Electrician Becoming AC Tech

[elec2hvac]

Hello everyone. I work for a company that does both electrical and hvac work. I have always been the lead electrician but we were kinda slow at the beginning of summer this year so I started helping out on the other side of the fence. I got my EPA certification and started doing service work. Most of the problems I would run into was electrical anyway. Capacitors, condenser motors, contactors, etc.

Anyway, I'm learning as I go. There have been several calls already that I've had to call for back-up. I look forward to being a student of the practice and learning as much as I can about it. I'm hoping this is the place to help expand my knowledge.

Thanks in advance for everything I'm sure I'll learn as I read through the boards.

Jason

[Airmechanical]

get your post count up to 15 and apply for pro membership

vast amounts of knowledge are available there on a daily basis



.

[elec2hvac]

get your post count up to 15 and apply for pro membership

vast amounts of knowledge are available there on a daily basis



.

That's my goal. Thanks.

[Shophound]

Hello everyone. I work for a company that does both electrical and hvac work. I have always been the lead electrician but we were kinda slow at the beginning of summer this year so I started helping out on the other side of the fence. I got my EPA certification and started doing service work. Most of the problems I would run into was electrical anyway. Capacitors, condenser motors, contactors, etc.

Anyway, I'm learning as I go. There have been several calls already that I've had to call for back-up. I look forward to being a student of the practice and learning as much as I can about it. I'm hoping this is the place to help expand my knowledge.

Thanks in advance for everything I'm sure I'll learn as I read through the boards.

Jason

While it's true most a/c service calls are electrical in nature, many are not. If you don't develop a firm understanding refrigeration principles, there will come the inevitable job that will hang you out to dry. It's happened to just about every tech here at some point in his/her career.

Learn all you can about both the electrical and the refrigeration side of this trade. Don't skimp on either, and since your background is electrical, double your caution not to skimp on refrigeration knowledge. It will be tempting to rely on what you know, when what you don't know can kick your butt.

Welcome to the forum!

[DKPAT]

Hi, I am curious as to why you have to;

1. be a professional member to have access to the training information.
2. Have a post count of 15 to apply for a professional membership.
Thanks,

[andserco]

cuz the owners of the site, said so :eek:......:D:D...jk...

[DKPAT]

:D lol

[beenthere]

Answer to question 2.
Most DIYers won't hang around long enough to get 15 post. And then follow through with the application.
Anxwer to question 1.
If pro membership wasn't required to access the training forums. Then DIYers, could learn what they needed to DIY.

[safaridave]

enjoy the ride it is an EXPERIENCE.

[DKPAT]

I have just started an HVAC program so although I enjoy helping people I don’t know enough to post responses to questions and concerns.
I know one never stops learning but you learn the most when you start something new, so that is when you need the most help.
I guess I will wait patiently. :o

Thanks,

[elec2hvac]

I have just started an HVAC program so although I enjoy helping people I don’t know enough to post responses to questions and concerns.
I know one never stops learning but you learn the most when you start something new, so that is when you need the most help.
I guess I will wait patiently. :o

Thanks,

Yeah I'm in the same boat. I don't really know enough to answer anyone's questions and don't wanna make a fool of myself either. I'm more interested in just reading and learning right now. But then again it's only 15 posts and this one is another step closer. I just asked a question about leak detectors in another forum. 15 isn't gonna take that long. :)

[udarrell]

Welcome to the club.

I have a website that is open to anyone, but the so-called DIY'ers roll their eyes & go elsewhere. It is extremely dangerous for the unskilled in this trade to mess with their HVAC system & can also illicit a big fine.

They don't have the test instruments or the motivation to accomplish anything of significance, or that is legal regarding HVAC/R.

I know the electrical trouble shooting side of it very well but leave that off my pages.

If you want to learn a little about proper air flow, duct systems & the refrigerant system - hop abroad. Click udarrell.

I assure anyone in this business, you will gain business when they discover their system is way below par. When they read my pages, they know they need a skilled pro to do the job for them.

It is way over their head, & that is what they all tell me!
They say, well that stuff really confuses me, I need someone that knows this stuff to come here & fix this problem.

So, they call Mr Bill, shophound or teddy... better yet beenthere. - Darrell

[matticus]

Hi, I am curious as to why you have to;

1. be a professional member to have access to the training information.
2. Have a post count of 15 to apply for a professional membership.
Thanks,

15 post are easy to get go the joke section of the board and tell a few different jokes or just reply to a few threads. Ask questions that won't get you in trouble.

[elec2hvac]

Welcome to the club.

I have a website that is open to anyone, but the so-called DIY'ers roll their eyes & go elsewhere. It is extremely dangerous for the unskilled in this trade to mess with their HVAC system & can also illicit a big fine.

They don't have the test instruments or the motivation to accomplish anything of significance, or that is legal regarding HVAC/R.

I know the electrical trouble shooting side of it very well but leave that off my pages.

If you want to learn a little about proper air flow, duct systems & the refrigerant system - hop abroad. Click udarrell.

I assure anyone in this business, you will gain business when they discover their system is way below par. When they read my pages, they know they need a skilled pro to do the job for them.

It is way over their head, & that is what they all tell me!
They say, well that stuff really confuses me, I need someone that knows this stuff to come here & fix this problem.

So, they call Mr Bill, shophound or teddy... better yet beenthere. - Darrell

Thanks Darrell! I look forward to gaining knowledge from your site as well.

[mcewans]

Hello everyone. I work for a company that does both electrical and hvac work. I have always been the lead electrician but we were kinda slow at the beginning of summer this year so I started helping out on the other side of the fence. I got my EPA certification and started doing service work. Most of the problems I would run into was electrical anyway. Capacitors, condenser motors, contactors, etc.

Anyway, I'm learning as I go. There have been several calls already that I've had to call for back-up. I look forward to being a student of the practice and learning as much as I can about it. I'm hoping this is the place to help expand my knowledge.

Thanks in advance for everything I'm sure I'll learn as I read through the boards.

Jason

Nine years ago, I decided to go the same direction as you. I have never regreted my decision. The fact that you have an electrical background is a plus since when you are troubleshooting you can at least determine if it is an electrical problem or refrigeration problem. I suggest that you either take a course or two in refrigeration or if you are the type that can pick up things well, then get a book. As you are exposed to more things on your service calls, you will learn many things.

[Shophound]

So, they call Mr Bill, shophound or teddy... better yet beenthere. - Darrell

"Better yet"? Should I feel semi-snubbed? :D

j/k

I'll eagerly confer the residential HVAC king of knowledge award to beenthere. The man knows his equipment and theory soundly; his dedication and contribution to this site are valuable. No less Mr. Bill, and Teddy is in a class by himself, the Dehum. Sovereign. ;)

[udarrell]

I wasn't trying to elevate one pro over another, & couldn't mention everyone.

I just thought beenthere would like to be there, as we all would.

I was going to put a smiley after beenthere, but wasn't sure how he would receive that.:D :) He is a great guy as are all the moderators, & we thank all of them for their dedicated work.

I'd rather be on a service call, any day, than working as a forum moderator. :p - Darrell

[Shophound]

I wasn't trying to elevate one pro over another, & couldn't mention everyone.



It was a joke, son, a joke. :p Jocularity. Humor. Funnin'. Yeah, I know...kinda rare for me but I try. :D

[DKPAT]

Just got back from summer shut down.
Thanks Darrell, I had a quick look at your site. It looks like you have a lot of good information. I very much appreciate all the help I can get. :)

[DKPAT]

15 post are easy to get go the joke section of the board and tell a few different jokes or just reply to a few threads. Ask questions that won't get you in trouble.

Thanks for the tip. I hadn't visited the joke section yet. Always enjoy a good laugh:D

[Shophound]

Thanks for the tip. I hadn't visited the joke section yet. Always enjoy a good laugh:D

Better yet, go to Wall of Pride and Wall of Shame sections, and talk about the installs or equipment found in the pictures there. Better than treading water in the joke section. Rumor has it the Membership Committee looks at what those 15 posts are to help see if the applicant is in the HVAC trade or not.

[davefr]

Hi, I am curious as to why you have to;

be a professional member to have access to the training information.


I also don't understand why fundamental theory info. is also locked up behind closed doors. (it never used to be and it's far from being considered DIY)

Here's an example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b527al9D_rY&feature=PlayList&p=7EB9524D3CFC515B&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=19

Someone please tell me why this type of info. is off limits here? Even homeowners would benefit from understanding basic refrigeration theory.

You might also want to get a copy of a book called Modern Refrigeration. It would help augment your on the job training.

[DKPAT]

Thanks Shophound I will but I am only a few weeks into the program and am still very green. I do have a student card, I can send a copy when I apply.