Hands-On HVAC Refrigerant Cycle Training

This comprehensive three-day hands-on training course is designed to provide HVAC technicians with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to service, troubleshoot, and maintain refrigeration systems used in residential and light commercial HVAC applications. Participants will gain a solid understanding of the refrigeration cycle, system components, and diagnostic techniques to ensure reliable and efficient system performance. Through a mix of classroom instruction and real-world lab exercises, attendees will work with fully operational refrigeration systems to perform pressure and temperature testing, identify refrigerant issues, and conduct safe and effective repairs.

Key Learning Objectives

1. Refrigeration Cycle Fundamentals: Understand the thermodynamic principles of heat transfer, pressure-temperature relationships, and the role of each major component
2. System Components: Learn the operation and function of compressors, condensers, metering devices, and evaporators in split and packaged systems
3. Refrigerant Handling: Practice proper recovery, evacuation, charging, and leak detection techniques in compliance with EPA Section 608 requirements
4. System Diagnostics: Use gauges, thermometers, and diagnostic tools to evaluate system performance and identify restrictions, leaks, and pressure imbalances
5. Electrical & Control Circuits: Review control system operation, safety devices, and troubleshooting methods for refrigeration system controls and components
6. Superheat & Subcooling: Learn how to measure, calculate, and adjust superheat and subcooling for optimal system operation
7. Common Failures & Troubleshooting: Diagnose and correct issues such as compressor failures, refrigerant migration, low capacity, and moisture contamination
8. Preventive Maintenance: Establish maintenance procedures to ensure long-term reliability and efficiency.

Equipment:

Students will work with live refrigeration training units and diagnostic tools in a controlled lab environment.

Who Should Attend:

1. HVAC service and installation technicians
2. Apprentices and students in HVAC programs
3. Maintenance personnel responsible for refrigeration and cooling systems

Registration fees includes: Catered lunch

Our Instructor:

John Nowicki has been in the HVAC industry since 1985 and has worked for leading contractors in the Southeastern PA region. His background includes residential through light industrial HVAC diagnostics and repairs. John also has experience as a residential service manager and in residential and light commercial installation. His current positions are Lead Technical Trainer, Commercial Field Instructor, Technical Advisor, and Apprenticeship Manager. John often describes himself as passionate about excellence in the HVAC profession and helping others become the best they can be. His fellow techs often refer to him as an air flow nerd.

Hotel Accommodations

PPATEC is pleased to partner with local hotels that are in close proximity to our primary training venues. Our hotel partners offer student discounted rates on overnight accommodations. Please see the link below to visit our hotel partners page.

Click Here for Hotel Partners