Lesson 1Two likely causes of floor-to-floor temperature differences: airflow imbalance (duct/vent, registers) and refrigerant or compressor performance issuesExplains two main reasons for floor heat or cool gaps: air flow unbalance from pipes or vents, and faults in cool liquid or pump power cutting system strength.
Identify symptoms of airflow imbalance by floorCheck for closed, blocked, or misdirected registersRecognize signs of low capacity or poor compressionRelate duct design limits to current building loadsDecide when imbalance needs design reviewLesson 2Confirming causes: airflow measurements, temperature splits, return air assessments, refrigerant charge checks (when qualified)Shows how to prove trouble roots with air flow reads, heat splits, return air checks, and if trained, cool liquid levels, so facts back fixes or specialist calls.
Measure supply and return airflow at key zonesCheck temperature split across evaporator coilAssess return air paths, blockages, and bypassesInterpret static pressure and fan performance dataCoordinate refrigerant checks with licensed staffLesson 3Safe tasks for technician: filter change, register balancing, condensate clearing, visual rooftop checksDefines safe usual jobs for building workers like filter swaps, vent balance, water drain clears, roof looks following safety and lock rules.
Replace and label filters to building standardsAdjust supply registers and diffusers for balanceClear and test condensate pans, traps, and drainsPerform visual rooftop unit and curb inspectionsDocument findings and escalate issues appropriatelyLesson 4Initial rooftop unit checks: power, disconnect, visible refrigerant/oil leaks, condensate drainageCovers first looks at roof unit for comfort moans, check power switches, oil or cool wet marks, water drain right and unit state.
Verify main power, fuses, and disconnect positionInspect panels, gasketing, and unit anchoringLook for oil stains and refrigerant leak indicatorsCheck condensate pans, traps, and drain outletsNote unusual noises, vibration, or fan behaviorLesson 5Preventive maintenance schedule and best practices (filter frequency, seasonal tune-ups, condensate drain care)Gives ahead upkeep plan for roof units and pipes, filter times, season checks, coil drain care, records cutting breaks and moans.
Set filter change frequency by load and environmentPlan seasonal cooling and heating tune‑upsClean coils, drain pans, and traps routinelyInspect belts, bearings, and electrical terminationsMaintain detailed PM logs and service historyLesson 6Thermostat and control verification: setpoint checks, zoning conflicts, sensor placement and calibrationFocuses thermostat and control checks, set points, times, zone fights, sensor spots, tune so control faults not mixed with gear or pipe fails.
Confirm thermostat modes, setpoints, and schedulesCheck zoning dampers for proper responseEvaluate sensor placement and draft influencesPerform basic thermostat and sensor calibrationReview BAS trends for overrides and conflictsLesson 7Work requiring licensed HVAC contractor: refrigerant handling, compressor or coil replacement, major duct modifications, electrical motor replacementsClears jobs only for trained coolers men, stress law needs, cool rules, big part swaps, hard pipe or wire jobs over worker limits.
Regulations for refrigerant recovery and chargingCompressor, condenser, and evaporator coil replacementMajor duct resizing, rerouting, or new trunk linesReplacement of condenser, blower, and VFD motorsPermits, inspections, and documentation needsLesson 8Post-repair validation: temperature mapping, airflow measurements, runtime and short-cycling checks, tenant comfort verificationExplains check if fixes worked on comfort, use heat maps, air reads, run times, people feedback for steady work no quick stops or new gaps.
Map temperatures by floor and representative zonesRecheck airflow and diffuser throw after changesMonitor runtimes and watch for short‑cyclingConfirm condensate drainage and coil conditionsGather tenant feedback and update service recordsLesson 9Basic routine checks: filter condition, blower operation, refrigerant pressures, compressor and fan motorsOutlines usual checks before deep looks, filters, blower run, basic wire, cool pressures watch no change unless trained right.
Inspect and document filter type and conditionVerify blower rotation, speed, and noise levelsCheck blower belts, pulleys, and motor mountsObserve suction and discharge pressures, no adjustmentsRecord nameplate data and compare to readingsLesson 10System overview: packaged rooftop unit components and common control schemesIntroduces roof unit parts and controls, how pumps, fans, coils, flaps, fresh air mix with heat gauges, safeties, auto systems for comfort.
Identify major mechanical components and layoutUnderstand economizer and outdoor air functionsReview common safety switches and lockoutsOverview of basic thermostat and BAS interfacesTrace typical cooling and heating control sequencesLesson 11Ductwork inspection steps: static pressure checks, visual inspection for leaks, balancing dampers and grille/register checksDetails pipe check ways, still pressure reads, look for leaks harm, damper vent plug checks so air goes right as planned.
Measure supply and return static pressuresInspect ducts for leaks, kinks, and insulation gapsLocate and set balancing dampers correctlyCheck grille and register sizing and orientationDocument deficiencies and recommend corrections
