HVAC

Did You Know You Could Start Your Own Business After HVAC School? Here’s How!

January 22, 2019

Being a business owner comes with a lot of perks, like the ability to set your own hours and to feel more in control of your career. The HVAC industry is a particularly good field for becoming a business owner. According to Statistics Canada, the demand for HVAC technicians is currently very strong in every region of Ontario, due to the province’s growing population. If you dream of becoming your own boss, read on to learn some of the steps involved in starting your very own HVAC business.

Attend a Good HVAC College and Complete Your Training and Apprenticeship

HVAC is a regulated trade in Ontario, which means you’ll need to complete training, an apprenticeship program and pass the G2 Gas Technician and G3 Gas Technician certification tests. Completing these steps allows you to register as a journeyperson and start your own HVAC business.

However, it’s important to note that becoming a journeyperson takes time—8,280 hours of on-the-job experience and 720 hours of in-school training. Students can view their apprenticeship as an opportunity to learn the technical side of the job, make contacts in the industry and gain a reputation as a dependable and trustworthy technician.

HVAC students at NATS will have the opportunity to take their G3 and G2 Gas technician exams

Blueprint to Success: Develop a Solid HVAC Business Plan

After you’ve earned your HVAC certification, it will be time to start drawing up a business plan. Your business plan is an outline of the concrete steps you will take to turn your idea of a business into a reality. It typically covers such things as working hours, projected revenue, marketing strategy and estimated expenses.

A comprehensive business plan will help you build your HVAC business

Having a business plan is important not only because it gives you a blueprint to follow, but because it can help you raise the capital you need to buy tools, vehicles and equipment when starting out. While you may be able to cover some of these start-up costs yourself, you’ll probably need to get a business loan from a bank to cover the rest. A bank will likely want to see a business plan before loaning you any money.

Gain Clients Through Networking During HVAC College and Beyond

As a new business, you won’t have an established reputation like other companies that have been in business for longer periods of time. In order to attract customers, you’ll need to develop a strategy which will allow your business to gain visibility with your prospective clients.

One way to do this is to reach out to others in the industry, such as connections you made while attending HVAC college as well as during your apprenticeship. Those contacts can help you in a number of ways, like directing you to construction firms that are looking to partner with an HVAC subcontractor and even setting you up with clients they may be too busy to service themselves.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of the internet. Word-of-mouth has always been a standard way for HVAC companies to attract new business, and the internet has amplified this, providing prospective customers with lightening quick access to client testimonials, reviews and recommendations about your business. Make sure you are on Yelp, Google My Business and other relevant digital platforms, and always encourage your customers to leave reviews of your business on these platforms. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely you are to attract new business.

Do you want to become an HVAC technician?

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Going Green in 2019: 4 New Technologies You Might Work with After HVAC School

November 27, 2018

Much of Canada experiences long cold winters and hot, sweltering summers, which is why local homes and businesses tend to use a lot of energy in order to stay warm or cool. All that energy consumption is expensive and can often have a negative impact on the environment. In response, many Canadians have recently begun investing in green HVAC technologies.

Once you begin your career as an HVAC technician, you are likely to come across a number of these exciting new technologies. Familiarizing yourself with more efficient technologies could help you land more work after you graduate from your program and enter the workforce.

Read on to learn about some of the ground-breaking technologies you may work with during your career.

1. The Internet of Things Meets HVAC: Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to monitor and control their home’s heating and cooling right from their smartphones and tablets. That gives them the power to reduce their energy consumption when they aren’t home. After completing your HVAC technician training, you’ll be equipped with the skills and technical know-how to install different types of thermostats, ensuring you’re fully prepared when clients hire you to install their smart thermostats.

North American Trade Schools will prepare you to install many different types of thermostats

2. Using the Earth’s Natural HVAC System: Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps have actually been around since the 1940s and they have long been popular in Northern Europe, however, in Canada, they are less common. Heat pumps use the natural heat within the Earth to keep homes warm and they may be used as either a standalone or a complementary heating system. Thanks to recent Ontario government incentives, you can expect to see and work with geothermal heat pumps in homes after HVAC school.

3. Green HVAC Meets Luxury: Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating has been around for quite some time, but it has recently grown more common in North America. While luxury items are often associated with having negative effects on the environment, this is not the case where heated floors are concerned. In fact, this luxurious heating system is actually quite energy efficient. Because the heated floor has a larger surface area than a wall radiator, for instance, it generates heat more evenly, and will make a room feel warmer when it is at a lower temperature because of this. Whereas with a radiator, there may be areas of a room that are still cool even when the temperature is set higher.

Once you graduate from NATS, you may be hired to install energy-efficient heated floors for clients

4. The Future of HVAC Technician Training: DeVAP Air Conditioning

You may not see this air conditioning system in homes or businesses for a long while, because it is not yet commercially available, but perhaps you’ll work with DeVAP air conditioning someday. Developed by US government researchers, this revolutionary technology combines the forces of evaporation and dehumidification and could end up cutting energy consumption of traditional air conditioners by a whopping 90%! Once these air conditioners become more widely available, expect them to completely change the way homes and offices are kept cool.

Are you ready to take the first step towards a rewarding career as an HVAC technician?

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HVAC School Advice for Getting a Home Fall and Winter Ready

October 23, 2018

As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, it’s important for people to get their homes ready for the colder seasons. There’s more to do than just pile on the blankets, switch off the air conditioning and crank up the thermostat, though. Proper preparation means ensuring that a home’s heating system is in good working order for the long winter ahead, and that it won’t be wasting energy, which can result in soaring bills over the winter months.

HVAC school teaches aspiring technicians to spot any of the potential problems that can result in a poorly functioning or wasteful home heating system. If you’re considering, or already pursuing, HVAC technician training, here’s some advice you might soon be giving to clients for getting a home fall and winter ready.

HVAC Experts Advise Clients to Change their Air Filters Regularly

As air flows out from a unit, the air filter removes small particles like dust and dirt, which would otherwise circulate and be breathed in by occupants. However, over time these small particles can build up and block the filter. When this happens, the unit has to work much harder to keep a home warm. Air quality suffers and heating costs go up.

Once you’ve earned your diploma, you might recommend that clients replace their air filters every one to three months. Heading into winter, it’s particularly important they make sure that the unit is running with a clean, new filter.

Thermostats Should Be Measured Against a Separate Thermometer

HVAC training will teach you that the thermostat is the control centre of a heating system making sure that the heat turns on and off as intended and that the home is kept at the desired temperature. For this reason, it’s important for clients to know if it’s in good working condition before the weather gets too cold.

You might test the thermostat by setting the temperature at least ten degrees higher than the temperature of the room. This should cause the heat to turn on. After about fifteen minutes, a standard thermometer should be used to test the temperature of the room and compare it to the readout on the thermometer. When the numbers don’t match up, there’s a problem.

Check the thermostat against a separate reading to make sure it’s working

Professionals with HVAC Training Know the Importance of Weatherstripping

Even if an HVAC system is in good working order, problems can still arise if hot air isn’t being kept in and cold air isn’t been kept out. If the weatherstripping around a home’s doors and windows isn’t in good shape, then the unit has to work much harder to keep the air inside at the set temperature. After graduating from HVAC school, you’ll know that in the short term, this can increase heating costs significantly, and in the long term, it can wear down the unit. This can be avoided by checking all the seals around a home’s doors and windows ahead of time, as well as inspecting the home for any other gaps or holes.

Clients Should Make Sure Units Won’t Be Damaged By Falling Branches

You don’t need to advise clients to cover their outdoor HVAC unit in the winter, as it’s built to withstand outdoor conditions, but you should advise them to regularly check it for leaves, dirt, or other build-up.

Branches weighed down by snow can also snap and fall, potentially damaging an HVAC unit underneath. Clear any branches directly above the unit and inspect the surrounding area for other such risks.

Heavy snow can cause tree branches to snap and fall, sometimes damaging HVAC units

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5 Must-Have HVAC Tools to Get You Started after Trade School

September 25, 2018

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.

Refrigeration 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.

A 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.

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What You Need to Know about Recruiters after HVAC College

August 28, 2018

What You Need to Know about Recruiters after HVAC College

hvac technician training

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.

hvac diploma
A service tech will check for signs of damage or wear and tear during routine visits

Recruiters 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.

Prove 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

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.

A 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.

Swimming 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

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.

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 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

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.

Air-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!

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

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.

Properly 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.

Copper 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

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.

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.

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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