Every day, it seems HVACR systems are evolving to work with new refrigerants, use less energy, and take advantage of new innovations. Since many customers want to use the best technology to heat and cool their homes and offices, staying up to date on these changes is crucial.
Market shifts also change the way that diagnostic tools are utilized. Staying up-to-date on both the latest HVACR systems as well as the tools used to diagnose and repair them has never been more important. Here are three ways that HVACR professionals can expand their knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.
Continuing education can help a tech stay in the know and prepared for industry changes. Leveraging online tutorials, podcasts, videos, HVACR training meetings and conferences can help techs to learn the latest trends, stay current on emerging technologies, and utilize existing tools in the best ways possible. One such place is Fieldpiece University [LINK TO: https://www.fieldpiece.com/fieldpiece-university/]. This online resource was created to help HVACR technicians boost their skills and learn more about Fieldpiece products. These courses explore how each product benefits customers and offer Pro Tips for using them correctly in the field. This is an ideal tool for any HVACR professional looking to get the most from the tools they work with every day to get better, faster, and easier.
Learning on the job is another way to grow. Try volunteering with local charities or churches for pro bono work and for neighbors in need. Helping a family maintain an older furnace through the winter is a great way to gain experience on a legacy system. In an ever-changing landscape of HVACR technology, familiarity with a range of systems both old and new is yet another important tool in a tech’s bag. And helping your friends and neighbors adds an extra sense of accomplishment after a long day in the field.
Before a tech opens their tool bag and starts running diagnostic tests, it’s important to know what needs fixing. To do that, the most important tool in an HVACR techs arsenal is his or her ears. Start by asking questions. The customer doesn’t need to be an expert in HVACR to answer. Questions about symptoms they can see and feel in their spaces may lead to finding the problem. This could include even the simplest questions like: Does the system turn on? Do you hear any strange noises when it’s running? Does the system blow cold air? Does the system blow any air at all?
Letting the customer speak typically points in the direction of the real reason for the service call. The more useful information that’s gathered up front, the easier it can be to find the true cause of the issue.
If you’re looking to be a better HVACR tech tomorrow, start learning, helping and listening TODAY.
