Demand for qualified professionals in the skilled trades is growing across the board, particularly in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Those interested in pursuing a career as an HVAC technician will find they do not need a college degree. Still, a postsecondary diploma can provide the skills-based training to equip them with the practical and technical ability to install, service, and repair HVAC units.
HVAC training labs play a critical role in the learning process, empowering students to engage in hands-on learning and develop HVAC skills in real-time. These are the top six skills you will practice when working with HVAC lab training units.
1. Working With HVAC Training Units
HVAC training units are specialized units designed for learning purposes. These units are widely used in HVAC diploma programs because they enable students to work directly with heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in a safe and secure environment. There is a wide range of HVAC lab training units available, with different pieces of equipment allowing students to develop specific skills required when installing, servicing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC units in residential and commercial buildings.
Practice on Real HVAC Components
While students may complete traditional coursework as part of their diploma program, hands-on learning allows them to develop the skills they will need throughout their skilled trades career. They gain hands-on experience with air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps, making them more comfortable with the individual pieces of equipment used within HVAC systems. In addition, they learn how components like compressors, coils, and thermostats work together to create a comfortable indoor environment. With HVAC training labs, students can practice on real HVAC components, making them confident in installing and repairing units.
2. HVAC System Installation Techniques
HVAC technicians are often called upon to install complex HVAC units in residential and commercial properties, requiring them to be familiar with the most advanced and effective installation techniques. Installation has to be completed properly for the HVAC unit to run efficiently and effectively, and to prevent further maintenance issues from occurring down the road. There are a variety of HVAC installation training labs, such as the Combined Refrigeration Installation Learning System, which provides students with hands-on workstations where they can practice their installation skills.
Install and Set Up Heating and Cooling Units
HVAC training labs that focus on installation often feature a multimedia curriculum that combines traditional learning with hands-on training. Some of the installation and set-up skills that students may focus on when working with these lab training units include:
- Mounting and connecting HVAC equipment, such as air conditioners and furnaces.
- Wiring and setting up control systems.
With an emphasis on mechanical and electrical skills, these hands-on training lab units are incredibly valuable for aspiring HVAC technicians. The skills acquired while working with them can be applied in both commercial and residential settings.
3. Mastering HVAC Electrical Systems
Whether working with air conditioning units, heat pumps, or furnaces, HVAC technicians must know how to navigate complex electrical systems safely. To protect themselves and the people who occupy the buildings they work in, it’s important that aspiring HVAC technicians master these electrical systems prior to graduating with their diploma. HVAC training labs provide a safe and effective way for students to become familiar with these systems and learn how to install, repair, and maintain them.
Learn How to Wire HVAC Units Safely
As part of the interactive HVAC training labs curriculum, students will develop an advanced understanding of the wiring for thermostats, motors, control panels, and more. In addition to establishing a foundation in electrical systems, students will use the HVAC lab training units to practice safety measures when dealing with electricity in HVAC systems. This hands-on training is crucial, allowing students to become safety-minded technicians.
4. Refrigerant Handling and Air Conditioning Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is emphasized in the HVAC industry, with technicians often telling their residential and commercial clients to prioritize ongoing maintenance of their HVAC equipment to improve functionality and extend its lifespan. During preventative maintenance, technicians usually have to measure the pressure and level of specific components within the HVAC unit to determine if any repairs or adjustments are necessary. Hands-on training during the diploma program is the best way to develop these maintenance skills.
Charge and Recover Refrigerants
Refrigerants are considered the lifeline of the air conditioning system. Several refrigerants may be in use in older systems currently being phased out, as well as a few new refrigerants being introduced to promote sustainability and improve the effectiveness of air conditioning units. When working with hands-on HVAC lab training units, students will learn how to charge and recover refrigerants to improve the effectiveness of the air conditioning system. Students will also learn how to use gauges and recovery machines to manage refrigerant levels while simultaneously developing an advanced understanding of the refrigeration cycle and its importance in air conditioning systems.
5. Troubleshooting and Diagnostics in HVAC Systems
One of the most challenging aspects of being an HVAC technician is diagnosing issues within an HVAC unit. HVAC units are notoriously complex, and people depend heavily on them to maintain comfortable living and working environments. HVAC training labs can provide aspiring technicians with the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot and diagnose the most common issues in HVAC systems.
Identifying and Fixing HVAC Problems
In most cases, when an HVAC unit is malfunctioning, the client needs the system up and running again as quickly as possible. HVAC technicians understand that there is nothing more frustrating than having a broken air conditioner on the hottest day of the summer. As a result, they need to be able to quickly and effectively identify and repair HVAC issues. While working with HVAC lab training units, students will learn how to diagnose electrical, mechanical, and refrigerant issues as well as learn how to use diagnostic tools to perform repairs on HVAC systems.
6. Preventive Maintenance and System Optimization
Preventive maintenance can reduce the risk of repairs and improve the operational efficiency of HVAC systems, ultimately working to lower the cost of maintaining the unit while extending its lifespan. Knowing the important role of preventative maintenance in the HVAC field, aspiring technicians must develop the specialized skills required for system optimization. HVAC training labs are available that focus on preventative maintenance, allowing students to benefit from this hands-on learning experience.
Routine HVAC Maintenance Procedures
Preventative maintenance HVAC lab training units often focus on routine HVAC maintenance procedures, such as:
- Changing filters, checking system performance, and cleaning components.
- Conducting system checks to ensure efficiency and longevity.
Developing these basic preventative maintenance skills can provide aspiring HVAC technicians with the foundation that they need to begin working in the field and providing their clients with exceptional service.
Enjoy Hands-On Learning With the HVAC Lab Training Units at Florida Technical College
To succeed in the HVAC field, you need to hone your niche practical and technical skills. The Diploma in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration at Florida Technical College features a skills-based curriculum designed to prepare graduates to become competent, safety-minded technicians. Within this diploma program, students have access to HVAC lab training units that focus on key installation, service, and repair techniques, allowing them to develop the core skills required for HVAC technician positions.
Request more information about our HVAC training labs and skills-based diploma programs today.
This article presents a general overview of the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://tech-labs.com/products/hvac-training-systems
https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/blog/a-complete-guide-to-hvac-refrigerants/
