Lesson 1Estimating repair time and labour tasks for common AC fixesEstimate practical repair times and labour tasks for typical inverter AC repairs. Break down diagnostics, disassembly, part swaps, testing, and cleanup to quote labour precisely and manage your daily schedule efficiently in South African homes.
Time estimates for standard diagnosticsTypical durations for common repairsAllowances for access and site conditionsPlanning visits and daily job schedulingLesson 2Parts priority and vehicle stocking: high-priority spares to carry vs order-only itemsPlan which AC spare parts to stock in your bakkie for quick fixes. Classify high-priority, medium-priority, and order-only items based on failure rates, cost, storage space, and customer expectations for speedy repairs in local settings.
Classifying high-priority fast-moving sparesMedium-priority and brand-specific partsOrder-only, bulky, or rare componentsOrganising and labelling bakkie inventoryReviewing stock based on past repairsLesson 3Safety, refrigerant regulations, and documentation practices for field repairsAdhere to safety guidelines and refrigerant laws during on-site repairs. Master personal protective gear, leak management, recovery and charging procedures, labelling, and precise documentation to remain compliant and safeguard customers and the environment.
Personal protective equipment for AC workSafe handling of refrigerant cylindersLeak response and environmental dutiesRecovery, recycling, and charging rulesService reports and job documentationLesson 4Typical replacement parts and failure likelihoods for inverter ACs and fast diagnosticsSpot common failure-prone parts in inverter ACs and test them swiftly. Discover quick diagnostic shortcuts for PCBs, sensors, fans, and compressors to prioritise checks and cut down time on each service call in the field.
High-failure electronic and sensor componentsCommon fan motor and bearing problemsTypical compressor and start failuresQuick tests to confirm suspect partsUsing patterns from brand service historyLesson 5Common fault patterns: weak cooling, gurgling sounds, unit stopping after runtimeIdentify typical inverter AC fault patterns and connect symptoms to probable causes. Examine weak cooling, gurgling or hissing noises, and units halting after running, then link each to electrical, refrigerant, or airflow problems.
Weak cooling with normal power consumptionGurgling or hissing sounds in pipingUnit stopping after short or long runtimeIntermittent cooling and random restartsPatterns linked to sensor or PCB issuesLesson 6Refrigeration checks with gauges and thermometer: static pressure, superheat/subcooling, refrigerant level diagnosisUse refrigeration gauges and thermometers to assess system condition. Learn static and operating pressure checks, superheat and subcooling calculations, and how to determine refrigerant levels and restrictions without overcharging the unit.
Safe connection of gauges to service portsStatic pressure checks and what they showMeasuring running pressures correctlyCalculating superheat and subcoolingDiagnosing charge level and restrictionsLesson 7Preventive maintenance upsells specific to ACs: filter care, coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, and service contractsBuild profitable and honest preventive maintenance routines for split inverter ACs. Cover filter and coil maintenance, drain cleaning, basic refrigerant inspections, and how to present and explain service contracts that benefit customers.
Filter inspection, cleaning, and replacementIndoor and outdoor coil cleaning proceduresDrain pan and condensate line maintenanceBasic refrigerant health checks during serviceDesigning and pricing AC service contractsExplaining maintenance plans to customersLesson 8Presenting AC repair options and pricing to customers clearly and respectfullyMaster presenting repair findings, options, and costs in a clear, honest, and respectful manner. Practice explaining faults, suggesting repair levels, addressing concerns, and recording approvals to foster lasting customer trust.
Explaining diagnosis in simple languageOffering good, better, best repair optionsDiscussing parts, labour, and warranty termsHandling price objections professionallyDocumenting approvals and declined workLesson 9Understanding inverter AC systems: compressor types, PCB/inverter board, variable speed operationGrasp how inverter split AC systems operate to make diagnostics logical. Study inverter compressor types, PCB and power modules, variable speed control, sensors, and how the system adjusts capacity and current under varying loads.
Fixed-speed vs inverter compressor basicsRole of the main PCB and inverter moduleHow variable speed controls capacityKey sensors and their functionsImpact of load and ambient on operationLesson 10Electrical tests with multimeter and clamp meter: supply checks, capacitor/function of fans, compressor current and run analysisSafely use a multimeter and clamp meter on inverter ACs. Check supply voltage, capacitors, fan motors, compressor current, and analyse readings to detect overloads, imbalances, or failing electrical parts.
Safety checks before live electrical testingMeasuring supply voltage and phase balanceTesting capacitors and fan motor windingsMeasuring compressor starting and running currentInterpreting abnormal current and voltage readingsLesson 11On-site visual checks and safety: leaks, frost, wiring, drainage, airflow, accessible componentsConduct thorough on-site visual inspections before advanced testing. Check for leaks, frost, wiring damage, drainage problems, airflow obstructions, and access issues while adhering to safe practices around live equipment and ladders.
Exterior inspection of indoor and outdoor unitsChecking for oil stains and refrigerant leaksIdentifying frost, ice, and airflow blockagesInspecting wiring, terminals, and insulationDrainage, levelling, and mounting checksSafe ladder and work area practicesLesson 12Confirming faults: isolating PCB vs sensor vs mechanical issues using step-by-step testsEmploy structured tests to pinpoint if faults stem from the PCB, sensors, or mechanical parts. Follow isolation steps, verify readings, and prevent needless board or compressor replacements.
Reading and interpreting error codesTesting thermistors and pressure sensorsIsolating indoor vs outdoor PCB faultsDistinguishing electrical vs mechanical issuesAvoiding unnecessary board replacement
