HVACR Learning Network: A Comprehensive Resource for HVACR Professionals
The HVACR Learning Network is a valuable resource for HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) professionals, offering a wide array of training materials and educational opportunities. Launched on March 1, 2021, by the ESCO Institute and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), the network aims to provide a comprehensive "cradle-to-grave" educational pathway for the HVACR industry. This collaborative effort brings together the resources and expertise needed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of HVACR professionals.
Fundamentals and Terminology
The network offers courses that provide an introduction to HVAC fundamentals and terminology, covering applied physics concepts utilized in HVAC systems. These subjects include measurements, heat, pressure, gas properties, and air properties. The instruction aligns with ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 180.
Essential Skills and Knowledge
Sheet Metal Basics
A course dedicated to sheet metal provides HVAC technicians and others in the industry with a basic understanding of sheet metal. Sheet metal work is essential to HVAC tasks; for instance, an HVAC technician replacing a furnace may need to fit the new furnace to the plenum, which could involve designing or building an adapter. The ability to transform a flat piece of metal into something useful, functional, or decorative is a fascinating aspect of HVAC work.
Copper Works
Copper Works offers specific guidance for students in a Copper Lab, featuring rich images and streaming videos. It is designed for technicians who want to improve their copper-working skills without attending a classroom.
Tool Usage
An introductory course covers the basic hand, power, and specialty tools used daily by HVACR technicians. The topics discussed include installation, service, and troubleshooting tools, with instruction aligning with ACCA Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards.
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Blueprint Reading
An online course introduces blueprints used in construction specific to HVAC systems. HVAC technicians need to understand how to read blueprints to perform their jobs and avoid errors. Subjects covered include blueprint terms, symbols, interpretation and application of drawings; how to locate and identify the different components of a blueprint, scales of drawings, different measuring instruments; the meaning of different lines, markings, abbreviations, symbols, and keynotes; using gridlines to locate an area, caring for blueprints, and how to measure for accuracy. This course is NATE (North American Technician Excellence) recognized for 12 hours of continuing education.
Comfort Systems and Air Properties
Introduction to HVAC Comfort Systems
This course introduces HVAC comfort systems, discussing heat energy, the conditions of human comfort, the psychrometric chart, and plotting various air conditions upon it. It includes an eBook, “Psychrometrics Without Tears,” to help understand air concepts and how various properties relate to each other. The course concludes by introducing the terms, concepts, measurements, and calculations of moving air, aligning with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180.
Residential Load Calculations
Residential load calculations determine the heating and cooling BTU/H loads of structures before installing HVAC systems to meet those loads. The required text is ACCA Manual J, 8th Abridged Edition (MJ8-AE), which provides instructions for estimating heat loss and heat gain for residential structures and simplifies complicated procedures. Course 122 provides instruction for completing load calculations by hand before attempting any computerized load program, focusing on the concepts of MJ8-AE while simplifying the methodology emphasized in the manual. Students utilize a “simple” residential structure and follow the steps to calculate both heat loss and heat gain for its location and outdoor design temperatures.
Air Distribution
Course 123 on Air Distribution begins with an in-depth discussion of the fundamentals of residential air flow, then focuses on residential duct design utilizing the ACCA Residential Duct Systems, Manual D (required textbook) and ACCA Manual T (optional textbook). System selection, system performance characteristics, duct materials, blower performance, airside devices, and duct sizing procedures are covered in detail.
Refrigeration
HVAC Refrigeration
HVAC Refrigeration 141 thoroughly examines the refrigeration cycle as applied to both air conditioning and refrigeration purposes, presenting a practical and systematic method to diagnose problems in the refrigeration cycle. Understanding the parameters governing the operation of the refrigeration cycle enables technicians to diagnose any piece of equipment.
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Advanced Refrigeration
This course is a continuation and elaboration of HVAC Refrigeration I. Presentations describe the application of common accessories found in a system, piping arrangements, sizing considerations, and system operation, aligning with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180.
Commercial HVAC Systems
Commercial HVAC Systems for Maintenance Staff
This course intends to give maintenance staff a feel for the equipment present in their buildings, enabling them to better perform and handle service issues. It begins with a basic introduction of the layout of the various components of an HVAC system utilized in large and small commercial facilities. The modules expand into the specifics of chilled water, refrigeration, and heat rejection systems, focusing on the central chiller, fan coils, and chilled beam systems. The course finishes with a discussion on Demand Controlled Outside Air (DCOA), packaged, and variable refrigerant flow systems.
Commercial Central Chiller Systems
This course focuses on Commercial Central Chiller Systems, with a basic introduction as to the layout of the various components utilized in large and small commercial facilities. The modules expand into the specifics of chilled water systems and the required maintenance and record keeping to ensure efficient operation of the Chiller Systems.
Specialized Courses
Drive Belts
This is an entry-level course in a single module designed for those who need a basic understanding of drive belts and how they are utilized in residential and commercial HVAC systems. Types of drive belts, their selection, installation, and maintenance are discussed in detail. The content of this course follows the recommended topics for the basic study of HVAC.
Cooling Systems
This course instructs the entry-level HVAC technician in the common service procedures performed on conventional residential/light commercial cooling systems, including electrical circuits, mechanical compression refrigeration cycle, and necessary components in a cooling system. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180. This course is recognized for 18 hours of continuing education applicable to NATE recertification and BPI (Building Performance Institute) recognized for 9 continuing education units. Prerequisites include a good understanding of the refrigeration cycle. Completing this course results in a certificate of completion that complies with many equipment manufacturers’ policies requiring safety and service “certification” before purchasing equipment containing R-410A refrigerant.
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HVAC System Diagnostics
This comprehensive course helps technicians follow safety guidelines, identify the source of problems in HVAC systems, use diagnostic tools, and address the problem properly. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180. This course is recognized for 21 hours of continuing education applicable to NATE recertification and BPI recognized for 10.5 continuing education units.
Hydronic Heating
This course introduces the concepts and terminology of hydronic heating, focusing on residential/small commercial installations.
Combustion and Fuel Oil Heating Systems
This course introduces the concept of combustion in basic terms, focusing on current direct-vent systems and traditional high-pressure gun burners. It prepares technicians to install, maintain, and repair residential and small commercial burner systems up to 400,000 BTUs/hour, exploring all the mechanical, electrical, and accessory devices commonly found in modern fuel oil heating systems. With this knowledge, technicians build troubleshooting skills and identify applicable codes as they pertain to the installation and use of these systems. The NORA (National Oilheat Research Alliance) Oil Heat Manual ebook is provided as a downloadable file. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180.
Gas Heat Systems
This course provides the knowledge and skills required to become a highly skilled technician who will install, maintain, and repair residential and small commercial Gas Heat Systems. It explores all the mechanical, electrical, and accessory devices commonly found in modern gas heating systems. Technicians build troubleshooting skills and identify applicable codes as they pertain to the installation and use of these systems, with a focus on the safety of the technician, the building, and its occupants.
Heat Pumps
Reverse-Cycle Heat Pumps
An introduction to reverse-cycle heat pumps used in residential and light commercial applications. The course covers the components and operational differences of a heat pump vs. a straight air conditioning system, troubleshooting, and solutions. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
An introduction to geothermal heat pumps as one of the most efficient heating and cooling technologies available today. The course focuses on geothermal (water source) heat pumps utilized for residential and light commercial applications.
Electric Heat and Heating Components
This online course provides an introduction and advanced training on the topic of Electric Heat and Electric Heating components relative to the HVAC systems that are likely to be found by a technician in residential and light commercial applications.
Heating and Power Boilers
An introduction to the concepts and terminology of heating and power boilers, focusing on commercial and industrial boilers. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180.
Heat Pump Water Heating
Residential Heat Pump Water Heating (RHPWH) Systems
This course explores the policy drivers pushing the integration of residential heat pump water heating (RHPWH) systems and highlights the economic, energy, and environmental advantages of heat pump water heater systems for residential projects. It discusses successful projects and case studies, outlining which applications have the best opportunities for success. The course covers how each component of a RHPWH operates, including essential design and code considerations for installation, and best practices for maintaining each component to ensure efficiency and longevity. Heat pump installation and operation specifics for various RHPWH manufacturers are presented. A strong working knowledge of basic HVACR fundamentals is recommended prior to enrollment.
Commercial Heat Pump Water Heating (CHPWH) Systems
This course explores the policy drivers pushing the integration of commercial heat pump water heating (CHPWH) systems and highlights the economic, energy, and environmental advantages of heat pump water heater systems for commercial and multifamily projects. It discusses successful projects and case studies, outlining which applications have the best opportunities for success. The course covers how each component of a CHPWH operates, including essential design and code considerations for installation, and best practices for maintaining each component to ensure efficiency and longevity. Heat pump installation and operation specifics for various CHPWH manufacturers are presented. These systems can be all-electric energy and meet emissions regulations by not using fossil fuel systems for heating. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180 Quality Maintenance protocols. A strong working knowledge of basic HVACR fundamentals is recommended prior to enrollment.
Heat Pump Water Heater Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Heat pump water heaters are the most efficient type of electric water heater and are required under NAECA III for some applications. They are easy to install but require management of the condensation produced. Heat pump water heaters have built-in diagnostics to make troubleshooting easier. Most problems can be diagnosed with the built-in diagnostics and a multi-meter. This comprehensive workshop is provided free of charge and includes video modules. At the end of this course, there is a certification test.
High-Performance Heat Pumps
Advanced Level Series
This advanced-level, ten-module series is designed for experienced HVACR technicians or those who have completed an educational program in HVACR. The 235 course focuses on introducing the HVACR technician to high-performance heat pumps and equips them with the knowledge to master modern heat pump systems, from initial cost analysis to advanced diagnostics. This course benefits students, apprentices, and technicians who want to learn more about high-performance, inverter-driven heat pumps. It is suggested that students complete the HVACRedu.net 135 Heat Pump course as a prerequisite. The course explores critical topics like inverter technology, heating load calculations, and cutting-edge installation practices.
Empowering HVACR Professionals
The High-Performance Heat Pumps course is designed to empower HVACR students and professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for selecting, installing, servicing, and commissioning inverter-driven heat pumps.
Additional Resources and Content
Content Providers
Some of the content providers streaming on the site include Chemours, Coscia Communications, ESCO Institute, Honeywell, Prokup Media, and Technical Training Associates.
Refrigerants
As the HVACR industry continues to move forward and innovate, refrigerants that were once commonplace are now being phased out. Replacing them are more energy-efficient, environmentally friendlier refrigerants, known as Low GWP refrigerants. The course, Refrigeration Cycle, Refrigerants, and Components is intended to provide industry personnel with a review/refresher of fundamental concepts needed to be successful on the EPA Section 608 examination. This program focuses on the basic theory of refrigeration for HFC and A2L refrigerants. Unlock key insights into HFC leak rates and repair requirements under the AIM Act.
Customer Relationships
Following up is the service skill that impacts relationships more than any other. Better relationships mean more trust, more repeat business and more customer referrals.
Acidic Condensate
This course will discuss what acidic condensate is, how it’s formed, and the damage it can cause if not properly treated-while hitting on the latest regulations that are driving the adoption of condensing technology.
From the Field to the Classroom
Transitioning from the field to the classroom as a vocational instructor can be daunting-many feel "thrown to the wolves" with little preparation.
Learning Network Features
Cutting-Edge Content
The monthly content is curated by industry experts who understand the challenges faced by HVACR professionals.
Flexibility and Convenience
The HVACR Learning Network allows professionals to learn at their own pace, on their schedule, making it convenient for busy individuals.
Interactive Learning Community
Subscribers gain access to a vibrant community of HVACR professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Cost-Effective Investment
A monthly subscription provides unlimited access to high-quality content at a fraction of the cost of traditional training programs, making it a cost-effective investment in professional development.
Certifications and Continuing Education
Staying certified and up-to-date is crucial in the HVACR industry. Many courses offer CEU/CEH credit from organizations like NATE, HVAC Excellence, BPI, and AIA.
ESCO Institute: A Trusted Name
For nearly 40 years, ESCO Institute has been a trusted name in HVACR training and certification, known for its commitment to quality education and professional development.
HVACR Learning Network App
The HVACR Learning Network App is the perfect companion for HVACR professionals and students who want to stay connected to their learning community on the go. The app is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, requiring iOS 14.0 or later.
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