HVAC - Refrigerant Diagnostics

SOLD OUT! If we have enough interest, we may be able to add another course date. If interested, please contact Alyssa Clair at aclair@triangleaptassn.org. 

This course is two days, attendance at both days is required.

Tuesday, March 5 | Day 1
Tuesday, March 12 | Day 2
9:00am - 4:00pm Both Sessions

Cost: $500 Members | $600 Non-Members
Five (5) CAPS, CAM, CAS, NALP, CAMT continuing education credits per session

Day 1 - Circuit Operation & Charging

Refrigerants, primary circuit components and their function together are thoroughly explained in this intensive introduction to the “heart and veins” of our business. The primary objectives are to understand basic circuit flow and test measurements. Participants will use various OEM charging charts to achieve correct refrigerant quantity with air conditioning and heat pump examples. This class will include an introduction to diagnostic measurements and strategies. Most equipment breakdowns are resolved when the technician literally goes “back-to-the-basics”.

Topics Covered:

• Safety and required PPE
• Refrigerant properties (R22 and R410a)
• Functioning components
• Circuit flow for AC and heat pumps
• Using the manifold gauge set
• How to read OEM charging charts
• Measuring superheat and subcooling

Day 2 - Refrigerant Circuit Diagnostics

Participants will learn how to measure indoor airflow and use operating pressures, superheat and subcooling to identify the root cause on the first call. The objective is to employ a “no-fail” troubleshooting strategy for any indoor comfort system complaint.

Topics Covered:

• Circuit analysis using superheat and subcooling
• Evaporator heat load variations
• Testing thermostatic expansion valve flow and response
• Compression ratio and sound characteristics
• Condenser heat load variations
• Identifying refrigerant restrictions
• Diagnosing reversing valve failures
• Refrigerant leak testing procedures