A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and basic refrigeration (HVAC/BR) training program is designed to prepare you for an entry-level career as an HVAC/BR technician. The program includes hands-on training, system design education, and instruction on EPA guidelines.
Understanding HVAC/BR System Designs
While HVAC/BR training emphasizes hands-on learning, understanding the design of HVAC/BR systems is crucial. An HVAC/BR training program covers topics such as the design of components like piping, ductwork, circuitry, and wiring, as well as the components and mechanical controls of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
There are various heating systems, including heat pumps, propane, natural gas, and electric heating systems. In a vocational HVAC/BR training program, you can learn how to install, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair these systems. Heat pumps are used for both heating and cooling, and training can help you handle issues like inconsistent heating or cooling, continuous operation, failure to turn on, or freezing.
Training programs also provide instruction on propane furnace systems, covering installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance. You can learn to install various furnace types, learning the steps from preparation and equipment selection to safety and testing.
An HVAC/BR program also includes training on two common residential natural gas-powered heating systems: forced-air natural gas furnaces and natural gas boilers. The processes for forced air natural gas furnaces are similar to those for propane furnaces, with the main difference being the gas line installation.
Servicing natural gas boilers is also a part of HVAC/BR training. You can learn proper installation procedures, including site preparation, pipe fitting, flue installation, gas line connection, and thorough testing, with emphasis on equipment usage and safety. Troubleshooting skills are developed through inspecting key components like thermostats, ignitors, pumps, and heat exchangers.
A popular heating option in HVAC is electrical heating systems. Earlier, we discussed electrical heat pumps in an HVAC/BR training program, but the other electrical heating systems covered are electric radiant floor heating and baseboard heaters.
An HVAC/BR program can equip you with knowledge of electric radiant floor heating systems. You’ll be taught about the various components, materials, and safe equipment usage involved in the installation process, from system wiring and insulation to laying cables and waterproofing. The program emphasizes troubleshooting skills, teaching you how to identify and resolve issues with thermostats, sensors, cables, and heating mats using diagnostic tools like cable fault finders and thermal cameras.
Programs also include training on electric baseboard heating systems, covering proper installation techniques, including wiring, mounting, and connection to the electrical circuit. You will learn to use various tools safely and effectively while gaining expertise in troubleshooting common issues related to thermostats, wiring, and airflow.
Servicing Residential and Commercial Air Conditioners
A large part of your HVAC/BR training will be learning how to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain residential and commercial air conditioner condenser units. The HVAC/BR program covers topics that teach you how to install an air conditioning unit, including installation location, removing existing equipment, pad replacement, removing and replacing evaporator coils, refrigerant lines, fitting valves, and double-checking connections, installing the filter dryer and wiring, installing or setting up drain lines, and testing the unit.
Homeowners and tenants may be able to troubleshoot minor issues with their system, but for more advanced issues, that is where you can come in as a trained HVAC technician to inspect the various components of condenser units and repair or replace them as needed. Regular maintenance is an important aspect of air conditioning units, and the HVAC/BR program teaches the essentials of AC maintenance, including servicing, cleaning, and repairs.
Many homeowners and property managers will need new refrigeration units installed for newer homes or replacing units beyond repair. As part of your training program, you can learn the essential parts of refrigeration unit installation, including disconnecting old units, preparing and measuring the install space, assembling the refrigerator support system, grounding the unit, connecting water lines, establishing temperature settings, checking electrical wiring support for the unit, and testing the unit.
An essential part of refrigeration training is learning how to troubleshoot units and identify issues. You can learn how to inspect door gaskets, fan motors, condenser coils, and compressors to identify issues.
In addition to learning about installation, troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance for residential refrigeration units, you can also learn about these topics for commercial units. As part of your training, you can learn about the essential components of a commercial refrigeration unit, including the condensers, evaporators, and expansion valves.
EPA Section 608 and the Responsibilities of HVAC/BR Technicians
As an HVAC technician, it is important you learn and understand the requirements of the Clean Air Act and the Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 certification. Obtaining EPA Section 608 certification is something that you will be eligible for when you graduate from the HVAC/BR program. This certification demonstrates you know how to properly reclaim and recycle refrigerants as part of your work as an HVAC technician. The Clean Air Act is a federal law that regulates air emissions from different sources. This law was established to help meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards in order to protect the health of people and to help regulate the emission of hazardous air pollutants.
Next Steps
Training for a career in HVAC/BR can seem to be a daunting task, but having clear expectations of what your training will include can help prepare you for what you can expect of your education. A good understanding of what is covered in the HVAC/BR training program can instill confidence in you to begin your training and begin a fulfilling career in HVAC/BR.
If you want to take the first steps to starting your HVAC/BR career and training call 866-480-9766 or submit this form to find out more information. STVT is happy to give you all the necessary information you need and help you take the next steps in your career goals.
Disclaimer: Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. STVT does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential, or salary expectations based on the programs offered at STVT. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at STVT.
