Air Source Heat Pump Course

Lesson 1 • Heat Pump vs. Conventional Heating

Contrasts heat pumps with furnaces and electric resistance systems on efficiency and cost. Positions heat pumps within the broader HVAC equipment landscape.

Lesson 2 • The Refrigeration Cycle Explained

Traces refrigerant through compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation stages. Links cycle phases to practical heating and cooling output.

Lesson 3 • Coefficient of Performance Concepts

Defines COP and seasonal efficiency ratings for heating and cooling modes. Enables accurate performance comparison across equipment specifications.

Lesson 1 • Electrical and Control Systems

Introduces contactors, capacitors, control boards, and thermostat interfaces. Establishes the electrical framework needed for diagnostics in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Circuit Components

Covers the reversing valve, metering devices, accumulators, and refrigerant lines. Explains how each component controls refrigerant flow direction and state.

Lesson 3 • Indoor Unit and Air Handler

Details the indoor coil, blower, filter, and controls housed in the air handler. Shows how indoor unit design affects comfort delivery and air quality.

Lesson 4 • Defrost System Components

Identifies defrost controls, sensors, and auxiliary heat elements specific to air source units. Prepares students to understand cold-climate performance challenges.

Lesson 1 • Safe Refrigerant Handling Practices

Covers personal protective equipment, storage, and transport requirements for refrigerants. Ensures compliance with environmental protection and safety regulations.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Types and Properties

Surveys HFC, HFO, and low-GWP refrigerant families used in modern heat pumps. Connects refrigerant properties to system design and environmental impact.

Lesson 3 • Recovery, Recycling, and Reclaiming

Explains the three-step refrigerant management process and required equipment. Prevents illegal venting and supports regulatory compliance on every job.

Lesson 1 • Building Heat Loss and Gain Principles

Explains conduction, infiltration, and solar gain factors that drive heating and cooling loads. Forms the analytical basis for all sizing decisions.

Lesson 2 • Cold-Climate Sizing Considerations

Addresses capacity degradation at low outdoor temperatures and backup heat integration. Prepares students to size systems for heating-dominated climates.

Lesson 3 • Manual Load Calculation Methods

Walks through industry-standard room-by-room load calculation procedures. Ensures equipment is neither oversized nor undersized for the structure.

Lesson 4 • Duct System Sizing Basics

Introduces friction rate method and duct sizing charts for ducted heat pump systems. Ensures adequate airflow to support rated equipment performance.

Lesson 1 • Site Assessment and Preparation

Evaluates outdoor unit placement, clearances, and structural support requirements. Correct site prep prevents airflow restriction and noise complaints.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Wiring and Connections

Details power wiring, low-voltage control wiring, and grounding for both units. Correct wiring prevents equipment damage and ensures safe operation.

Lesson 3 • Startup and Commissioning Checklist

Guides technicians through a structured startup sequence verifying all system parameters. Commissioning documentation provides a performance baseline for future service.

Lesson 4 • System Evacuation Procedures

Teaches deep vacuum techniques to remove moisture and non-condensables before charging. Thorough evacuation is critical to compressor reliability and refrigerant purity.

Lesson 1 • Variable-Speed and Inverter Controls

Introduces inverter-driven compressor and fan control systems and their communication protocols. Variable-speed operation delivers superior efficiency and comfort.

Lesson 2 • Auxiliary and Emergency Heat Control

Configures staging logic that activates backup heat only when the heat pump cannot meet demand. Proper staging prevents unnecessary energy consumption.

Lesson 3 • Heat Pump Thermostat Fundamentals

Explains heat pump thermostat wiring conventions and terminal functions. Distinguishes heat pump thermostats from conventional heating-only controls.

Lesson 4 • Smart and Programmable Thermostat Setup

Covers installation, configuration, and scheduling of advanced thermostat platforms. Smart controls reduce energy use while maintaining occupant comfort.

Lesson 1 • Diagnostic Methodology and Tools

Establishes a symptom-to-cause diagnostic framework and introduces essential test instruments. A structured approach reduces diagnostic errors and repeat service calls.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant System Fault Diagnosis

Interprets pressure-temperature readings to identify charge, metering, and compressor faults. Accurate refrigerant diagnosis prevents unnecessary component replacement.

Lesson 3 • Defrost System Troubleshooting

Identifies defrost failures causing ice buildup, reduced capacity, and compressor damage. Defrost faults are unique to air source systems and require targeted diagnosis.

Lesson 4 • Airflow and Comfort Complaints

Diagnoses insufficient heating or cooling caused by airflow restrictions and duct issues. Airflow problems are frequently misdiagnosed as refrigerant or equipment faults.

Lesson 1 • Airflow Optimisation Techniques

Measures and corrects airflow deficiencies that degrade system efficiency and comfort. Optimized airflow is the single largest controllable efficiency factor in field conditions.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Charge Verification

Applies superheat and subcooling methods to confirm correct charge during maintenance visits. Charge verification prevents efficiency loss and compressor overheating.

Lesson 3 • Scheduled Maintenance Procedures

Details seasonal inspection tasks for outdoor and indoor units across heating and cooling seasons. Consistent maintenance preserves manufacturer warranties and system efficiency.

Lesson 4 • System Upgrades and Efficiency Improvements

Identifies retrofit opportunities such as controls upgrades, coil cleaning, and duct sealing. Upgrades extend equipment life and improve return on investment for building owners.