HVAC Course Recommendations?

[Alphaacid]

Has anyone taken a HVAC course online they can recommend? I couple put my repairs guys 19 kids through Harvard by now with all the f'n repairs lately.

[Johnson_Thermal]

Go to Emersonclimate.com and create an account. You should be able to log in and go their OPI (online product interface) an under that they have their application engineering bulletins and their theory of refrigeration books in PDF. Not an online course per se but a good free resource.

There is also the Trane Air Conditioning manual which you can buy from Trane. More A/C than refrigeration geared, but talks more about chillers. The Copeland stuff will not touch chillers at all.

Both resources are old school ( they talk about R-12) but good starting points.

Bummer on that compressor haven't seen a connector burn out like that before.

If you can score a copy of " Cameron hydraulic manual" that is also a good resource for covering pumps.

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[Scott M]

There is more to HVAC than just learning how a sealed system works. There are the "Certifications" that allow you to work on systems that contain fluorohydrocarbons. Then there is the recovery system and specialized tools you will need to purchase, the vacuum pumps, a supply of dry pumped nitrogen, leak detection equipment, Oxy Acetylene brazing equipment and torches with various tips, various refrigerants, a supply of silver solder and a wholesaler who is willing to sell you tools, equipment and parts.

This all takes time to learn and will take time away from brewing and running a brewing business. You could just hire a "Brewerywright", a millwright for your brewery. Most are very talented, already trained and have years of experience in the industrial trades.

@TGTimm could add to this.

[Starcat]

HVAC Misconceptions

HVAC is similar to brewing in that it is more art than science.
While taking classes can help someone with a natural inborn talent for it become more savvy, it cannot and will not make anyone an expert over night. I have worked beside guys in the trade who do it day in and day out that don't have the slightest idea how to properly adjust controls. There are all kinds of mechanics " in the trade " that don't properly know or care about what they are doing. They can half way make a system appear to work, and down the road shortly thereafter will be early failure. To do this thing right is a lot more complicated and abstract than it appears.
The most common mistakes and misconceptions:
1.My system is set up from the factory with everything it needs to run correctly.
Not necessarily so.
2.I can get by with one unit with a single compresssor for my brewery.
No redundancy on such a critical system is an unsound idea where more investment can save your ass in the future.
3. Anyone can properly commission, troubleshoot, and repair these machines to a high standard.
No they cannot.
4. I can use a system that is not designed for low temperature glycol service and not designed for Brewery service.
Not wise.

Operational mistakes
Startup not done by a well seasoned expert.
Constant and cyclic Overloading.
Running beyond design limits for condenser entering air.
Improper control settings, especially for pumpdown and low ambient control.
Anything that leads to compressor short cycling.
Lack of expert PM.
Improper BRIX on your glycol.
Various and sundry misconfiguration scenarios.
Hack job repairs that did not address the root of the matter or other installation deficiencies.
The list goes on....

[gvh_Dan]

+1 to what Starcat said. Most of that is not a DIY sort of activity.

If you are going to open the system, add refrigerant, remove refrigerant, etc. you need to get yourself an EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, assuming its something like R-22, R-134a, or the other halocarbons. If its ammonia, you would be best leaving it to professionals. Any refrigerant can kill you. Ammonia just sends you down screaming.

If you are looking for on-line courses on operation or engineering, take a look at what ASHRAE offers https://www.ashrae.org/education--ce...group-learning They are pretty good and reasonable. Plus there's not manufacturer's twist to them.

If you are looking for cheap, as other mentioned, most of the manufacturers offer something but they often screen the candidates to makes sure you are an HVAC contractor and will bring them work.

If you are looking for hands-on repair instruction, I would recommend talking to local technical colleges. I know a classroom course isn't what you are looking for but its the best way to learn the ins and outs and to do so safely.