Week 1: Introduction to HVAC Systems and Safety Procedures

Day 1-2: Orientation

• Company Overview: Introduce the company's history, mission, and organizational structure.

• Policies and Procedures: Review employee handbook covering policies on safety, conduct, and work ethics.

• Safety Protocols: Conduct safety training sessions covering general workplace safety, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Workplace Tour: Provide a guided tour of the workplace, including the warehouse, service vehicles, and common areas.

Day 3-4: HVAC Fundamentals

• Basic HVAC Concepts: Teach the trainee about basic heating, ventilation, and air conditioning principles.

• Components Overview: Introduce common HVAC system components such as furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, thermostats, and air handlers.

• System Types: Explain the differences between various residential HVAC systems, including split systems, packaged units, and ductless mini-split systems.

• Reading Diagrams: Familiarize the trainee with reading HVAC system diagrams and schematics.

Day 5-6: Safety Training

• Electrical Safety: Provide in-depth training on electrical safety practices, including lockout/tagout procedures and proper handling of live circuits.

• Fall Protection: Educate on proper ladder safety techniques and the use of fall protection equipment when working at heights.

• Refrigerant Handling: Train on the safe handling and disposal of refrigerants, including EPA regulations and certification requirements.

• First Aid/CPR: Offer instruction and certification in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Week 2: Installation Basics

Day 1-2: Tools and Equipment

• Tool Identification: Introduce and demonstrate the proper use of essential HVAC tools and equipment, such as hand tools, power tools, gauges, and meters.

• Tool Maintenance: Teach proper tool maintenance and storage practices to prolong their lifespan and ensure safety.

• Hands-on Practice: Provide opportunities for hands-on practice with basic tools, including cutting, crimping, and fastening techniques.

Day 3-4: Ductwork Installation

• Duct Design: Explain the principles of ductwork design, including sizing, layout, and airflow calculations.

• Fabrication Techniques: Demonstrate proper techniques for cutting, bending, and assembling ductwork using hand tools and machinery.

• Sealing and Insulation: Train on sealing duct joints and applying insulation to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Day 5-6: Electrical Wiring Basics

• Electrical Fundamentals: Review basic electrical concepts such as voltage, current, resistance, and circuits.

• Low-Voltage Wiring: Provide hands-on practice with wiring low-voltage components like thermostats, zone dampers, and control boards.

• High-Voltage Wiring: Demonstrate proper procedures for wiring high-voltage components such as motors, compressors, and contactors.

Week 3: Installation Techniques

Day 1-2: HVAC System Installation

• Pre-Installation Checks: Review pre-installation checklist including site assessment, equipment inspection, and safety considerations.

• Equipment Mounting: Demonstrate proper mounting techniques for indoor and outdoor HVAC units, ensuring stability and compliance with manufacturer specifications.

• Refrigerant Piping: Train on proper refrigerant piping practices, including sizing, brazing, and pressure testing.

• Electrical Connections: Practice making electrical connections between HVAC components, ensuring proper grounding and wire routing.

Day 3-4: System Startup and Testing

• Startup Procedures: Walk through the startup sequence for HVAC systems, including system initialization, refrigerant charging, and control configuration.

• Testing and Balancing: Perform system testing to verify proper operation and airflow balance throughout the ductwork.

• Troubleshooting: Introduce basic troubleshooting techniques for identifying and resolving common installation issues such as leaks, electrical faults, and airflow restrictions.

Day 5-6: Customer Service Skills

• Effective Communication: Provide training on effective communication techniques, active listening, and professional etiquette when interacting with customers.

• Problem Resolution: Role-play scenarios to practice handling customer inquiries, complaints, and service requests with empathy and professionalism.

• Customer Satisfaction: Emphasize the importance of customer satisfaction and the role it plays in the company's reputation and repeat business.

Week 4: Advanced Topics and Review

Day 1-2: Advanced Troubleshooting

• Diagnostic Tools: Introduce advanced diagnostic tools such as multimeters, pressure gauges, and airflow meters, and demonstrate their use in troubleshooting HVAC systems.

• System Analysis: Train on systematic troubleshooting methods for identifying root causes of complex HVAC problems and developing effective solutions.

• Critical Thinking: Encourage critical thinking skills to analyze symptoms, interpret data, and prioritize corrective actions based on safety and efficiency considerations.

Day 3-4: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

• Energy Efficiency Principles: Discuss strategies for improving energy efficiency in HVAC systems, including equipment selection, system design optimization, and maintenance practices.

• Green HVAC Technologies: Introduce emerging technologies such as variable-speed systems, smart thermostats, and heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems that enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

• Environmental Responsibility: Educate on the environmental impact of HVAC systems and the importance of sustainable practices such as recycling, responsible refrigerant management, and energy conservation.

Day 5-6: Final Assessment and Review

• Comprehensive Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of all topics covered during the training program, including theoretical concepts, practical skills, and safety procedures.

• Written Exam: Administer a written exam to assess the trainee's understanding of HVAC fundamentals, installation techniques, and troubleshooting strategies.

• Practical Assessment: Evaluate the trainee's proficiency in performing key tasks such as ductwork fabrication, equipment installation, and system startup through hands-on demonstrations and simulations.

At the conclusion of the four-week training program, the new residential heating and cooling installer should have acquired a solid foundation in HVAC fundamentals, safety protocols, installation techniques, and customer service skills, positioning them for success in their role within the company. Ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities should be provided to support their continued growth and advancement in the field.