If you’re considering launching a career as an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technician, you’ll be entering an exciting field where your skills will be in-demand. On the job, your duties might include installing HVAC units, conducting routine maintenance examinations, replacing broken components, and more. Throughout your career, it’s important to prioritize your safety, as HVAC technicians are often exposed to hazardous materials and conditions while on the job. Chemicals such as refrigerants and contaminants–including dirt and debris–are all common to encounter as an HVAC technician. With this in mind, it becomes key to wear the proper safety gear to protect you from harm. 

Read on to discover what you should have on hand to stay safe as an HVAC technician.

After Finishing HVAC College, Wear Protective Gear

As an HVAC technician, it’s important to wear clothing that protects you from exposure to both chemicals and contaminants. On the job, be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants so as not to leave any skin vulnerable. Additionally, ensure that your clothing is free of synthetic fibers, as they’re more flammable. After graduating from HVAC school, it’s also important to wear the right boots, as proper footwear is necessary to protect your feet from the heavy machinery you’ll be working with. You’ll also need safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris, and earplugs to prevent hearing damage due to the power tools used in HVAC work. Lastly, a thick pair of gloves will keep your fingers safe from any injuries that could result from handling sharp wires or pipes.

Use the Right Tools

When you use the right tools, your safety will be enhanced throughout your career. There are a few critical tools that enable you to perform any job in adherence with industry standards—reducing the risk of malfunctions that might otherwise pose a threat to your safety.  As a graduate of HVAC college, you should always have the following tools in your bag:

• Clamp metre
• Anemometre
• Wrench
• Vacuum gauge
• Refrigerant leak detector
• Wire stripper

While it’s important to have these tools on hand, it’s important to examine the quality of your tools before beginning any repair or installation. By ensuring that your tools are in good working order, you’ll be able to avoid making any dangerous mistakes on the job. 

Follow these Practices When Handling Chemicals

Throughout your career as an HVAC technician, you’ll be working with and transporting many different chemicals. In addition to wearing the right safety gear, it’s also important to know how to handle chemicals on the job to reduce your risk of injury. When using gas cylinders, make sure to inspect them before filling them up, and check to make sure there are no signs of leaks or damage. You should also not have gas cylinders in your van in hot weather, as this can increase the risk of explosion. When working with any detergents, refrigerants, solvents, or other cleaning liquids, make sure to wear goggles and a protective mask over your face to avoid  exposing yourself to chemicals.

With these safety rules in mind, you’ll be ready for a long career as an HVAC technician.

Thinking about enrolling in HVAC technician courses?

Launch your career with a program at the North American Trade Schools!

As summer approaches, an air conditioner becomes one of the most essential home appliances. In order to keep cool in hot temperatures, people rely on their AC unit to deliver cold air right into their homes. But what happens when this appliance starts to leak? It’s not uncommon for an air conditioner to develop such a problem over time–especially if it hasn’t been properly maintained or is being used constantly. Air conditioner leakage can occur for a variety of reasons, but the good news is that a leak can almost always be fixed. 

If you’re considering a career as an HVAC technician, knowing the most common culprits behind a leak can help you to quickly identify the source of a client’s problem: quickly restoring the flow of cool air within their homes! 

Read on to discover six common causes of air conditioner leakage. 

1. During Your HVAC Career, Be Aware That a Broken Pump May Cause a Leak

Within an air conditioner unit, the condensation pump is a device that serves to drain water in order to prevent a leak. However, this pump can actually cause a leak if it isn’t working properly. Most pumps are equipped with a float switch, which will turn on when the water gets to a certain level. If this switch has become stuck due to a buildup of debris or scum, it might not work. This lack of functioning can in turn result in dripping water from the unit. If you come across such a situation in your HVAC career, you can try cleaning the switch with bleach. If it still doesn’t turn on, chances are the pump needs replacing. 

2. Drain Pan Issues Can Cause Leakage

Located beneath the indoor air handler, the drain pan functions as a trap for condensation created by the air conditioner. It connects to a drain pipe, which transfers the condensate outside to prevent moisture buildup around the unit. If the drain pan is rusting, cracked, or overflowing, this is likely to lead to a leak problem. Check the drain pan for leaks by turning off the AC unit and inspecting the pan for signs of rust, cracks, or debris buildup. If the drain pan is the culprit, this component of the air conditioner can easily be replaced.

3. If the Evaporator Coils Are Frozen, Leaking Will Follow

Evaporator coils can be found inside the door of the air conditioner unit. Refrigerant flows through these coils to deliver cool air through the vents. But if the evaporator coils freeze, ice will form and create a leak. These coils may freeze due to restricted air flow, a buildup of dirt or debris, blocked vents, or a lack of refrigerant. When you become an HVAC technician, you can identify frozen evaporator coils by checking whether there is ice or frost within the unit. From there, you can determine the source of the problem by checking the refrigerant levels, filter, vents, and other components to ensure that air is moving properly through the coils.

4. An Air Leak is One of the Most Common Problems

When an air leak occurs, air escapes around the vents of the air conditioner rather than through the designated path. This air flow can cause condensation to appear where it shouldn’t, leading to dripping from the AC unit. Air leaks can happen over time if a unit isn’t properly maintained. The good news is they can typically be fixed, simply with caulk, by sealing up the sides of the vent where air is escaping.

5. Look Out for a Blocked Condensation Drain Line

The condensation drain line attaches to the drain pan to transfer condensation outside–preventing leakage from occurring indoors. Over time, the drain line can accumulate debris or be exposed to algae or fungi growth. If the drip pan is overflowing but intact, it’s likely that the source of the leak is a clogged condensation drain line. Luckily, a blockage can typically be fixed by clearing the drain line using vinegar or another solution. 

These are just some of the sources of leakage in a home’s AC unit. During your HVAC career, you can refer to these common underlying issues as possible causes when it comes to developing a solution for a client’s leaking air conditioner. 

Are you interested in attending HVAC school? 

Explore programs with NATS to launch your career today!

While propane isn’t the most commonly used source of energy for a home, its use has been growing in popularity in recent years. Propane is used to fuel both home-heating furnaces and water heaters. It is also beneficial due to the lower amount of greenhouse gas emissions it produces, as well as its potential as a less costly source of energy. In a propane heating system, propane is stored in a designated tank. This is fitted to a home’s gas line and then transferred to the furnace, which delivers heat to the rest of the home. 

Propane is a convenient source of heat for a home, but it’s important to know how to maintain a propane heating system once it’s installed to ensure that it remains safe and effective. If you’re interested in a career as an HVAC technician, read on to discover three tips for maintaining a propane heating system. 

1. HVAC College Graduates Should Pay Attention to a Propane Heating System’s Pilot Light

Most propane heating systems operate through the use of a pilot light, which is a small flame that burns continuously. After HVAC school, it’s important to be familiar with how a propane heating system’s pilot light works in order to properly maintain these systems. In a propane heating system, the pilot light is located at the burner of the heating appliance that the propane fuel is being used for. The pilot light is also responsible for igniting the propane fuel to provide heat. 

When maintaining a propane system, check the colour of the pilot light. A pilot light’s flame should be blue in colour. But if it appears to be orange or yellow, the pilot tube may need to be cleaned. Additionally, if the pilot light frequently extinguishes, this could signal a larger problem with the propane heating system. In this case, all connections and tubes should be examined to ensure that there isn’t a leak.

2. A Propane Heating System Needs Regular Service

One of the most important things to know about propane heating systems is that they may require more regular maintenance than other heating systems. A propane tank can be regularly serviced by checking the tank’s fuel gauge. When this gauge indicates that there’s less than 20% of fuel remaining, it’s time for a refill. Additionally, it’s important to examine the tank itself regularly by checking the tightness of the connecting pipes and ensuring that there are sufficient levels of pressure. Make sure that the area around the tank is clear of any forms of clutter. If there are flammable materials in close proximity of the tank, remove them in order to reduce the risk of fire.

3. Take Measures to Prevent Leakage

While a propane leak is uncommon, graduates of HVAC technician courses should be proactive in preventing leakage. A propane leak can be extremely dangerous, as propane is flammable and can increase the risk of fire within a home. The chances of a leak in a propane system can be reduced by tightening and protecting the propane tank’s fittings. Where the gas line connects to the propane tank, ensure that the connection is properly sealed by using a wrench to tighten the connection. If a leak is suspected, the main gas valve should be turned off immediately in order to safely address the problem.

When properly maintained, propane systems can be an efficient source of heat for a client’s home. During your HVAC technician career, take the above steps to ensure that your client’s propane heating system is working safely and effectively.

Are you ready to enroll in HVAC college?

Get the training you need at the North American Trade Schools. Start exploring today!

When you replace an old HVAC unit with a new one, there are certain things worth keeping in mind. For example, many people tend to only replace their HVAC unit on rare occasions. However, having those units replaced in regular intervals can ensure that their HVAC unit is keeping them safe, healthy, and sufficiently heated and cooled. Some homeowners may also want a new unit to help them save on energy. With the right tools and knowledge, you can complete an HVAC replacement job that accomplishes each of these things.

Although replacing an HVAC unit involves a number of steps to complete before, during, and after the installation, these are some of the more important phases to remember during this process. Read on to find out what you can expect with regards to replacing HVAC units.

Preliminary Measures for HVAC Technician Training Students to Remember

Before the replacement process can begin, there are certain tasks to take care of. For one, you’ll need to assess both the home and the old HVAC system, and complete the necessary calculations and measurements. Once this has finished, you can determine how big the new HVAC system needs to be. Measure the square footage of the home to better understand how big the new unit will need to be, and how many tons of heat it can remove. You and the client will also need to determine how they will pay for the installation. Depending on the payment plan, they may put a down payment on the replacement prior to the installation. 

Upon completing your cost estimate, replacing the HVAC unit can go ahead. Complete a ductwork inspection, if necessary, and disconnect the unit being replaced after powering it off. If any parts of the interior, such as furniture, are impeding your ability to get the job done, move them away from your working area. Since HVAC technician training students will learn about installing many different types of systems during their studies, it’s equally important that they learn what’s necessary for the pre-installation phase.

The Installation Process: Out With the Old, In With the New

Once these tasks have been completed, the installation of the HVAC unit replacement can begin. When installing, remember to use dust covers and wear protective gear to prevent any direct contact with debris. Even if only one component of the HVAC unit needs to be replaced, you should still replace the entire unit so that its capacity for efficiency is optimal. Be sure to also cut off power from the old HVAC unit, flush any remaining coolant, take apart the old equipment, and then remove those parts to make room for new ones. The HVAC unit replacement can often be done within the day of installation, but can sometimes go beyond that if complications arise.

Students in HVAC college should also familiarize themselves with the parts that will be involved in the replacement. These parts include the outside compressor, thermostats, evaporators, air handlers, condensate pumps, and/or supply lines for coolant. Once the installation process is done, remember to put the new unit through a series of tests to make sure it works correctly and can sufficiently cool the home. Inspect the system to catch any possible issues, then add a new coolant and keep testing the unit until all systems look good. Lastly, remember to discard and/or recycle any old HVAC equipment being replaced. Explain to clients how the new system works, and recommend a timeline for their next replacement.

Want to get your HVAC diploma?

Contact NATS today for more info!

Working within the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is a rewarding career path. However, it takes more than classroom learning to gain the confidence you need to feel comfortable on the job. In order to become successful in this field, it’s important that you also get hands-on training and experience. 

Being an HVAC technician is all about knowing how to diagnose a situation and use the correct tools and equipment to perform the task at hand–whether that’s installing, maintaining, or repairing a system. When choosing an HVAC program, make sure that you’re choosing one that offers hands-on training to equip you with the experience necessary to handle all kinds of situations. 

Here’s more on why hands-on training is necessary for aspiring HVAC technicians.

Hands-On HVAC Technician Courses Promote Problem-Solving Skills

A good HVAC technician should be able to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to real-world situations, and be able to actively solve the problem at hand. The only way to get better at problem-solving on the job is to gain experience at an HVAC college–offering students the opportunity to participate in hands-on training. At North American Trade Schools (NATS), students receive hands-on training in the lab in addition to the information they learn in the classroom. They can expect to work with testing devices and various types of equipment. This helps them to gain first-hand experience with common problems encountered on the job.

Greater Retention of Information

Learning by doing has been proven to be a fool-proof way to remember information. When engaging in hands-on learning, students enrolled in HVAC technician training have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with common materials and equipment of the trade, and get to practice using these tools. Because they’re learning by doing with hands-on training, students are more likely to retain what they’ve experienced, and can easily access and apply that knowledge to situations on the job.

Students Will Gain Familiarity with Safety Protocols

Within this field, there are always risks and safety hazards that may be encountered. Working within the real-world environment offered through hands-on training gives students in HVAC technician courses the chance to practice following safety protocols, and allows them to better understand the risks that go along with the job.

Get Training From Industry Experts

As an HVAC technician student, much of what you learn will depend on the advice and experience of others. It’s important to get hands-on training from experienced teachers in order to learn as much as possible about the field. At NATS, the instructors supervising your training are industry experts. Input from these seasoned professionals proved invaluable to NATS welding graduate Emily Harrison, who said her “favourite thing about the campus was the knowledge of the teachers and how much practical work you were able to do. It was very helpful.” 

Receiving hands-on training from experienced instructors will ensure that all your questions are answered, making you that much more ready to tackle on-the-job challenges.

Are you interested in attending HVAC school to prepare you for this role with hands-on training?

Check out program options from North American Trade Schools today.

If you value doing a variety of work and are good with hands-on tasks, then chances are that a career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) could be a great fit for you. HVAC technicians are quick problem-solvers, possessing a solid understanding of mechanical systems and how best to install and repair them. They are relied on whenever the heating dies off or the air conditioner breaks down—and practically every modern building uses either, if not all, of these systems. 

Becoming an HVAC technician has many benefits, including the rewarding feeling of a job well done. Here are some reasons why becoming an HVAC technician might be a good idea for you!

Technicians Benefit of Short Training and Fast Results 

Starting your HVAC training is key for your success as an HVAC professional. And, unlike lengthy university programs that can take four years to complete, pre-apprenticeship training can be completed in significantly less time. 

Pre-apprenticeship training also includes plenty of hands-on work, rather than just sitting through long class lectures. As Jason Boyer, HVAC student at NATS, puts it, “I chose North American Trade Schools because it’s a hands-on school.” He adds, “They have the experience, they have the know-how, and you take what you can from them and apply it to your trade.” 

HVAC Careers Include a Variety of Work and Opportunities to Advance 

Every day on the job offers the chance to do something new—working in both indoor and outdoor settings while meeting all kinds of different people. This means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stay active on the job. Each task will contain different challenges for you to overcome, turning every service call into an opportunity for a change of pace. It’s anything but your typical 9-5 office job!

HVAC is a diverse field, offering a variety of work for its professionals. Technicians work with a variety of heating and air conditioning systems, having been trained to install and maintain gas and propane heating systems and ventilation as well as air cooling equipment in residential and light commercial environments. As a result, technicians have room to advance their careers after years of training and earning specialized certifications.

HVAC Is a Highly Valued Service That Comes with Many Rewards

Contrary to what some might think, HVAC work is not seasonal—no matter the time of year, people often need help with their HVAC systems. Due to the nature of the work, technicians need a solid level of mechanical skill and technical ability. HVAC technicians are effective problem-solvers. They have to analyze entire HVAC systems to root out key causes of failure before knowing how to make the necessary repairs. Because the work they do is hands-on, they also get the satisfaction of seeing the concrete results of their actions after a job well done.

An HVAC career is service-oriented, leaving plenty of room for customer satisfaction. Technicians are often met with gratitude as they work to provide valuable service, keeping temperatures well-regulated in all kinds of environments—ultimately providing comfort and security for their clients. 

Are you interested in attending an HVAC college?

Contact NATS for more information!

For future HVAC technicians just completing their training, there are many exciting career opportunities available. Graduates can look for jobs as HVAC Installers, Technicians, Maintenance Assistants, or Maintenance Technicians. In Ontario, job opportunities in HVAC are good. Part of the reason for this is that population growth is driving the need for more buildings, especially in certain urban areas. 

When interviewing for your first job in HVAC, it’s important to know what employers are looking for and how to present yourself in order to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward. Read on for a few tips on how to ace your interview and land the job.  

Know How to Highlight Your HVAC Training in the Interview

When interviewing for an HVAC career, it’s important to research the company you’re applying to, so that you know a bit more about what they could be expecting from you. Try to determine the types of services they provide (whether they’re primarily residential or commercial), what kinds of locations they cater to, and what kinds of equipment they typically utilize. This kind of information will help you to highlight the skills you have that will be most impressive to the employer. 

Graduates of hands-on training programs like the North American Trade Schools’ HVAC technician training program can reference the marketable skills they know will impress their potential employer simply by doing a bit of research on the company they’re applying for. 

Become Familiar with Possible Questions You Might Be Asked

While you might not be able to anticipate every question, it’s good to come prepared with a few possible interview questions. You’ll probably be asked simple but important questions like what motivates you, what about their company interests you, and other questions which allow them to get to know you as a person. They also might ask you some questions more relevant to the HVAC industry, such as inquiring why you’re interested in HVAC, what your driving record is like, and more. Prepare answers that show you’re ready for an HVAC career and have excelled in your HVAC training.

Prepare Questions to Ask Your Potential Employer

It’s also good to have in mind a list of questions that you would like to ask during the interview. These questions should be about the company specifically, demonstrating that you’ve taken the time to get to know them and showing them that you’re interested. Your questions could be about the company’s expectations for you as an employee, what a typical day on the job might look like, what about the company is especially unique, or any other company-related questions you might have.

A “Thank You” Never Hurts

Lastly, remember to thank the interviewer after you’ve finished, in addition to sending a follow-up thank you email. Make sure they know you’re interested in the job!

Think you have what it takes to become an HVAC technician? 

Check out the North American Trade Schools program options today.

There’s nothing worse than the AC breaking down on a blazing hot day—apart from maybe the heating system fizzling out when it’s a frigid -30 degrees! HVAC technicians become very popular individuals at the height of summer and winter, serving to rescue home and business owners from uncomfortable temperatures by performing emergency repairs as they come up.

Keeping HVAC units in good working order through routine checkups is another important role of the technician. Here’s why routine maintenance practices are important for keeping these systems in their best shape all year round!

Routine Maintenance Helps Owners Breathe Easier

Respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis can often be traced back to the living conditions of the home, with the dirty HVAC unit a prime culprit in many cases. The problem comes from condensation forming in the coils and ducts of the AC unit, which can lead to all kinds of harmful mold and bacteria growth.

Customers who keep to a routine maintenance schedule for their HVAC units are ensuring that all of the harmful contaminants that may have built up inside the system are eliminated. A service technician is responsible for cleaning filters, coils, and other components of the unit on a routine visit, which leads to a cleaner unit, thereby improving air quality.

A Well-Maintained System Can Save the Owner Money

What would a home or business owner care more about than breathing clean air? How about more money in the old pocketbook! If you’re interested in HVAC technician training, you should know that keeping an HVAC system in good working order can help the owner save money by optimizing efficiency to keep energy costs down. A well-maintained HVAC system uses a lot less energy and puts less wear and tear on the machinery of the HVAC unit, running a good 20% more efficiently than a neglected unit. 

Regular checkups in the fall and spring can keep efficiency strong, and help an owner get a good ten years out of their HVAC investment. Routine checkups also allow the service tech to catch a small problem needing a quick, inexpensive fix before it turns into a much more complicated problem requiring lots of work—and lots of coin to repair. 

Fewer Emergency Breakdowns and More Warranty Opportunities

People run their HVAC systems pretty hard in the summer and winter months, which can lead to breakdowns. These machines are designed to handle the energy levels the owner demands, but only if the unit is being looked after properly. If you’re seeking your HVAC diploma, you should know that breakdown prevention during the hottest and coldest times of the year is reliant on keeping routine maintenance and inspection checks. 

By keeping up regular twice-a-year visits, the owner may even be lucky enough to discover that a part that needs work or full replacement is still under warranty. Longer waiting times between visits reduce the opportunity to spot a problem before a warranty period has reached its expiration date. 

What Are Some Maintenance Tasks Those Attending HVAC School Should Know About?

There are a few things to watch out for during routine maintenance checks. On heating systems, the tech will need to check: fuel lines and power sources, inspect combustion chambers, inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or other evidence of damage, as well as check for carbon monoxide leaks.

On cooling systems, the tech needs to take a look at the fans and blowers, thermostat, system controls, ductwork systems, evaporator and condenser coils, and condensate drains to ensure everything is clean, undamaged, and functioning properly. Additionally, fans and motors must be lubricated, and refrigerant levels must be filled.

All of these tasks need to be performed at regular intervals to ensure that systems keep running properly.

Are you interested in training at HVAC school? 

Contact North American Trade Schools today to learn more!

It’s not just the quality of an HVAC unit that counts, but how it’s installed. As an HVAC technician, your responsibility is to install these systems and detect any issues that can arise within their many different components and figure out how to correct them. However, there are several mistakes you can find yourself making if you aren’t careful with the installation process.

Since learning how to maintain and install HVAC systems are a significant component of your job, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to learn best installation practices. Here are some of the more common mistakes you may find yourself making after your HVAC training.

Ductwork is One of the Most Important Factors to Watch After HVAC School

It’s important to be sure you choose the correctly-sized duct for the HVAC unit you’re installing, and use high-quality materials in the process (e.g. using a heavy-duty sealant instead of tape, and adding R-6 insulation wrap).

If you don’t, it can create issues with both air flow and leaking, and potentially result in gaps, dust, loud noises, or an overheating furnace. As a result, the unit itself won’t function properly, and those living in the home will likely see their energy bills rise. Not only that, but up to 30% of the HVAC unit’s overall output can be compromised when not properly insulated.

When it Comes to the Furnace, Size is Everything

By “size is also everything”, we don’t mean they need to be as big as you can possibly get them. Rather, the important thing to consider after finishing your HVAC training is to find a furnace that is sized proportionately to the one previously in place, and is also a newer model.

This not only helps with the flow of air in the home, but with the system’s efficiency as a whole. Should you not pick a correctly sized furnace, problems could occur. This includes the unit overworking itself to provide better cooling or heat if too small, or uneven temperatures if too big. However, be sure to double-check that the size calculations are correct, even if it’s technically the same size as the previous furnace.

Make Sure Air is Properly Distributed at All Times

This is one of the most crucial parts of a successful HVAC installation, as it can otherwise lead to uneven cooling or heating. HVAC school students should be aware that proper air distribution design is a must, and that the ductwork is symmetrical in size to the unit’s output capacity.

To achieve this, apply new ductwork rather than the preexisting one, and be sure it’s distributing air evenly. Another of the more important aspects to keep in mind is proper ventilation. You’ll need to ensure the HVAC unit you’ve installed has a strong balance of both hot and cold air, and that the air is balanced and flows cleanly throughout the home.

Want to start your HVAC technician training?

Contact North American Trade Schools today!