Course Overview:
18 Modules
This course provides students with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in HVAC diagnostics, blending modern digital tools, measurement best practices, and emerging refrigerant safety requirements. The curriculum is delivered as three 8-hour seminars (24 hours total), designed to build technician confidence in diagnosing airflow, system performance, and refrigerant-related issues—including the industry shift to A2L low-GWP refrigerants. Where feasible, the course may also include an optional in-field shadowing experience with an HVAC professional to reinforce real-world diagnostic workflow and safety expectations.
Course Objectives:
- Understand core HVAC diagnostic principles and how airflow, charge, and electrical performance relate to comfort and equipment reliability
- Perform accurate airflow and static pressure measurements and interpret results
- Use connected (IoT-enabled) diagnostic tools and mobile apps to collect, analyze, and report system data
- Apply systematic troubleshooting processes to common HVAC performance complaints
- Create clear customer-facing documentation and recommendations based on measured data
- Understand A2L refrigerant fundamentals, safety classifications, handling requirements, and best practices for service and installation readiness
Module Breakdown:
Modules 1–6: Seminar 1 (8 Hours) — IoT Fast Track Airflow (TrueFlow)
- Topics: HVAC system airflow principles; importance of accurate airflow measurement; Digital TrueFlow Air Handler Flow Meter; fundamentals of static pressure and CFM.
- Activities:
- Device setup and app configuration
- Airflow testing practice
- Interpreting readings and identifying common airflow issues
- Hands-on practice scenarios and discussion
- Assessment: Practical checks during lab activities; end-of-day review/Q&A.
Module 1: Introduction to HVAC Airflow Testing (Hour 1)
- Overview of HVAC system airflow principles
- Importance of accurate airflow measurement
- Introduction to the Digital TrueFlow Air Handler Flow Meter
- Course objectives and expectations
Module 2: Understanding the TrueFlow Air Handler Flow Meter (Hour 2)
- Components and functions of the TrueFlow meter
- How TrueFlow integrates with IoT technology
- Setting up the TrueFlow meter with Android and iOS devices
- Hands-on practice: device setup and configuration
Module 3: Basics of Airflow Testing (Hour 3)
- Introduction to airflow and static pressure concepts
- Understanding cubic feet per minute (CFM) measurements
- Measuring static pressure in HVAC systems
- Hands-on practice: basic airflow testing
Module 4: Connecting TrueFlow to IoT Devices (Hour 4)
- Pairing TrueFlow with smartphones/tablets
- Navigating the TrueFlow app interface
- Data collection and transmission using IoT technology
- Hands-on practice: data collection and app navigation
Module 5: Conducting Airflow Tests (Hour 5)
- Step-by-step guide to performing airflow tests
- Interpreting TrueFlow readings
- Common airflow issues detected by TrueFlow
- Hands-on practice: conducting full airflow tests
Module 6: Advanced Airflow Diagnostics + Reporting + Review (Hours 6–8)
- Identifying and diagnosing complex airflow issues
- Using TrueFlow for preventive maintenance recommendations
- Case studies: real-world airflow problems and solutions
- Creating and customizing reports with the TrueFlow app
- Using reports to communicate findings to customers; best practices for presentation
Modules 7–12: Seminar 2 (8 Hours) — IoT Fast Track Measurements (measureQuick + Smart Probes)
- Topics: IoT in HVAC measurement; app-based diagnostics; smart probes; refrigerant, electrical, airflow, and static pressure diagnostics; reporting and documentation.
- Activities: Connecting probes and gauges; diagnosing scenarios; generating reports; presenting findings.
- Assessment: Scenario-based troubleshooting performance; participant presentation.
Module 7: Introduction to IoT in HVAC (Hour 1)
- Overview of IoT technology in HVAC systems
- Introduction to smart probes and their role in HVAC
- Overview of the measureQuick app and its applications
- Course objectives and outcomes
Module 8: Setting Up the measureQuick App (Hour 2)
- Downloading and installing the measureQuick app
- Navigating the app interface
- Connecting Bluetooth probes and gauges
- Initial app configuration
Module 9: Introduction to Smart Probes (Hour 3)
- Types of smart probes
- Connecting smart probes to the measureQuick app
- Calibration and maintenance of probes
- Hands-on practice: connecting and configuring probes
Module 10: Diagnosing Refrigerant Issues (Hour 4)
- Understanding refrigerant diagnostics with smart probes
- Using the measureQuick app to monitor refrigerant conditions
- Common refrigerant issues and solutions
- Hands-on practice: diagnosing refrigerant issues
Module 11: Diagnosing Electrical + Airflow/Static Pressure Issues (Hours 5–7)
- Basics of electrical diagnostics in HVAC
- Using smart probes to monitor electrical parameters
- Electrical issue indicators in the measureQuick app
- Importance of airflow in HVAC performance
- Using the measureQuick app to diagnose airflow issues
- Understanding static pressure in duct systems; installing test ports
- Using smart probes to measure static pressure
- Hands-on practice: electrical, airflow, and static pressure diagnostics
Module 12: Advanced Diagnostics + Reporting + Closeout (Hour 8)
- In-depth use of vitals, reports, and scorecards in the app
- Advanced troubleshooting techniques
- Creating reports with the measureQuick app
- Best practices for documentation
- Final Q&A and closing
Modules 13–18: Seminar 3 (8 Hours) — New Refrigerant Technology (A2L) + Optional In-Field Shadowing
- Topics: Refrigerant transition drivers; A2L classification and properties; safety, codes/standards awareness; tools and best practices; installation/service workflow impacts; customer communication; documentation.
- Activities: Safety planning, leak response scenarios, equipment readiness checklists, mock customer communication, and optional field shadowing.
- Assessment: Safety/handling knowledge check; scenario-based performance; reflection or field log (if shadowing is used).
Module 13: Refrigerant Landscape + Why A2L (Hour 1)
- Refrigerant evolution and drivers (environmental and regulatory overview)
- What “A2L” means (toxicity/flammability classification conceptually)
- Differences in handling mindset vs. A1 refrigerants
- Course expectations and safety-first culture for Seminar 3
Module 14: A2L Properties, Risks, and Core Safety Concepts (Hour 2)
- Mild flammability: what it is and what it is not
- Ignition sources and risk controls in service environments
- Ventilation concepts and work area considerations
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) overview and jobsite readiness
Module 15: Tools, Equipment, and Jobsite Readiness for A2L (Hour 3)
- Recovery machines, vacuum pumps, cylinders: readiness considerations and labeling/segregation habits
- Leak detection basics and best practices Brazing/soldering and hot-work awareness (general safe practices and planning)
- Pre-job checklist activity: “Is this site ready for A2L work?”
Module 16: Installation/Service Workflow Impacts (Hour 4)
- Typical install/service steps affected by A2L requirements
- Charging and commissioning mindset: precision, documentation, and repeatable process
- What to record: model/serial, refrigerant type, charge-related notes, test results, and customer signoff practices
- Hands-on/tabletop exercise: workflow mapping for a service call using A2L equipment
Module 17: Diagnostics Scenarios + Leak Response (Hours 5–6)
- Scenario-based troubleshooting: suspected leak, nuisance trips, poor performance complaint
- Leak response planning: immediate actions, communication, and documenting findings
- Role-play: technician-to-customer explanation of findings and next steps
- Lab/tabletop: documentation packet creation (checklist + service notes + recommendations)
Module 18: Optional In-Field Shadowing OR Capstone Lab + Review (Hours 7–8)
- Choose one delivery option (or blend both based on scheduling and partner availability):
- Option A: In-Field Shadowing (Preferred when available)
- Students shadow a qualified HVAC professional in the field (small groups)
- Focus: safety briefing, diagnostic workflow observation, tool handling awareness, customer communication
- Student deliverable: field log with “what was measured,” “what was concluded,” and “what would I do next time”
- Option B: On-Site Capstone Lab / Mock Service Calls
- Rotating stations: airflow/static pressure; electrical checks; refrigerant diagnostics; A2L readiness
- Students present findings and recommendations
- Final Q&A, course feedback, and completion recognition
Additional Experiential Learning and Activities:
To further enhance learning, the course may include opportunities for real-world exposure and professional insight into HVAC diagnostics and emerging refrigerant practices:
- Guest Speakers: Local HVAC contractors, distributors, or safety/compliance professionals discuss tool selection, best practices, and the A2L transition.
- Lab-Based Demonstrations: Live measurement demonstrations (airflow, static pressure, app-based reporting).
- Field Experiences (Optional): Structured in-field shadowing aligned to Seminar 3, emphasizing jobsite safety, diagnostic workflow, and documentation habits.
These activities aim to broaden participant perspective, provide practical career insight, and reinforce real-world diagnostic workflow and safety practices.
Program Cost
The HVAC Diagnostics course is offered at a fee of $3,000 per student. This all-inclusive cost covers the following:
- Tuition and Instructional Support:
- Instructor-led training, lab activities, and facilitated practice scenarios.
- Curriculum and Tooling Access:
- Course materials and any required app/tool access used during training.
- Experiential Learning Activities:
- Honorariums for guest speakers to discuss career pathways in HVAC technology are covered under the comprehensive per participant fee.
The $3,000 per student fee ensures a comprehensive educational experience, blending theoretical knowledge, practical skill-building, and exposure to real-world applications, while also preparing students for professional integration of IoT devices and advanced technologies in HVAC operations.