Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2025

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2025

How will we find that new level of installer and technician who understands and actually enjoy apps like measureQuick. That new employee will have to be sharp, dedicated to their work, and passionate about doing a good job — learning everyday. Those who step up are going to move you, your company, and our industry into a whole new level of technical expertise. Problem is, how will we train them? Most of our folks were trained by yesterday’s guys that were trained by the previous generation. They were good for the time, but not this time. We have to establish solid training programs at the local colleges and institute curriculum based on necessary skill sets. AND, each student must complete a portfolio of the skills they learned and have demonstrated their proficiency in those skills. We are working on that now and am excited that Arkansas will be on the front edge of a national movement HVACR education. That takes us to apprenticeship. Learning and application must have classroom, lab, and field experience. Theory, facts, and hands on are required and apprenticeship is the best way to achieve this goal. Along with that, we need to move our law toward having competency based licensing. Even a Certified Nursing Assistant requires training, an exam, and clinicals. Yes clinicals. We have a test, but no training or clinicals are required. Two years experience that is now required to sit for the test, does not necessarily guaranty quality of skill. Working on that as well. What I would like to say is, “I have so much respect for our techs that can thoroughly diagnose a problem and fix it the first time. I have so much respect for our installers that can install a system that is properly evacuated, vacuumed, charged, and connected to tight duct and know how to use measureQuick to prove the capacity and efficiency of the system. They explain to the customer how the thermostat works and leave them feeling comfortable with their purchase. Done right, our folks deserve so much respect. They are smart, dedicated, and deserve far more than the homeowner can pay. You make me proud.

An Industry That Deserves Respect

An industry filled with complicated formulas, equipment in a state of change, and regulations that will burden us as we move into the future, deserves respect. I have been studying technical issues and am so snowed. I have been a design guy for years. Run if you see me with a tool belt. That may be why I have such high respect for those of you are true techs / mechanics. This is not an industry where we can just set a condenser and a furnace and collect the check and be proud of ourselves. The pressure to install a system correctly, to gain every last ounce of capacity and efficiency is on us now. And it should be. If we sell a SEER 18 system, it should perform that way but the Department of Energy says many are not installed correctly. There is so much more than just putting this high efficiency unit on a pad. The existing duct system can prevent the new equipment from ever working to the level for which it was sold, yet, not everyone can afford another $10,000 to get the duct system replaced. That is why our Licensing Department provided a disclaimer that you can use in those situations. In terms of service, we think that calculating super heat and sub-cooling is all we need to know. Well, it is a start; but, what about knowing what is going on in the circuit to diagnosis a bad TXV or stopped up filter dryer. Do we understand the temperature differences at the Low Side Liquid and the Low Side Vapor. In addition, are we prepared to comply with all the A2L regulations, especially when it comes to commercial refrigeration. The paperwork is going to be a whole new issue that will take time and the cost will have to be passed on. Are we ready to take the professional steps necessary to operate a successful HVACR business. Frankly, I think it might be time to negotiate a good deal with one of your competitors and become the best tech he ever had and let him worry about new paperwork and regulations.