HVAC Training Archives - HVACTA

HVACTA: Motor Swap Out

Danny — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:56:49 +0000

There’s a difference between knowing and doing. Here at HVAC Technical Academy, we do both. Mornings are typically dedicated to knowing while in the afternoon we concentrate on the doing.

Another Day of DOING

Becoming prepared to be of immediate value is one of the traits we offer at HVAC Technical Academy. Check out what we have been working on over the past few days… and yes, we are in week two!.

Recognizing the ability to replace motors, condenser fan motors and blower motors, in a timely manner is what makes a technician valuable, all get their hands on quickly… making the best of every day, every moment. In addition to motor replacements, all continued on their brazing ability.

Our next six-week, 210-hour workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14^th. With a maximum of ten participants, you may want to get on the list as soon as possible.

We are a training facility where “Learn by Doing” defines our approach to get YOU on a career path.

Danny

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HVACTA: Brazing Saddles

Danny — Wed, 20 May 2026 12:11:36 +0000

Today all were introduced to the principles and applications surrounding brazing. Though Mel Brooks could not attend, immediate progress happened… as for badges, we don’t need any stinking badges (just throwing in one of the greatest movie lines in history).

HVACTA: Brazing Saddles

Brazing is a procedure by which tubing is joined by melting a filler metal into the joint at high temperatures, over 840°F.

Recognizing many will be working with Low Flammable Refrigerant, brazing techniques are as follows: When brazing a system that has been charged with a flammable refrigerant, the system charge must be recovered first. The system should then be swept with nitrogen to ensure that there is no residual refrigerant. A low-pressure nitrogen purge (1/2 to 2 psig) should be done during the brazing process.

All participants got involved learning the skills of torch safety and use. Not a bad way to gain knowledge of the HVAC skill set… by DOING!

We are a hands-on workshop facility located in Sanford, Florida, where “Learn by Doing” defines our approach to get YOU on a path to personal AND professional success. Background friendly, HVAC Technical Academy partnered with 2^nd Chance University to assist ALL desiring personal and professional success.

Interested in becoming an HVAC Service Technician, give me a call.

Danny
407-878-0474

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HVAC Capacitor: An Introduction

Danny — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:58:14 +0000

An HVAC capacitor is an important component with one mission: store and release electrical energy to give motors (like the condenser fan and blower fan) the jolt needed to start and keep running smoothly. Two common capacitor types are start capacitors (for initial power) and run capacitors (for continuous operation).

HVAC Capacitor Function and Failure

HVAC Capacitor: An Introduction

Like anything else, capacitors do not last forever. Signs of failure including humming, failure to start, or short. Having a bad capacitor also causes the air conditioner system to not operate or not operate the way it was meant to. For example, if the outdoor cfm capacitor goes bad, the cfm will not operate, resulting in blowing warm air instead of cool air. Being in Florida, hot air during the summer months is not a positive experience.

Today was all about capacitors, clamp meters, and getting further introduced to the refrigeration cycle. A strong leap forward as we enter week two of this exciting journey.

If you enjoy daily challenges, working with your hands, and never a dull moment, the HVAC industry may be a good fit for you and HVAC Technical Academy can get you there in under two months.

Danny

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Ladder Safety and HVACTA

Danny — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:56:02 +0000

On the first day of class (and throughout each session), safety is emphasized. Today was a day dedicated to various safety procedures, focusing on ladder safety

Ladder safety is serious business

According to the World Health Organization, the United States leads the world in ladder deaths. Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. caused by falls from ladders.
Most ladder deaths are from falls of 10 feet or less.

Our 6-week HVAC workshop gets results and gets participants prepared to enter a career quickly with the knowledge, skills, and ability for success.

Interested in getting into the HVAC industry in less than two months, consider HVAC Technical Academy.

Danny

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Today is the DAY for HVAC

Danny — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:04:48 +0000

Excitement abounds as May 2026, The HVAC journey to personal and professional success takes flight. You got it, our focused six-week workshop begins with an eager group ready to hit the ground running. Feeling it, the first few days in any adventure can be challenging… and the reward GREAT!

HACTA: A New Journey Begins

Today is the DAY for HVAC

Welcoming our group on their first steps upon a lifelong journey. Over the next six weeks I encourage all passengers and visitors to tag along in their growth, challenges, and successes.

Please do not be shy about sharing in their adventure.

Danny
407-878-0474

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HVACTA: Tomorrow is NOT just another day

Danny — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:59:30 +0000

Heard it say journeys all begin with one step… and then another… and so the steps go on and on. When it comes to entering one of the most in-demand careers, HVAC, for many, the first step begins at HVAC Technical Academy… when researching why, it’s clear.

HVACTA: Tomorrow is NOT just another day

Tomorrow begins a new six-week HVAC workshop, and the excitement is in the air…

Serious about working in the HVAC Industry, partnering with HVAC Technical Academy is the right choice.

Interested in getting into the HVAC industry in less than two months, consider HVAC Technical Academy.

Danny

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HVAC Change Is Here – And It Affects How You Work

Thomas Vaughn — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:26:54 +0000

HVAC Change Is Here – And It Affects How You Work

Change has now become part of the HVAC world.

As of January 1, 2026, the EPA’s AIM Act has expanded how refrigerant systems are regulated. What used to apply primarily to larger commercial equipment is now reaching deeper into everyday service work—impacting those who own, manage, operate, rent, or service HVAC systems.

This is not theory—this is what is happening in the field right now.

To bring that change to the front page, let’s break down what the EPA’s 15-pound refrigerant rule actually means and why it matters.

Understanding the EPA’s 15-Pound Refrigerant Rule

For years, EPA Section 608 focused primarily on “large” appliances containing 50 or more pounds of ozone-depleting refrigerants such as R-12 and R-22.

That has changed.

The new regulations now target hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and their substitutes with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) greater than 53. This includes widely used refrigerants such as R-410A and newer A2L refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B.

Here’s the shift that matters:

If a system contains 15 pounds or more of these refrigerants, it is now subject to federal:

Leak repair requirements
Inspection standards
Reporting and recordkeeping

Breaking it down further:

Leak rate calculations are required
Repairs must meet mandated timelines
Detailed documentation is now part of the job

This rule brings systems in the 15–50 pound range, previously exempt, into full compliance requirements—covering millions of additional units.

Facilities must now:

Audit equipment
Track refrigerant usage
Maintain consistent records
Ensure compliance

Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to $69,733 per violation, per day.

Why the 15-Pound Rule Matters

The shift from 50 pounds to 15 pounds is not a minor adjustment—it is a major expansion.

Systems that were once off the radar are now under federal oversight. Small to mid-sized businesses that were previously exempt now face a level of scrutiny similar to larger operations.

This means:

More structured service calls
Increased documentation requirements
Greater visibility into system condition

What used to be routine is now being tracked.

While the EPA does not have a history of targeting individual technicians, it does have a history of enforcing fines against businesses.

Recordkeeping may feel like an added step in the field—but over time, ignoring it becomes a cost issue for the customer.

Why This Matters in the Field

This is not just a regulation change—it is a responsibility shift.

Responsibility is no longer limited to property owners
Operators and commercial tenants are now part of the accountability chain
Property managers often function as operators in practice
HVAC companies must enforce consistency across service calls
Technicians must document clearly to protect themselves and their company

The shift from 50 lbs to 15 lbs brings a large portion of everyday commercial equipment into scope. Systems that once received minimal oversight are now being tracked.

Bottom line:
If you are involved in HVAC in any capacity, documentation, communication, and consistency are now part of the job.

Who Is Responsible Now?

Responsibility is no longer assumed. It is defined by ownership, control, and operation of the equipment.

Owner (Property Owner / Building Owner)

Owns the HVAC equipment
May be responsible for maintenance depending on lease terms
Can be held liable if compliance is not clearly defined

Operator (Day-to-Day Control)

Uses the space and equipment daily
Calls for service and approves work
Is part of the EPA accountability chain

Commercial Tenant / Renter

May be considered the operator if initiating service
Responsibility depends on lease agreements
“We just rent” is no longer a safe assumption

Property Manager

Acts on behalf of the owner
Hires vendors and manages maintenance
Often functions as the operator in practice

HVAC Contractor / Company

Performs service and provides documentation
Maintains official service records
Not responsible for long-term compliance unless contracted

Technician (In the Field)

Documents system condition and refrigerant usage
Communicates findings and required repairs
Provides records to both the customer and the company

Technician Protection (Critical)

Maintain a personal copy of service documentation
A photo or digital copy of the final service report is sufficient
This protects against claims such as “we were never informed”
Personal records should match what was provided to the customer and company

The Key Shift

The EPA does not focus on who pays the bill.

They focus on:

Who controls the equipment
Who makes service decisions
Who allows problems to continue

Responsibility can be:

Shared
Overlapping
Defined by contract—or assumed by behavior

If responsibility is not clearly defined, it will be determined by who is acting in control of the equipment.

Final Takeaway

The HVAC industry has changed.

The move from 50 pounds to 15 pounds has brought a large portion of everyday commercial systems into regulatory focus.

If you:

Own
Manage
Operate
Rent
Or service HVAC systems

You are part of the responsibility chain.

And for technicians:

If it’s not documented—and you don’t have a copy—
you don’t have protection.

A Quick Note

Breezy is not affiliated with the EPA or any laws passed by Congress.

Our goal is to share clear, practical information so those working in the field understand what is changing and how it may affect their work.

Staying informed is part of staying prepared.

Image title HVAC Change Is Here – EPA Refrigerant Rule Changes for 2026

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HVACTA: Universal 608 Certification Exam Time

Danny — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:36:19 +0000

For the past six weeks, not only have we tackling a ton of hands-on HVAC learning, every morning we also have been preparing for the Universal 608 Certification exam… not to mention the homework in the form of crossword puzzles and word searches… oh what fun!

Finally, after six weeks of hard work, dedication, and commitment, we completed the Universal 608 Certification Exam.

HVACTA: Universal 608 Certification Exam Time

Passing Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III is a must; thus, the hard work becomes justified. Just in case you are not familiar with the Certification, here’s the scoop surrounding the EPA Universal 608 Certification:

Requirement: It is mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act for anyone handling refrigerants.
Comprehensive coverage: Passing all four of the Universal 608 certification allows a technician to work on all types of appliances, from small appliances like window units to high-pressure commercial and industrial systems.
Scope: It covers service, repair, maintenance, and disposal of equipment with refrigerants, ensuring proper handling to protect the environment.

The level of dedication to HVAC was quite impressive as most participants had perfect attendance and was always into the process. With confidence, each possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required… no doubt success will follow each along their personal and professional path.

Time to progress in this journey…

Danny
407-878-0474

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HVAC Path to New Beginnings

Danny — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:02:57 +0000

With a high demand for HVAC technicians, now is the time to let the adventure begin. This week we are celebrating a new life, new journey, as today is the final day of our six-week workshop.

HVAC Path to New Beginnings

Throughout the six-week workshop, all working on system components, diagnostics, trouble shooting, vacuums, recoveries, system swaps, preventive maintenances, and so much more. Good news is tomorrow we will be taking the Universal 608 Certification exam… all under one roof.

Wondering what the HVAC industry career can mean to you? Here’s a few morsels of insight to get your creative minds rolling:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for HVAC technicians will grow by 13% to 15% between 2026 and 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

The demand for HVAC service technicians is strong across the nation and is particularly high in states with large populations and warm climates, such as Florida, California, and Texas. The industry is also experiencing growth in areas like commercial air conditioning and new technology.

Let’s take a couple minutes and congratulate this group as they enter a new life, a new journey.

If you are interested in HVAC as a career option, give me a call and let’s see what we need to do to get you on the path.

Danny
407-878-0474

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We are HVAC’ing Today

Danny — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:45:29 +0000

Every day is an HVAC hands-on adventure, so why should your workshop training be anything but a dedication to progression… I thought so.

We are HVAC’ing Today

Looks like Isaiah is geared and ready to roll. Let’s not keep him out of action!

Keep checking our posts out see each person’s progress.

Our 6-week HVAC workshop gets results and gets participants prepared to enter a career quickly with the knowledge, skills, and ability for success.

Interested in getting into the HVAC industry in less than two months, consider HVAC Technical Academy.

Danny
407-878-0474

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