When it comes to obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities within the HVAC industry, hands-on experience goes a long way. Naturally we share a great deal of insight, safety, and applications within the classroom session, but there is nothing like “doing.” Here we are, entering our third week, and the action is heating up… and so is the learning!

ALL About HVAC

Can you imagine preparing for surgery only to find out the doctor never experienced any hands-on training. Great he/she received a great deal of theory… but come on, really?

With a focus on a “learn by doing” philosophy and application, participants gain the experience, theory and practice need to get the job done. Due to an aggressive approach and high standard level, time for a little heads-up: our method is not for everyone. For those looking for a slower and softer approach, I don’t recommend HVAC Technical Academy… for those looking for an aggressive way to learn and become prepared (in six weeks’ time), give me a call and schedule a visit.

Looking forward to being part of this journey. For those interested in HVAC as a career, you know what to do.

Danny

HVAC Technical Academy brings participants to an HVAC reality few workshops can offer. Partnering with Tropical Air of Central Florida, hands-on and vicarious experience becomes a reality… daily.

We are concluding the second full week and many progressive steps have been made… weeks three and four will be rocking like never before as participants will be gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities to include diagnostics, troubleshooting, preventive maintenances, recover, and so much more.

HVACTA: Every Day is About Growth

Though each HVAC company varies based upon daily needs and if projects are residential or commercial, here’s a quick overview:

Wearing lots of hats, an HVAC technician’s day is dynamic, involving early starts, vehicle prep, and a varied schedule of residential/commercial calls for installation, maintenance, or emergency repairs, blending hands-on mechanical/electrical work in diverse locations like attics, rooftops, and new construction sites, requiring problem-solving and customer interaction to keep systems running efficiently.

The HVAC industry offers a rewarding lifelong career, but it requires work… truth is, being in the HVAC industry can be quite challenging. After all, you will be working in all sorts of conditions, including confined spaces, difficult weather, and working closely with residents. Not trying to scare anyone off, just keeping it real.

Are you up to a six-week challenge? 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 help you get there quickly, we are talking six weeks.

Danny

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: What’s it all about

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.

Let’s review what a bad capacitor may cause to your cooling comfort:

* Keep motor humming but not allow it to start
* Cause compressor or cfm to struggle when starting
* May cause motor overheating
* Completely disallow fan and/or compressor to start

In summary, in an HVAC system, capacitors store electrical energy and help electric motors start and run efficiently.

Next week we will be deep diving on the refrigeration cycle as well as getting our hands on stepping into diagnostics and troubleshooting… oh what fun!

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

Can you imagine preparing for a construction job but do not have the proper tools to get the job done efficiently and safely? Just like any other industry, if one does not the right tools and the knowledge to use the tools, be ready for not-so-great outcomes.

Tru Tech Tools: Nothing but the Best

Can you imagine going to a doctor without a stethoscope? The same principle is true with HVAC Service Technicians, without the proper tools AND the know-how to use them, one cannot diagnose, troubleshoot, or do just about anything.

Our goal is straight forward: train and equip each participant for maximum performance with nothing but the best tools available on the market… this is where our relationship with Tru Tech Tools comes in.

During the second week of our six-week program, tools are distributed fresh out of the box. Over the next four weeks all will break down systems, diagnose, troubleshoot, perform preventive maintenances, and build distribution boxes (and so much more) with their new tools. Once the program concludes, tools are theirs to keep.

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 can help you get there quickly.

On another note, for those looking to obtain HVAC tools, our position is clear: Tru Tech Tools is the place to go.

Danny

Yesterday 2^nd Chance University was honored to have three guests share insight about the HVAC Industry with our group of ten. Those sharing were Christopher Ward from ARS, and Katy Smith as well as Mollie Medrano (who flew in from Houston) representing Resideo.

We are honored to have such guests delivering the highest level of professionalism and knowledge as well as a few takeaways along the way!

2^nd Chance University is nonprofit assisting transitioning folks to a better life via HVAC training, the support from our community and organizations such as ARS and Resideo goes a long way inside and outside the facility setting.

Resideo and ARS in the House

In case you were not aware, ARS takes care of multiple counties throughout Central Florida and recognized for their HVAC Service offering a one-year worry free exceptional service guarantee… again, their dedication to excellent customer service is one of the reasons for their success over the years.

Resideo offers solutions for every part of your home… from comfort and air to safety and water, Resideo brings together connected solutions that help you stay informed, stay in control, and keep your home running the way you want it.

With much gratitude and respect for Christopher, Katy, and Mollie, thank you for sharing and bringing ARS and Resideo to our facility.

Serious about working in the HVAC Industry, stop dreaming and start becoming… give me a call and let’s discuss your first steps toward personal and professional success

Danny

Our new troupe is eager to show off their brazing skills by showcasing their first braze completion. No doubt about it, we got Braze Masters in the Making!

HACTA: Braze Masters in the Making

We waste no time to get into HVAC action. That’s the great thing about HVAC Technical Academy, we learn by doing. In addition to brazing, tomorrow we will be handling out tools and get down and dirty by taking apart systems… yep, that adventure will soon become a reality.

For those not familiar, HVAC brazing is a high-heat metal-joining process for creating strong, leak-proof refrigerant lines, using filler metal (like silver alloys) melted by a torch, requiring specific equipment (torch, rods, nitrogen) and strict safety protocols (PPE, fire prevention) to join copper pipes for high-pressure systems.

Each group members were instructed to follow key steps such as preparing the joint, heating it correctly, applying the rod, flowing nitrogen to prevent oxidation, and pressure testing for leaks, ensuring a strong, reliable connection.

HVAC Technical Academy is about preparing you the right way in the most efficient manner. Think about it, in six weeks, you could be ready for an HVAC journey lasting a lifetime.

Danny

When it comes to safety, trips, slips, and falls account for a huge percentage of hospital visits annually. As a result, we dedicate a great deal of time on the subject (as well as many other safety protocols). During the first week of our program, we review proper ladder techniques, in addition we present OSHA 10 General Industry training during week 7 and, naturally, ladder safety is reviewed.

Whether you’re standing on the second rung of an A-frame ladder or near the top of an extension ladder, you face potential fall hazards which could result in severe injury or death.

HACTA: Ladder Safety is NOT a Game

According to Electrical Contractor Magazine, falls are a leading cause of injuries in the HVAC industry,.

Take a look at the statistics: 43% of ladder accidents involve falls from height. 25% of injuries are caused by ladders slipping or tipping. 20% of injuries involve electrical shocks when working near power lines. 15% of injuries are linked to improper footwear.

In 2023, The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported 500,000 people were treated for ladder related injuries, with 300 of these incidents proving fatal. Numbers are not just statistics, they represent the lives and livelihoods of people affected by preventable accidents.

Dedicated to your HVAC learning experience, HVACTA centers ALL activities around safety.

Remember one small step can lead to a life-changing injury… please be careful.

Danny