Taking classes at a community college, trade school, or even the military can help you learn how to repair air conditioners. Air conditioning repair is also available as part of the US military’s vocational training program. Another option is to work for a company that specializes in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) repair and learn from a more experienced technician. This is, in effect, a training program.
Full Answer
What do you learn in an air conditioning course?
This online course provides a comprehensive understanding of air conditioning systems including: theory, components, and troubleshooting. Topics covered include: basic concepts and descriptions, operation and basic troubleshooting of the four basic components (evaporator, compressor, condenser, and metering device).
How can I repair my air conditioner?
How Can I Repair My Air Conditioner? 1 Replace Air Filter. The easiest and most straightforward maintenance task is to replace your air filter. ... 2 Check Your Thermostat. Another common repair or maintenance issue is your thermostat. ... 3 Charge Air Conditioner. ... 4 Perform Annual Maintenance. ... 5 Replace System. ...
When should you replace or maintain your air conditioner?
Increased energy usage is a sign that you need to maintain or replace your air conditioner. Before investing in a new unit, find out how common maintenance and repair steps can improve the efficiency of your system and reduce your costs. Want to Become an HVAC Technician? How Can I Repair My Air Conditioner?
How do I test if my air conditioner is working properly?
How to Test Your Repairs Reinstall the access panel and disconnect block. Turn on the circuit breaker and furnace switch, then set the thermostat to a lower temperature and wait for the AC to start. The compressor should run and the condenser fan should spin.
How long does it take to learn how do you fix AC?
You can choose to earn an HVAC certification or sign up for a program in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating technology from a trade school or vocational school. Such training programs usually take anywhere between 6 months and three years to complete.
How can I learn about air conditioner?
Air conditioners take heat and humidity out of the air inside your home, then distribute that heat and humidity outside while returning the newly cooled air back to the house. Air conditioners never take air from outside and put it in your home. Instead, they work by cooling down the air that's already in your home.
Can HVAC be self taught?
Self Taught HVAC Training Self-taught HVAC Training can be tedious and inefficient, but it is possible to learn HVAC this way. The best way is to find HVAC training curriculums online and then buy the course textbooks. Then you spend your time working through the textbook and example problems.
Can you really learn HVAC online?
In our online HVAC training program, you'll build the necessary skills and knowledge to become an HVACR technician on your own time, from home. You'll also prepare to sit for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification exam. Your online classes include: Fundamentals of HVACR.
What is the working principle of AC?
Air conditioning operates based on the principles of phase conversion, which is the transformation of a material from one state (or phase) of matter to another, such as when a material changes from a liquid to a gas. When a liquid to gas change occurs, the material absorbs heat.
How does an air conditioner work step by step?
Step 1: Heat is absorbed by the evaporator coil. The warm air inside your house is drawn in through a vent and blows over the cold evaporator coil. ... Step 2: Compressor raises the refrigerant temperature. ... Step 3: Heat is transferred outside. ... Step 4: Refrigerant gets cold; process repeats.
How difficult is it to learn HVAC?
0:065:52Is HVAC HARD - HVAC Technician - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's not something anybody gets overnight. But it's something i think that most anybody couldMoreIt's not something anybody gets overnight. But it's something i think that most anybody could actually do uh you can definitely do it it's a matter of how much effort you put in.
What should I learn HVAC?
Top 7 Skills You Learn in HVAC School (& Why They're Important)KNOWLEDGE OF HVAC SYSTEMS. ... GAS TECHNICIAN 3 AND 2 TRAINING. ... BASICS OF ELECTRICITY. ... REFRIGERANT HANDLING. ... HVAC SAFETY RULES AND PROCEDURES. ... CUSTOMER SERVICE. ... HVAC JOB SEARCH & INTERVIEW SKILLS.
How do I become EPA certified?
Technicians are required to pass an EPA-approved test to earn Section 608 Technician Certification. The tests are specific to the type of equipment the technician seeks to work on. Tests must be administered by an EPA-approved certifying organization. Section 608 Technician Certification credentials do not expire.
How do I get EPA 608 certified?
To get your EPA 608 certification, you must pass an exam administered by an EPA-approved certifying organization. It is important to note that the exam is not administered by the EPA directly. Once you pass your exam, you receive your EPA 608 certification card in the mail.
Is SkillCat really free?
Now you might be wondering: What is the cost of the courses? It might be too good to believe, but all of the courses and the EPA certification are free. Yes, that's right, at SkillCat, we offer our courses and certifications free of charge.
Is HVAC and EPA the same?
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification is mandatory for all HVAC techs working with the refrigerants found in many types of HVAC/R units. Industry certifications like North American Technical Excellence (NATE) are often preferred by employers. What are these certifications?
What are types of air conditioners?
The different AC types are as follows: Central Air Conditioner. Ductless Mini-Split. Window Air Conditioner....Central Air Conditioner. ... Ductless Mini-Split. ... Window Air Conditioner. ... Portable Air Conditioner. ... Floor Mounted Air Conditioner. ... Smart Air Conditioner. ... Geothermal Air Conditioning System. ... Hybrid / Dual Fuel Air Conditioner.
How do I calculate air conditioner size?
To calculate the size, simply multiply the length times the width of the room or area to be cooled. Then, as a practical number, multiply that total times 25 BTU. This allows ample cooling, whether it is a rainy, moist day or a hot, sunny, humid day.
What is the recommended aircon temp?
A standard air conditioner's temperature should be set to 25 to 27 degrees for cooling in summer, and around 18 to 20 degrees for heating in winter. This is to ensure maximum energy efficiency from your unit.
What is the best way to use an air conditioner?
Tips to Use Air Conditioner Effectively All Year RoundCheck and Change the Air Filter. ... Use Smart Thermostat or AC Controllers. ... Avoid Steep Temperature Changes. ... Utilize Best Thermostat Setting. ... Create Zones. ... Keep an Eye on Indoor Humidity. ... Utilize the Fan Mode. ... Look Out for Debris.More items...•
Will this HVAC training online program really prepare me for a good job?
Our HVAC classes teach professional-level skills for the real world. Once you complete your online courses and pass the EPA Section 608 Certificati...
Will Ashworth College provide any career services for me after I complete my HVAC training?
All graduates keep access to their accounts on the Ashworth College Central Network, an online toolkit that provides step-by-step guidance through...
What happens if it takes me longer than four months to complete my HVAC certification preparation?
We allow you up to one year from the date of your enrollment to complete your HVAC courses online and graduate. A self-paced, flexible study schedu...
How to Fix Your Broken AC
Try the thermostat at the lowest setting. If the AC doesn’t work, the thermostat may need recalibrating. Check with the manual or a specialist.
Top Projects for Repairing Air Conditioning
This is a simple and inexpensive personal space heater that you can move and take with you. You can see more of my crazy creations here
Personal Space Heater
This is a simple and inexpensive personal space heater that you can move and take with you. You can see more of my crazy creations here
How To Install a DIY Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump
I live in South Louisiana where the climate is very hot and humid for more than half of the year. I spend a lot of time in my workshop, so I decided to install a DIY mini split AC and heat pump for temperature and humidity control.
How to Insulate External Walls (and Decrease Utility Bills)
Learning how to insulate external walls can save you a boat load of money. And make your home more comfortable. There are a ton of insulation options out there but Roxul insulation was my choice for our master bathroom remodel. I'll explain why. It's made of Basalt rock and recycled slag.
Hometalkers' Favorite DIY Air Conditioning Repair Projects
I'm getting ready to do a major kitchen remodel that going to require a bunch of attic work. Rather than crawling the dirty, head bashing distance from the garage scuttle, I came up with this easy hatch project.
I want to put an air conditioner in my sliding window
They are horizontal sliding window 20 " h and 16-34 w, need info whats the best way to put a 12000 btu in that window.
How does a central air conditioner work?
When a central air conditioner is operating, hot air inside the house flows to the furnace through the return-air duct. The hot air is moved by the blower across the cooled evaporator coil in the plenum and is then delivered through ducts to cool the house.
What is the coolant used in air conditioning?
Handling the Refrigerant . The coolant used in most air conditioning systems is a refrigerant called Freon. If the system does not contain the proper amount of Freon, little or no cooling will take place. If you suspect a Freon problem, call a professional service person to recharge the system.
Where is the evaporator coil located on a central air conditioner?
The condenser unit is usually located outside the house on a concrete slab. The evaporator coil is mounted in the plenum or main duct junction above the furnace. Most central air conditioners are connected to a home's forced-air distribution system.
How to replace plenum insulation?
Step 1: Remove foil-wrapped insulation at front of plenum; it's probably taped in place. Remove tape carefully, because you'll have to replace it later. Behind insulation is access plate, which is held in place by several screws. Remove screws and lift off plate.
Do you need to clean a central air conditioner before the season starts?
Central air conditioners should be professionally inspected and adjusted before the beginning of every cooling season.
Do you need to check the thermostat for a problem?
Thermostat Maintenance: To make sure there's actually a problem with your a/c, you may want to check the thermostat, too. Learn how to calibrate a thermostat.
Can you fix a central air unit?
Central air conditions will need some professional maintenance, but there are many minor problems that you can easily fix yourself. If your central a/c unit isn't working properly, look for the problem you're experiencing on this chart and see if it's a do-it-yourself job.
How long does it take to learn HVAC?
Read this HVAC for dummies article, provided by the trusted HVAC professionals at Complete Air Mechanical, and learn HVAC in less than five minutes.
What does HVAC stand for?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This acronym describes three functions combined into one AC system in today’s modern homes and buildings.
How does an evaporator coil work?
Evaporator Coil functions like Lungs – When the blower motor is running (get it? double entendre?) it sends air across the evaporator coil. Pulling warmer air from the house (via the return air). The coil absorbs heat and moisture from the home allowing for the air to be cooled then distributed via ductwork throughout. Our lungs absorb oxygen, changing the state of air. The evaporator coil is housed in the furnace/air handler typically placed in the attic, closet, or garage in Florida homes.
What is the heart in an AC compressor?
The AC compressor is the Heart – That box outside your house that you may think is the entire air conditioning system is just one of many pieces of equipment involved in cooling your home. Inside of it contains a vessel that looks like an upside down bucket or perhaps something Darth Vader would wear as a helmet. This item pumps refrigerant/freon through the entire system. If this heart/compressor dies then you may need ‘heart surgery’ or more.
What is supply air?
Supply Air is Exhaling – Air being blown back out into the home via the ductwork distributed throughout the house.
What is the drain line in an air conditioner?
Drain Lines are the Urinary Tract – The air conditioning system naturally condensates . This condensation must go somewhere. It moves moisture away from the unit typically into a sink and/or expels water out of the home. A clog in this system typically requires a quick fix.
Does HVAC work without the nervous system?
The HVAC system must work in unison with all pieces of equipment. Without a central nervous system the home won’t cool or heat properly. Sometimes the CNS can get fried and need a replacement put in.
Get full program information, tuition & student requirements
Our HVAC certification preparation includes the cost of the EPA Section 608 Certification exam * proctored by the ESCO Institute. This certification ensures you understand how to safely handle chemical refrigerants. Federal law requires all working HVAC technicians to hold this certification.
Job opportunities for HVAC technicians
The U.S. Department of Labor expects careers for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers to grow 16% by 2026 with 48,800 new jobs**.
Frequently asked questions
You may be taking your first steps into higher education. Or you may be considering online study for the first time. Whatever your situation, we're here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.
How long is HVAC training?
During this HVAC refrigeration program, you will spend a total of 450 hours learning in-class and 450 hours completing hands-on training. By the end of the HVAC program, you will be able to troubleshoot and evaluate the performance of refrigerators, air conditioning, and appliance equipment.
How many hours of HVAC training is required?
During this HVAC refrigeration program, you will spend a total of 450 hours learning in-class and 450 hours completing hands-on training. By the end of the HVAC program, you will be able to troubleshoot and evaluate the performance of refrigerators, air conditioning, and appliance equipment.
What is the general training for air conditioning?
Servicing heating and air conditioning systems requires a solid knowledge in the fundamental principles of air conditioning system operation. This online training series provides the background to understand both the theory and function of components used in heating and air conditioning systems. The General Training Air Conditioning series is in two sections; GTAC1 covers the theory and fundamental concepts and GTAC2 covers more advanced topics and basic troubleshooting skills. These modules are presented in simple language and concentrate on presenting the concepts in ways that can be easily understood by people new to the industry. After completing these modules, a student should possess the understanding of the concepts behind the air conditioning process, the types of systems and components, and basic troubleshooting techniques. Each module is self-paced and contains a quiz and final exam for the section, each with reference to the appropriate section of the module, allowing students to evaluate their understanding of the concepts presented. To receive FAD credit you must pass the module or final exam.
What is HVAC technician course?
This course is new technicians or others in the industry who wants to better understand air conditioning theory, components and troubleshooting of HVAC systems.
What is Module 3 of the Mechanical Refrigeration System?
Module 3 introduces the function of major components and shows how these components work together to constitute the mechanical refrigeration system.
What to look for when your car's air conditioner isn't blowing cold air?
If your car’s air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, the first thing you should look for are signs of leaking or an A/C compressor that does not engage.
How to identify a leak in an air conditioner?
Look for leaks in the air conditioning system. You can purchase leak detection kits to help you identify any leaks in your air conditioning system. These kits provide a dye that will run through the lines and seep out of any leaks or cracks, making them visible to the naked eye.
What happens if the compressor does not engage?
If the clutch does not engage, the A/C compressor may be broken and require replacement, or it may just need to be filled with refrigerant. 3.
How many service ports does an air conditioner have?
Locate the low-side service port for the air conditioning. Your air conditioning system will have two service ports: a low side and a high side port. When recharging your air conditioner, you will need to locate and identify the low side service port.
What to do if your car uses R12?
If your vehicle uses R12, you should schedule an appointment with an auto repair specialist to convert it.
Why is my car not cooling?
If the air is warm to cool, but not cold as it should be, there may be an issue with air flow. Check to see if the cooling fans on your radiator are running. If they are not, there may be an electrical issue. You may need to replace the cabin air filter in your vehicle to increase air flow.
What to do if you spot a leak in your car?
If you spot any leaks, you will need to take the vehicle to a repair shop to be fixed by a professional.
How to tell if your air conditioner isn't working?
Turn on your thermostat and wait for cool, comfortable air. If your air conditioner isn’t working properly, you may not notice any air at all. A complete lack of air can be a troubling sign. Unfortunately, there are many systems that could be causing this symptom. Learn how you can receive the training you need to diagnose this issue.
How to avoid major AC failure?
Finally, if you want to learn how to avoid major AC failure, start an annual maintenance program. Learn how to maintain your own AC unit at a local training program. Skilled technicians inspect an air conditioning system for signs of damage and perform any cleaning and sealing services necessary to enjoy long-lasting results.
What Are Common AC Problems?
Air conditioners use powerful electricity, refrigerant and moving components in a complex system to provide cool air on a hot day. Many AC problems require an HVAC technician to diagnose and repair. Here are common issues that may be affecting your system.
What are the components of an air conditioner?
Before you learn how to diagnose common air conditioner issues it’s important to understand the basic parts of an AC system. Here are the primary components that work together to provide you with comfortable temperatures throughout the year: 1 Compressor 2 Condenser coil 3 Refrigerant 4 Expansion valve 5 Evaporator coil
Why is my air conditioner not cold?
Air Isn’t Cold. Another common issue is a lack of cold air. When a system is blowing out warm air or air that isn’t as cool as normal it could be a sign that you have a refrigerant leak. It could also be caused by a minor issue, such as a clogged air filter or a blocked drain .
How does AC charge affect the temperature of the air?
Charge Air Conditioner. AC systems use refrigerant to cool air that is then forced with a blower into your home through ductwork. A leak in the cooling tubes or another issue with your refrigerant can affect the temperature of the air being forced into your home.
What are the components of an AC unit?
Typical AC units include central AC, window units and a ductless air conditioning system.
