a variety of wrench sizes at your disposal, you’ll be ready to tackle any job with confidence. Our instructors will teach you the proper techniques for using adjustable wrenches safely and effectively.
6. Tube Bender: Properly bending tubing is a skill that every HVAC technician must master. With a tube bender in hand, you’ll be able to create smooth bends without kinking or damaging the pipe, ensuring proper airflow and refrigerant flow. Our comprehensive training program includes hands-on practice with tube bending techniques.
7. Combustion Analyzer: For technicians working with combustion heating systems, a combustion analyzer is a must-have tool for measuring and analyzing combustion efficiency. Our expert instructors will guide you through the process of using a combustion analyzer to ensure safe and efficient operation of heating systems.
8. Duct Tape and Foil Tape: Every HVAC technician knows the importance of having duct tape and foil tape on hand for sealing ductwork and making quick repairs. With these essential tapes in your toolkit, you’ll be prepared to tackle any ductwork challenge that comes your way.
9. Cordless Drill and Bits: From installing new equipment to mounting brackets and fasteners, a cordless drill is a versatile tool that every young HVAC technician should have. With a selection of high-quality drill bits, you’ll be ready to tackle any drilling task with ease.
10. HVAC Vacuum Pump: a tool that removes moisture and air from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system’s refrigerant lines. This is a vital part of the HVAC installation and maintenance process. The pump helps ensure the HVAC system runs efficiently and effectively by removing air and moisture from the refrigerant system before recharging it.
11. Safety Gear: Last but certainly not least, safety gear is essential for protecting yourself on the job. At ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝, we prioritize safety above all else. Our instructors will provide you with the necessary safety gear, including safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection, to ensure you can work confidently and safely.

Equipping yourself with the essential tools of the HVAC trade is crucial for success in this exciting and rewarding field.

With hands-on training and expert guidance from ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any challenge that comes your way as a young HVAC technician.

So gear up, get ready to learn, and take the first step toward a promising career in HVAC at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝!

How Do You Become an HVAC Technician in California?

There are multiple options for receiving the necessary training to become a qualified HVAC professional. There are longer and shorter routes to obtaining the needed skill set:

Finish HVAC School in Just 9 Months

The HVAC training program at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ takes only 9 months to complete for full-time students. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ HVAC Technician training instructors for the El Cajon, San Bernardino and Santa Ana campus classes are highly experienced HVAC professionals. They work closely with each student on areas of needed emphasis to help make sure everyone succeeds in every course. In just 9 months, you will learn all that you need to know to start your first job as an HVAC Technician.

Benefits of HVAC Training School Attendance

Completing a comprehensive HVAC training curriculum offers many benefits to students and graduates of the program. Having a full education in the HVAC field, including hands-on experience, and career assistance gives program graduates major advantages in obtaining employment after training. Some of the key benefits of HVAC training at a good trade school include:

Learn from Experienced HVAC Instructors

You’ll have abundant one-on-one help from your instructors to make sure you do well in all areas of needed training throughout your HVAC courses.

Builds Your Self Confidence

You will earn your certificate of graduation from the HVAC training school, which demonstrates your professional knowledge to prospective employers.

Gain Practical HVAC Experience

In HVAC school, you will have abundant opportunities to gain experience by practicing working on HVAC equipment as part of your coursework.

Free HVAC Career Services

The ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ career assistance team will help prepare you for phone and in-person interviews, help with your resume, and help you connect with job opportunities.

Financial Aid for HVAC School

Tuition assistance and financial aid to cover other costs of attendance is available to students of the HVAC training program at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝.

Why Do People Choose a Career in HVAC?

There are many reasons why people choose to take courses in HVAC training school. If you’re a good problem solver and you like variety in your work, becoming an HVAC service technician may be ideal for you. If these traits describe you, then you may want to consider an HVAC career:

Like working with your hands: Do you prefer working with your hands vs. desk work?

Self-starter: Are you a good self-motivator? If so, you may start your own HVAC service.

Methodical: Do you like to follow a process to achieve the right outcome?

Prefer working outside the office: Do you like a change of scenery every day?

What You Will Learn in the HVAC Curriculum?

In your HVAC educational curriculum at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝, you’ll cover the full range of subjects in both residential and commercial HVAC systems. For example:

Certifications Needed for HVAC Work

In most areas of the United States, certification is required to work as an HVAC Technician. Typically, completing a written exam is required to obtain the needed certification. To prepare, there are Associate’s Degree programs for HVAC training. In those training systems, it usually takes two years to graduate. Trade school HVAC programs offer a faster route, with accelerated training, like the one at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. You can complete your HVAC training in this school in only 9 months. Upon graduation, you will have an EPA certificate.

Related: How to Prepare for the EPA 608 Universal Certification

Job Outlook in California for HVAC Professionals

For HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair, homeowners and business owners call an HVAC technician. So, HVAC service professionals are always in high demand for existing equipment service work and new installations for residential and commercial construction. That makes HVAC an attractive career choice throughout the United States and globally.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment growth rate for HVAC service technicians is as high as the national average for all other fields.

• Jobs for qualified HVAC technicians are anticipated to grow by 5% through 2031.
• Expanding U.S. residential and commercial construction throughout the country is expected to continue generating jobs for trained and certified HVAC technicians.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Training and Careers

For answers to all of your questions about HVAC school, just contact the enrollment department at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. In the meantime, here are answers to a few of the most common questions about training and working in the HVAC industry:

Are there many jobs for HVAC technicians?

Yes, HVAC technicians are in very high demand throughout the United States. With new home and business construction and remodeling bustling, HVAC is a growing field of employment.

WHY CHOOSE SUMMIT COLLEGE?

Are you ready to start your training to become an HVAC technician in California? You can finish HVAC school in just 9 months. The HVAC Technician program at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ will prepare you to find a job after graduation or start your own HVAC service business using the skills you have learned. Ask about financial aid!

For more information about HVAC training or to schedule a tour of the campus, call ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ at (888) 504-2552, or contact us for help.

Read on for details about what you can expect to do on the job as an HVAC professional and the benefits of a career in this industry

What Are the Responsibilities of an HVAC Technician?

The term “HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, which means you will work with equipment that keeps people cool in the summer and warm during winter.

HVAC systems not only keep people feeling comfortable all year round, but they also promote health, especially for people who are sensitive to extremes of hot or cold temperatures. The filter system that purifies air moving through the HVAC system can be essential for individuals with allergies or more severe respiratory health issues.

Your main responsibilities will involve installing new HVAC systems, inspecting equipment, providing regular maintenance, and making repairs. Being able to quickly troubleshoot air conditioning and heating equipment will come naturally to you after you have finished your training through ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝.

The duties of an HVAC professional involve understanding blueprints and the technical specifications of the equipment. Once the customer has selected a particular brand and model and you have sized the equipment to their building, you’ll be ready to begin.

Not only do you prepare the HVAC equipment for assembly and then installation, you will also need to do extra work. For example, you may need to put in a new thermostat to control the heating and cooling. Or, you will advise customers about filters to help keep the air cleaner.

During installation, you’ll inspect and test the connections after connecting the fuel lines. And for follow-up visits, you’ll do more of these inspections during routine maintenance appointments.

After training, you will know how to properly size equipment for a home or commercial building. If the system is too small, it won’t be able to adequately cool or heat the building. If the system is too big, it will cycle on and off too frequently, causing premature breakdowns as well as leading to higher utility bills.

HVAC Technician with a Regular Work Schedule or Providing Emergency Services on Demand

You may find yourself working a standard 9-5 job, with predictable hours. Or, if you are more flexible, you may forge a career in after-hours work for a company that provides emergency services 24/7.

When the heat goes down in the middle of a bitterly cold night, the customers can’t wait, and your services will be in high demand. And companies that have a malfunctioning air conditioning system may be forced to close down until you arrive and fix their equipment.

Benefits of an HVAC Career in California

Before you begin your studies to become an HVAC technician, it’s useful to learn more about the benefits of embarking on this career path.

According to the latest statistics from the , the number of jobs is approximately 380,400. As for the job outlook, the BLS projects an additional 19,000 positions will open up between 2020-2030.

If you’re a people person, you’ll enjoy getting out in the field every day, where your job may take you to a factory, a school, an office building, a house, or an apartment. Sometimes the working environment will be cold or hot if there is no HVAC equipment or if the equipment is not currently working.

Breaking Into the HVAC Business

After you have undergone training and are licensed and certified, you can start to pursue a career as an HVAC technician. With on-the-job training, you can begin in an entry-level position. Opportunities include being an HVAC technician, assistant, maintenance technician, or installer. Beginners also find work as a refrigeration systems mechanic.

Mid-level job options include being a manager over the maintenance department or working as an HVAC controls technician.

As your career progresses, you may become a controls system engineer, a mechanical engineer, or work as a director of services for a large HVAC business. There is plenty of variety in these different job types, so you’re sure to find work that interests you.

Start a Fulfilling Career by Enrolling in ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s HVAC Program Today

As long as people spend time inside buildings, it’s safe to say there will be ongoing work for talented individuals who have been trained in HVAC systems.

The industry needs trained, licensed and certified HVAC technicians for a wide range of tasks. One day you may be consulting with a business owner about options for a new system to install. The next day, you could be focusing on routine maintenance or repairs for homeowners or business owners in California.

To learn more about pursuing a career as an HVAC technician, take a look at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s HVAC program. You can apply online or arrange for a campus tour. For details, please contact ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ today.

Let’s walk through the types of commercial HVAC systems and look at the similarities and differences.

Commercial HVAC System Components

There are a number of components that are typical in a commercial HVAC system. For example, in residential settings, HVAC units are typically located to the side of the house, but in large commercial facilities, the units are usually located on the roof. Two types of heaters may be used – either radiant heaters for direct heat, or hot air furnaces that burn fuel to heat air. Heat pumps are another heating option, in which heat is extracted from water or air. Chillers are another component of many commercial systems; chillers use cool water which is piped into air cooling coils to chill the air.

Single Split Systems

Single split systems are the most affordable commercial HVAC systems, and are best used for smaller commercial buildings. These self-contained systems heat and cool individual rooms (such as small offices, shops, or server rooms). Each indoor unit must be paired with a corresponding outdoor unit. The nice thing about single split systems is that, not only are they less expensive than other systems, but also, if one unit breaks down, it won’t affect the others. So, one room may lose AC, but not the whole building.

Multi Split Systems

Multi split systems are very similar to single split systems, except you can connect up to nine multiple indoor units with just one outdoor unit. This is particularly helpful if your building doesn’t have a lot of outdoor space, and also just looks better than having many outdoor units. A multi split system is more energy efficient – instead of burning energy by turning the system on and off, this system has sensors to identify temperature changes and adjust as necessary. Finally, the multi split system uses heat pumps to move heat from warm areas to cool ones – this also saves on heating costs.

VRF System

A VRF (variable refrigerant flow) system is typically used in larger commercial facilities such as big office buildings or hotels. A heat pump VRF system can provide heating and cooling to a building, but not both at the same time. This option is best suited for buildings with large open floor plans. For buildings with many smaller rooms, a heat recovery VRF system is a better choice, because it can heat and cool different rooms at the same time.

If you’re interested in starting a rewarding career in the HVAC industry, check out the HVAC Program at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ helps students like you get the hands-on training and skills they need to join the skilled professionals out there who are making the world a more comfortable place. With flexible scheduling options and free tutoring, we’ll help you prepare for the EPA 608 Universal Certification test, and the initial NATE Core Certification. Get your future started now! Contact us today!

Know What to Expect

First, you should know there are 3 certifications that actually come before the universal certification.

Type I

The first step in your HVAC future, the Type I certification allows you to work on small appliances. What makes something a “small” appliance? Simple – it works on 5lbs or less of refrigerant. The exam for the Type I certification is only 25 questions and can be taken in an open-book fashion if you don’t intend to continue with additional certifications. If you do, be aware you’ll have to retake it closed book for further certifications. You’ll also need to answer 21 of the 25 questions correctly to pass.

Type II

The Type II certification places a larger emphasis on leak detection & repair and allows you to work on or dispose of medium to high pressure appliances, excluding automobile air conditioning and small appliances. It also focuses on proper equipment testing and recovery techniques. To obtain Type II certification, you’ll need to retake the 25 Type I questions – plus an additional 25 questions, closed book and correctly answer 42 out of the 50 questions.

Type III

The final certification before the universal certification it Type III and may appear very similar to Type II. But the difference is in the type of system. Type III allows you to work on or dispose of low-pressure systems and the focus is on leakage and leak-testing and pressurization methods. But just like Type II certification, you must correctly answer 42 out of the 50-question exam and it is a closed book exam.

How to Prepare for the EPA 608 Universal Exam

If you’ve successfully passed all three preliminary certification exams, you’re already well on your way to being prepared for the 100 question Universal exam. But there are things you can do to be sure you nail it right out of the gate.

Practice Tests

It might sound obvious to say study for the exam. But you can do that by taking practice tests of the exam and also by revisiting the 3 exams you’ve already taken.

Talk to a Professional

If you’re having trouble with a particular area, seek out a professional working in the industry. Most will be happy to answer questions and it’s also a great way to network with potential employers.

Get Professional Training

This is probably the best way to prepare – by getting professional HVAC training at an accredited facility. You can certainly learn the HVAC trade on the job, but completing an actual program will not only better prepare you for the universal certification, it could also increase your opportunities by making you look more attractive to potential employers.

If you’d like to learn more about a career in the HVAC industry and more on how to prepare for the EPA 608 Universal Certification, check out the HVAC Program at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ is helping students get the hands-on training and skills they need to reach their goals of a future as an HVAC technician. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.

As temperatures continue to rise, the need for HVAC technicians grows with it. If you’ve been cranking the AC down an extra notch this summer because things feel just a little bit hotter than you remember, it’s because they are. In fact, research by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), shows that temperatures are rising in more areas on good old planet earth than cooling, with 2019 being the second warmest year on record. [i] Given the warmish nature of things, it’s not surprising that the demand for qualified HVAC technicians is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs for HVAC technicians are projected to continue to grow, adding 15,100 jobs by 2029.[ii] But higher temps aren’t the only reason the demand for HVAC technicians is growing.

Population Growth

The U.S. population is predicted to rise by approximately 1.7 million people annually.[iii] Translation – more people equals a whole lot more of us struggling to keep our own personal space climate controlled.

Green-Focused

With a huge focus on developing eco-friendly energy solutions, the HVAC industry is evolving to meet the challenge. What does that mean? More solutions, greener systems – the need for more technicians with specialized training to implement those solutions.

Advances in HVAC Technology

As HVAC technology advances, so does the need for qualified technicians to upgrade and install new systems. In addition, there is still a need for technicians to repair and maintain the old ones. 

HVAC Requires a Hands-On Approach

While technology can replace people in some industries, that is not the case in the HVAC industry. Whether you’re talking about smart thermostats or entire smart homes, the need for hands-on workers to implement and service that high tech equipment isn’t likely to go away any time soon. After all, there are some things that a robot just cannot do.

What Kind of Training does an HVAC Technician Need?

HVAC training is typically offered at technical or trade schools and program length can vary. To work as an HVAC technician, you’re required, at a minimum, to pass an EPA approved test to earn EPA 608 Universal Certification. There are also several different levels of advanced/specialized training available for those who wish to expand their skills through the nation’s largest non-profit HVAC certification organization – NATE (North American Technician Excellence).

The world is getting hotter. So, if you’re looking for a career path with solid growth potential, you might want to consider a future helping people literally – keep their cool. To learn more about a career in the HVAC industry, check out the HVAC Program at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ is helping students get the hands-on training and skills they need to join the skilled professionals out there keeping the world a more comfortable place. With flexible scheduling options and free tutoring, we’ll help you prepare for the EPA 608 Universal Certification test, and the initial NATE Core Certification. Get your future started now by contacting one of our three campus locations for more information.

[i].

[iii]

Details About the EPA 608 Regulation

This type of certification refers to section 608 of the federal Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1970. The Environmental Protection Agency governs this aspect of the HVAC industry and mandates several things related to working on, repairing, maintaining, installing, and removing appliances that have refrigerants. The aim of section 608 in the Clean Air Act is to prevent harmful chemicals from refrigerants from damaging the Earth’s ozone layer.

Some chemicals used in refrigeration, such as halons, chlorofluorocarbons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, may contribute to the hole in the ozone layer. Additionally, research has linked chemical refrigerants to emitting greenhouse gasses and causing climate change.

Section 608 was added to the law in 1993 to help protect the planet and reduce the damage refrigerants were causing to the environment. Now, technicians who work with appliances that use refrigerants are required to have EPA 608 certification. This certification and the regulations associated with section 608 ensure that appliances are repaired and disposed of safely and appropriately.

Different Types of Certifications in HVAC

HVAC professionals who need this certification must also determine the specific type that matches their line of work. EPA 608 certification is classified into four different kinds. Each type of EPA 608 certification allows the HVAC professional to work with certain appliances.

Type I â€“ Type I EPA 608 licenses allow HVAC workers to service only small appliances. Small appliances are designated as those that use factory-sealed refrigerants of five pounds or less. To be certified, candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the safety and recovery of refrigerants in smaller appliances, often residential appliances.

Type II â€“ The Type II EPA 608 certification is for jobs that involve repairing, servicing, or disposing of high-pressure appliances. Those with this certification are not qualified to repair, service, or dispose of small appliances or air conditioning systems in a motor vehicle. Professionals with this certification are expected to know how to find a refrigerant leak and repair it safely. They are also experts in safely disposing of high-pressure appliances with refrigerants. In some cases, this may include commercial equipment. High-pressure appliances include commercial refrigerators, heat pumps, split-system residential air conditioners and refrigeration systems for grocery stores.

Type III â€“ Type III EPA 608 licenses allow HVAC workers to focus on low-pressure appliances. It requires expertise with leak detection and fixes, disposal of refrigerants, safety, and recovery techniques. Some low-pressure appliances use nitrogen, so technicians need to have extensive knowledge about this chemical.

Universal â€“ For HVAC technicians who work with all types of appliances and air conditioning systems, it’s recommended to get universally certified. A universal certification demonstrates that the candidate has passed all three types of EPA 608 exams and has the skills needed to safely service and dispose of any kind of appliance with refrigerant.

How To Prepare for Certification

It’s important to prepare adequately for an EPA 608 certification exam. Generally, most people start with some knowledge and experience in the HVAC field. One option that may fast-track someone to becoming certified and skilled in working with heating and air conditioning systems is to enroll in a career preparation program for HVAC.

At , there is a complete program for HVAC technicians. This program prepares students for success in the field. The program features courses in residential and commercial HVAC, heating technology, environmentally-friendly HVAC practices, system design, and refrigerants.

Graduates of the program are prepared to take the exam for EPA 608 certification. They are also equipped to pass the industry’s standard certification exams and transition into a fulfilling career in HVAC service.

Take the Test

Once you feel ready to take the test, it’s easy to find possible testing locations in person or online. You’ll need to find an EPA authorized testing vendor and then make an appointment for the exam. If you aim to get the universal certification, it’s best to plan out your testing strategy to obtain more than one certification.

In addition to taking each certification type for the EPA 608 license, candidates must also pass the Core knowledge test. The Core exam tests basic knowledge about the impact on the environment of refrigerants and other chemicals as well as details of the Clean Air Act. Safety, shipping, recovery, reclaiming, and recycling of appliances is also covered in the first core section.

Before going in for the exam, it’s best to take time to review topics and take some practice tests online to test your knowledge. Additionally, be sure to find out if your test is open book or proctored. Each of the tests is 25 questions. To pass each Type, you must earn at least 21 out of 25.

The Cost of Certification

Many people wonder, how much does it cost to get EPA certified? The cost of getting the EPA 608 certification varies, depending on which test you take and what kind of preparation program you opt for. The lowest-priced certification exam is the Type I, which can be priced as low as $20 in some cases. Type II and Type III certification exams may be required to be administered in person and with a certified proctor, which could raise the price.

Get More Opportunities

Companies that hire HVAC technicians for their service team typically require EPA 608 certification. The best jobs in complex commercial HVAC also may have a prerequisite of being EPA certified. HVAC professionals who are serious about their careers and want to demand top salaries should consider getting a certification.

If you want to learn more about preparing yourself for a career in HVAC and getting the EPA 608 certification, check out ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s HVAC program. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s job training prepares you to experience a successful career in HVAC.

Video:

HVAC systems control the climate in our homes and in commercial buildings. HVAC stands for Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning. This is an introductory general overview of basic electrical components and electrical wiring for beginners to the HVAC unit world.

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair the electrical components and wiring of HVAC systems. In order to do this, HVAC technicians learn all of the electrical systems and components, how each electrical component works (the electrical functions and electrical features), and the sequence of operations in the HVAC system.

Is this thing on?

One of the first concepts to learn about electrical components is how electricity flows through the HVAC units. This is determined by electrical components called relays. Simplified, relays can be switched open or switched closed. When the relay is open, the relay is off and in a non-electrified state. When a relay is closed, the relay is on and power travels to the relay and proceeds to the intended parts.

Let it flow through you

What’s telling the relay to switch from open to closed? Or closed to open?
There are many things that can tell a relay to switch from open to closed. Voltage, temperature, and pressure are all common ways that relays use.

• Voltage—for example, when the relay receives 24 volts, it will close and turn on, distributing power to the next part.
• Temperature—for example, if too hot, the relay will open and stop power.
• Pressure switch—for example, an amount of pressure turns the relay to closed and power is distributed to the next electric component.

Many of the parts of an HVAC unit are considered electrical components. We’ve mentioned the important work of relays. Here are some of the electrical units that can be considered to work similarly to and with relays and will be explained in detail during HVAC training—Compressors, Motors, and Capacitors.

When you start from the point of a relay, you can see that a circuit board can be considered an elaborate series of relays. Even more elaborate are the following working HVAC electric parts—Thermostats, Transformers, and Condenser Motors.

Get

Connecting all of the electrical components together is the electric wiring. To keep track of wiring, HVAC technicians rely on circuit schematics or visual representations of wiring programs. There are three basic types of circuit schematics used in HVAC today. They are the Line Diagram, the Ladder Diagram, and the Installation Diagram. You can think of these circuit schematics as road maps. Instead of roads, there are wires that travel from electrical component to component. The wires connect the various electrical components, deliver power to loads that make up the system, and deliver power to the controls.

• Line diagram—circuit schematic drawing that physically resembles the equipment of the electrical circuit.
• Ladder Diagram—instead of focusing on how the circuit looks, focuses on how the circuit functions, set up like treads on a ladder.
• Installation Diagram—focuses on where the terminal board connections are, usually only used by installation contractors.

Ohm’s Law

The German physicist Georg Ohm discovered Ohm’s Law, the law that was named after him, in 1827. Ohm’s Law is one of electric relationships. This discovery was the true beginning of electrical analysis. It is a great way for beginners to visualize the relationship between power (watts), current (amps), and voltage (volts).

P=watts
I=amps
V=volts

By knowing two values, we can determine the third missing value.
P= I x V
I= P/V
V=P/I

Air conditioning
techniques

Once an HVAC technician knows the electrical components, the sequencing of operations of the unit, and wiring of the HVAC unit, they can attempt to repair the HVAC air conditioning. They can begin by using a meter to test for power at each of the relays to see if it is switching properly.

But before the pros are called, homeowners can try some DIY air conditioning repair techniques.

Five easy things a DIYer could do to repair air conditioning
Even before they begin to use their expertise, the HVAC tech (or any DIYer) can do the following if the air conditioning isn’t working:

1. Check the breaker for a tripped fuse.
2. Examine the thermostat. Is it turned on or off? What is the temperature setting? Does the thermostat need new batteries?
3. Change the filter regularly. Is it clogged and stopping the airflow?
4. Let the ice melt. If there is ice on the unit, it can’t work well. Switch the system to fan to let the ice melt, or turn the unit completely off and let the ice melt.
5. Clean your ducts and registers. Could your ducts be dirty enough to block air? Are registers clear and free, or accidentally closed?

Things are pretty cool at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝

Do you want to learn more about the world of HVAC? The HVAC program at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ is enrolling at all three locations in California—San Bernardino, , and Santa Ana.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s HVAC program will help prepare you to succeed in the industry as an HVAC technician. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s instructors are experienced HVAC professionals, each with a wealth of practical industry knowledge. Their wisdom, which goes beyond the pages of a textbook, is a point of pride for ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s programs.

During ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s HVAC program, you will be immersed in the intricacies of this in-demand skilled trade. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s well-rounded curriculum will give you a glimpse into the HVAC industry’s many specializations. Throughout the program, students will take courses covering relevant topics, such as:

• HVAC System Design
• Commercial Environmental Systems
• Electrical Systems and Components
• Commercial Refrigeration
• And more!

You will leave ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s program with the knowledge and expertise to succeed in an entry-level HVAC technician job.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s nine-month HVAC program is offered at all three campuses: San Bernardino, El Cajon, and Santa Ana. Classes are offered during the day and at night. The program’s length allows students to enter the field in a short amount of time. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s program provides the valuable experience students need to land entry-level positions.

Discover the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ Difference. Get started today at summitcollege.edu.