Lesson 1Refrigerant handling, recovery, and environmental compliance: safe charging practices, leak-checking, recovery equipment, refrigerant types and GWPThis section covers safe handling of refrigerants before startup, including cylinder storage, recovery procedures, leak testing, evacuation, charging methods, and compliance with environmental and recordkeeping regulations.
Refrigerant types, GWP, and labelingCylinder storage, transport, and safetyRecovery machines, hoses, and tanksLeak testing and evacuation planningCharging methods and documentationLesson 2Outdoor unit siting and mounting: clearances, vibration isolation, pad choices, flood and snow considerationsThis section explains how to select and prepare outdoor unit locations, ensuring proper clearances, airflow, vibration control, and protection from flooding, snow, and debris while meeting manufacturer instructions and local code requirements.
Manufacturer and code clearance requirementsAirflow, noise, and neighbor considerationsPads, stands, and wall brackets selectionVibration isolation and anchoring methodsFlood, snow, and debris protection designLesson 3Condensate management and overflow protection: primary/secondary drains, traps, condensate pumps, float switchesThis section explains how to design reliable condensate removal, including primary and secondary drains, traps, slope, condensate pumps, overflow switches, and code requirements to prevent water damage and nuisance callbacks.
Primary drain sizing and slope rulesSecondary drains and emergency pansTrap design, venting, and primingCondensate pump selection and layoutFloat switches and overflow shutoffLesson 4Refrigerant line set routing and piping best practices: routing, insulation, vapor trap, brazing and flare considerationsThis section explains best practices for routing and installing refrigerant line sets, including support spacing, insulation, traps, slope, brazing or flaring methods, and strategies to minimize pressure drop and prevent future leaks.
Planning line paths and wall penetrationsLine support spacing and protectionInsulation thickness and UV protectionBrazing, purging, and nitrogen useFlare fittings, torque, and leak risksLesson 5Indoor equipment placement: air handler/coil mounting, mini-split indoor head locations, condensate drain routingThis section addresses indoor equipment placement, including air handler and coil mounting, mini-split head locations, service clearances, airflow patterns, noise concerns, and routing of condensate drains to reliable disposal points.
Air handler and coil mounting optionsReturn and supply airflow considerationsMini-split head height and wall placementService access and noise mitigationCondensate drain routing constraintsLesson 6Pre-installation inspection: assessing existing ductwork, attic/utility layout, refrigerant access, and structural constraintsThis section covers how to evaluate the existing structure before installation, including ductwork condition, attic or utility spaces, refrigerant line paths, and framing or access limits that affect equipment sizing, routing, and labor planning.
Documenting existing HVAC and electricalDuct leakage, sizing, and insulation checksAttic, crawlspace, and utility access reviewRefrigerant line routing feasibility surveyStructural and penetrations constraints reviewLesson 7Tools, rigging, and lifting: safe handling of outdoor units, use of lifts or hoists, vehicle and site access planningThis section details the tools and rigging methods needed to move and position equipment safely, including dollies, straps, hoists, cranes, and planning site access to avoid property damage and personal injury.
Pre-job tool and equipment checklistSafe manual handling and team liftsUse of dollies, ramps, and stair climbersRigging with hoists, cranes, and slingsVehicle access and site protection plansLesson 8Electrical and control requirements: disconnects, breaker sizing, wire gauge, ground-fault protection, thermostat wiring and controlsThis section details electrical and control requirements for heat pumps, including service sizing, breaker and wire selection, disconnect placement, grounding, GFCI or AFCI needs, and thermostat or control wiring layout and labeling.
Load calculations and panel capacity checkBreaker sizing and wire gauge selectionDisconnect location and mounting rulesGrounding, bonding, and GFCI or AFCIThermostat and control wiring planningLesson 9Key safety precautions: electrical safety, refrigerant exposure and PPE, safe brazing practices, fall protection, lockout/tagoutThis section focuses on critical safety measures during preparation and installation, covering electrical hazards, refrigerant exposure, PPE selection, safe brazing and hot work, fall protection, and lockout or tagout procedures on active systems.
Job hazard analysis and safety briefingElectrical shock and arc flash controlsRefrigerant exposure and ventilationSafe brazing, fire watch, and permitsFall protection and lockout or tagout
