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.

Do you want to learn more about how to work safely with HVAC systems?

Contact North American Trade Schools about our HVAC diploma program!

Visit Our Blog Directory

Gas heating is an effective way to keep a building warm, and though the technology behind it has gotten a little more elaborate over time, the core concept is pretty basic: introduce gas, strike a spark, and enjoy the warmth generated by the ongoing flame.

Of course, a problem with the ignition in this type of system can leave building occupants shivering, so it’s important to be proactive in finding and fixing these kinds of issues.

Curious about how you can spot ignition problems during your HVAC career? Here are some steps that you ought to follow.

Pros in HVAC Careers Know Frequent Cycling Can Point to Ignition Issues

When an HVAC system is working correctly, it won’t draw much attention from a building’s occupants. If the system detects the building is colder than it should be, the heat will kick in to raise the temperature to the necessary level. Once the correct temperature is reached, the system will shut itself off until it is needed again.

A faulty ignition reduces the amount of heat that the system can provide, and often leads to a much more frequent engagement and disengagement of the heating system. This is the kind of thing that people notice, so if you or the building’s occupants know that the system has been cycling much more frequently than normal, it’s a sign that something is probably wrong. It could just be a relatively minor issue, like a dirty air filter, but it’s also possible that the ignition is in need of service.

You Don’t Need an HVAC Diploma to Know a Pilot Light Going Out is a Bad Sign

Older gas heating systems have a pilot light, which is a flame that is left burning even when the heat isn’t properly engaged. These sometimes go out, and while reigniting them isn’t usually a problem, it does sometimes happen that a system just can’t keep its light going. Needless to say, this is a pretty important and obvious sign that something’s wrong with the ignition.

There are many reasons a pilot light might not be able to keep a flame. During your HVAC diploma, you will learn how everything from grime to malfunctioning regulators can create all kinds of issues that cause pilot lights to go out quickly.

That said, don’t forget that there can be simple, non-technical factors at play. One common problem is that there’s a draft blowing out the flame. Be ready to think outside the box when you approach these kinds of issues, and you’ll be able to handle pretty much anything you encounter.

HVAC skills and a healthy dose of common sense can help you solve most ignition problems

If the Blower Won’t Stop Running, Odds are Good That There’s an Ignition Problem

The blower in an HVAC system is basically just a fan that runs to deliver hot air through the system. It gets especially active when the upper heat limit is reached, engaging to flush the hot air and keep the system safe. If the blower does not stop running, it could be a sign that something has gone wrong with the ignition’s limiting switch and made the system think it is constantly overheating.

When you become an HVAC technician, you’ll likely find that it’s often little issues like these causing problems within HVAC systems. It may not always be clear what is at fault, however, which is part of why your education is so valuable.

The expert instructors running the program have years of experience dealing with just about every issue you can think of, and know the little tricks that can be used to sort out precisely what is going wrong in a system. Learn from them and you, too, can become capable of finding and fixing all kinds of HVAC problems.

A blower that won’t stop running could signal an ignition problem

Do you want to embark on an HVAC career?

Contact North American Trade Schools to get started!

Visit Our Blog Directory

Turning on the heat to banish the winter cold from a building is a nice feeling. Discovering that the heat doesn’t work when the temperature dips below -10 is not.  To professionals working in the world of HVAC installation and repair, the best policy for keeping your clients’ toes toasty warm throughout the bitterest cold of winter is to plan ahead. That means completing sensible maintenance steps on heating equipment before it gets too cold out.

Curious about what goes into a good winter maintenance routine for heating equipment? Here are a few steps that HVAC pros recommend.

Change the Air Filters on Heating Equipment Before Winter Arrives

Heating systems basically heat air and disperse it throughout a room. To be able to do that, it needs to be possible for air to actually move around. This relies heavily on the condition of the air filters in the system.

An air filter that is clogged up with dust, animal hair, pollutants, or other matter will not be able to intake cool air or expel warm air properly. Not only does this stop heat from circulating, but it can also lead to a malfunction. A buildup of hot air within the system could result in components breaking down, causing a cascade of issues that can cripple the heating system.

A dirty air filter can lead to big problems for HVAC equipment

As a general rule, air filters should be replaced about once every three months, but every building is slightly different. For peace of mind in the coldest months, a professional HVAC technician might do well to recommend to clients that they plan on swapping out their filter right around the beginning of December.

For Energy Efficiency, Make Sure the Fan Motor & Blades Work Correctly

Moving pieces are more prone to wear and tear, and with fans serving as integral components of many HVAC systems, it’s important to ensure they’re in good condition heading into the winter season. A malfunctioning fan could mean worse circulation of air, perhaps leading to inconsistent heating or energy inefficiency as the system heats up more to try and compensate.

Moving parts require a delicate touch and a knowledgeable worker, which is why they really should be attended to by a graduate of HVAC college. Completing training can help you approach all manner of mechanical issues with comfort and ease, thanks to the skills you learn from instructors with many years of professional experience.

HVAC College Graduates Should Ensure System Sensors Are Functional

Many modern HVAC systems are programmed to operate according to a particular schedule. Different levels of heating can be established for particular times of day on particular days of the week, or even based on whether the system detects that people are inside of the building.

While these kinds of features can allow for a fair amount of control over cost, they only work if the sensors and schedules are properly maintained. Otherwise, they might activate at the wrong time, or in the wrong situations. As such, maintenance of system sensors and controls is an important part of the pre-winter process.

Verifying that HVAC control systems work correctly is an important part of pre-winter maintenance

Getting to know the sensors, thermometers, and control consoles common in HVAC systems can take a bit of time and practice. However, a good training program will allow you to quickly pick up the know-how necessary for maintaining even the most complex systems, and help you keep clients and their buildings from getting too cold in winter throughout your HVAC career.

Do you want to get a great, practical education in HVAC systems?

Contact North American Trade Schools about our HVAC diploma program!

Visit Our Blog Directory

As an aspiring HVAC technician, you want to be ready to start your new career as quickly as possible. This can make the prospect of going back to school somewhat daunting – will you be using your time well? Is it worth delaying your entry into the workforce?

These are good questions to ask, and, fortunately, there is an encouraging answer. By pursuing a HVAC Technician Diploma, students are able to develop the skills they need in order to succeed on the job very efficiently, making this the ideal path forward for a quick career launch. Keep reading to learn more about how you can develop your professional skills faster.

Learning from Experienced Instructors Gives HVAC College an Edge

One of the most valuable assets of a good HVAC program is experienced course instructors. These professionals have many years of experience in the trades, and have the specialized HVAC expertise required to shape you into a qualified professional.

Instructors at NATS, for instance, are all experienced professionals who are experts not only in the HVAC field, but also in instructing new tradespeople in a manner that makes learning fast and easy. In relatively small class and workshop sizes, students get ample instructor attention during HVAC college. This means that they can be confident that their skills will be closely observed and corrected, allowing them to improve at a quick pace.

Experienced instructors will help you develop your skills quickly as an HVAC student

HVAC College Helps Students Learn Faster Than They Would on the Job

Some students worry that learning at a trade school will make it harder for them to develop practical skills quickly. After all, isn’t on-the-job training the best preparation for your career? In fact, earning your HVAC certification can help you learn at a faster pace than workplace training alone.

For one thing, your instructors are there with one purpose: to teach you. This means they do not have to divide their attention between training you and meeting their own work demands. Additionally, learning at a trade school does not mean that you will be spending all of your time in a classroom. Students have many opportunities to practice their skills in hands-on, realistic workshop environments.

That way, you get the practical hands-on learning opportunities that you would get from on-the-job training with the additional benefits of full-time instruction. It is simply the most efficient way to develop your professional skills.

Students gain hands-on experience during their HVAC training

Develop Construction Trades Connections Through Your College

Finally, attending a trade school will give you the opportunity to develop the ‘soft skills’ you need for career success alongside your HVAC competencies. At NATS, for example, the college’s Career Services representatives work alongside students to help them improve their resumes, develop interview skills, and master the job search process.

This allows students to complete their training with the skills and confidence they will need to land their first job as a HVAC technician, rather than learning these skills themselves through trial and error. Further, the college’s many industry connections make it easier for new graduates to form relationships with potential employers and find suitable job opportunities. Overall, if you choose to pursue HVAC training, you can be sure that you will be career-ready in no time.

Do you want to know more about how you can kick-start your HVAC career?

Contact NATS to learn more about our HVAC diploma programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

HVAC professionals, along with others who work in people’s homes, understand that some clients feel a level of stress and worry when engaging their services. Horror stories about home “improvement” gone wrong abound, and the emotional stakes are high when you need to live with the work that has been done.

Connecting with clients is an important route to establishing trust, building good relationships, and possibly getting regular business from members of your community. Through a few key strategies, it’s possible for you to make great connections and develop a top-class reputation.

Curious about how you can do so? Here are a few useful strategies to help you connect with clients after finishing HVAC training.

Acquire the Resources You Need to Connect With All Kinds of Clients

Professionals working in HVAC services occupy an interesting territory, in that people of all ages and walks of life could conceivably be customers — everybody likes good heating and cooling in their home. This means that in your future career, your clients might be young and tech-savvy, or they might be a bit older and less comfortable with computers and the internet. Most likely, your client roster will be a mix of both.

In order to connect with all age demographics, it’s important to acquire a few of the most common tools for communication. If you are self-employed, creating a website for yourself and your business is important, and something you should make an effort to do early on. Business cards are also critical. They can help you connect with older demographics, and are also useful for pointing younger potential clients toward your web presence.

Resources such as these are not particularly expensive to acquire, so there’s no reason not to do so after completing your HVAC technician courses. They are an investment in yourself that can quickly pay off.

Business cards are an effective tool, so be sure to get some when you start your HVAC career

When You Become an HVAC Technician, Be a Friendly & Open Communicator

One of the simplest tips for client relations is also one of the most critical: be friendly. Clients will be more receptive to you, and more likely to recommend you to friends or relatives, if they find you polite and pleasant to be around. Be quick with a smile, make sure your manners are exceptionally polished, and you will please most of the people you meet.

It is also important to be open and honest with clients. In the course of doing HVAC work, you may find that clients have questions that are difficult to answer, or that an accident – perhaps coolant is leaking – must be brought to their attention. Being direct and honest can help you establish yourself as the kind of person clients will want to deal with.

Pursuing your HVAC diploma at a school like North American Trade Schools will allow you to learn from experienced professionals who know a thing or two about client relations. Pick their brains for some insight from their years of industry work and you could get some valuable tips about the best ways to maintain open communication around difficult subjects — a valuable skill to bring to your career.

A Good HVAC Technician Responds to Compliments & Complaints Alike

It isn’t the best idea to focus on good comments and ignore the bad when working as an HVAC professional. If a client isn’t totally satisfied with their heating or air conditioning, it’s likely that they will let people know it, potentially denying you more connections and opportunities in the future. Reach out to people who are complaining, offer a quick apology, and attempt to correct the problem. This can often be enough to turn a complaint into a compliment about your exceptional customer service.

As a rule, it’s also a good idea to consider complaints and see if they point to something that you can change to improve your service going forward. Sometimes, a complaint might even result from a misunderstanding, and a quick conversation can set everything right.

Handling complaints well can help set upset customers at ease

Of course, it’s important to handle compliments properly, too. When clients offer you praise, be sure to thank them for their business, and state your interest in working with them again if ever the opportunity arises. You might consider taking this a step further and send them a written note thanking them for their business, and tell them to contact you if they have any questions or comments. This can go a long way to making clients feel extra special, and likely to recommend your services in future.

Do you want to become an HVAC technician who is well-liked and talented?

Contact North American Trade Schools to learn about our training program.

Visit Our Blog Directory

Completing your HVAC technician training is an exciting achievement that should be celebrated! However, when the dust has settled, you will be faced with the next challenge of your up-and-coming career: landing your first job.

With a solid training program under your belt, you have the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as an HVAC technician. These interview tips will put you in an excellent position to demonstrate this fact to potential employers and get your career started!

Dress Professionally When Attending Interviews After HVAC School

As we all know, first impressions can count for a lot. One of the best ways that you can make a sharp first impression at a job interview is by dressing professionally. Generally speaking, business attire is a safe bet. Although most HVAC technicians wear casual clothes to work, being slightly overdressed is better than being underdressed, and showing that you put time and effort into your appearance will demonstrate to the interviewer that you take the job opportunity seriously.

Professional attire can help you make a positive first impression at your job interview

Prepare in Advance for Common Interview Questions

While there is no cheat sheet for a job interview and the ability to think on the spot is important, there are a few very common questions that you should prepare good answers to before being interviewed. These questions may cover topics like:

• Your professional background – previous work positions held, as well as the skills you acquired and your duties and responsibilities
• What you learned during your HVAC training
• What your career ambitions are and why you want to work for the company
• Your strengths and weaknesses, both in general and in relation to HVAC work

Having answers ready for these questions will help you make sure you don’t forget key pieces of information, and will show the interviewer that you are thoughtful and well-prepared.

Emphasize the Experience You Have Gained During Your HVAC Training

When you are just beginning your career, you may not have a lot of work experience to draw on in your interview. That is okay! Questions related to on-the-job scenarios or HVAC skills can easily be answered with the knowledge you will gain during your time at college.

The hands-on training you receive during HVAC school will allow you to discuss common job responsibilities like installing new air conditioning systems, performing scheduled preventative maintenance, and fixing specific heating and ventilation problems confidently during your interview, and show that you have the practical knowhow it takes to succeed on the job.

Highlighting the skills you learned at HVAC school can help you land a job

Have Questions for Your Interviewer to Demonstrate Your Interest

Finally, it is important to research the company or employer who is interviewing you before the big event. Not only will this allow you to be confident that the position would be a good fit for you and to anticipate what some of the interviewer’s questions might be, but it will also give you the chance to ask them good questions, too.

Having prepared questions to ask your interviewer about topics like the company culture, a typical workday, or the management structure is a great way to demonstrate that you have done your research, and that you are thinking seriously about the job and how to do it well.

Thinking about the best way to land your first HVAC job?

Contact NATS to learn more about the career services we offer on our HVAC technician courses.

Visit Our Blog Directory

Visit Our Blog Directory

Joshua S. is an HVAC student at the London campus of North American Trade Schools. In his review, he talks about his experience at NATS, his instructors and why he decided to attend the school to study HVAC.

Transcript

“My name is Josh; I’m here at NATS studying HVAC.

I chose NATS because of the hands-on experience and the knowledge of the teachers.

The best thing I like about the campus here at NATS is the atmosphere, you’re welcomed as soon as you walk through the doors.

Since enrolling here at NATS, it’s easy to make friends because we’re all on the same page and we learn from each other.

The thing I like most about the teachers here at NATS are; they are very knowledgeable they bring a lot of experience to the school, they’re patient, and they’re hardworking.

Since I’ve enrolled here at NATS my family has been fully supportive, and they’re very proud.

In 5 years I see myself as a fully licensed gas technician, hopefully I own my own business.

I would say, if you’re undecided about attending NATS, you should probably come in and just take a look around and see the tools, the equipment they have, and talk with some of the teachers.”

Visit Our Blog Directory