Lesson 1Estimating repair time and labour tasks for common AC fixesFigure out real times and labour for usual inverter AC repairs. Break down checking, taking apart, changing parts, testing, and cleaning so you can give accurate labour quotes and plan your day's work well in Zambian conditions.
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 keep in your vehicle for quick fixes. Learn to sort high-priority, medium-priority, and order-only items based on how often they fail, cost, space in the vehicle, and how fast customers want the repair done in Zambia.
Classifying high-priority fast-moving sparesMedium-priority and brand-specific partsOrder-only, bulky, or rare componentsOrganising and labelling van inventoryReviewing stock based on past repairsLesson 3Safety, refrigerant regulations, and documentation practices for field repairsFollow safety rules and refrigerant laws during on-site repairs. Learn about protective gear, handling leaks, recovery and charging rules, labelling, and proper records to stay legal and protect customers and the environment in Zambia.
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 parts that fail in inverter ACs and test them quickly. Learn shortcuts for checking PCBs, sensors, fans, and compressors to focus tests and cut 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 runtimeRecognise usual inverter AC fault signs and match them to causes. Study weak cooling, gurgling or hissing noises, and units that stop after running, linking each to electrical, refrigerant, or air flow 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 check system health. Learn static and running pressure tests, superheat and subcooling measures, and how to check refrigerant levels and blockages without overfilling the system.
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 fair preventive maintenance for split inverter ACs. Learn filter and coil care, drain cleaning, basic refrigerant checks, and how to offer and explain service contracts that benefit customers in Zambia.
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 respectfullyLearn to share repair findings, choices, and prices in a clear, honest, and respectful manner. Practice explaining faults, offering repair levels, dealing with concerns, and recording approvals to gain long-term 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 function so diagnostics are clear. Study inverter compressor types, PCB and power modules, variable speed running, sensors, and how the system adjusts power and current under different 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 analysisLearn safe use of multimeter and clamp meter on inverter ACs. Check supply voltage, capacitors, fan motors, compressor current, and read results to find overload, imbalance, 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 componentsDo thorough on-site visual checks before deeper tests. Inspect for leaks, frost, wiring damage, drainage problems, air flow blocks, and access issues while keeping safe around live equipment and ladders in Zambian homes.
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 testsUse planned tests to confirm if faults are from PCB, sensors, or mechanical parts. Follow step-by-step isolation, cross-check readings, and avoid needless board or compressor changes.
Reading and interpreting error codesTesting thermistors and pressure sensorsIsolating indoor vs outdoor PCB faultsDistinguishing electrical vs mechanical issuesAvoiding unnecessary board replacement
