UTA offers this “Service Tech” course on a limited basis each spring and fall and is designed for existing Technicians to help them improve their skills and diagnostic ability and how to convert system and component failure into opportunities. This course is different from our regular program because it covers several major topics during the week instead of one topic per week. Because of the spectrum of material we cover in one week and the depth of information, this course is recommended for experienced service techs and / or intermediate maintenance / light service techs.This course has four modules with 50% or more of the time spent in our labs on operational equipment performing “hands-on” procedures and tests.

Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Performance and Diagnostics

As we face the challenges of moving towards a “Green” environment and energy conservation it is more important than ever that HVAC Technicians understand total system performance of the Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump systems and have the ability to diagnose systems that are not operating at peak performance due to component failure and mismatched equipment.

 Technicians will learn the best methods possible for diagnosing performance issues using all system indicators.  UTA teaches how to perform a “Comprehensive System Analysis” in less time than most techs take to only “charge” a unit.  Technicians will get hands-on training on how to analyze total system performance with air-conditioning systems and how to identify problems with the client’s system that results in increased utility cost, increased repair costs, decreased system life and reduced performance. Technicians will learn the proper way to analyze an air-conditioning and heat pump systems in cold weather and practice charging systems in our “cold room”.  This allows techs to gain confidence in performing early spring tune-ups in cooler weather conditions and ensures the client’s system is ready to go when the weather turns warm

Electrical Components, Diagrams and Troubleshooting

This course helps Technicians improve their electrical troubleshooting skills and reduce the time it takes to find the problem. This alone increases productivity and billable hours along with reducing re-calls.  During this course Techs will get hands-on training on how to read electrical diagrams, understand low voltage controls, circuit boards and troubleshoot faults in electrical components.

 When it comes to expensive components such as compressors and motors, Technicians need to be 100% accurate!  This course helps Technicians understand and correctly diagnose compressors, fan motors, capacitors, starting controls and timers. Technicians will better understand “compressor saver kits”, upgrade components and how to relate to the benefit of these products to their customer. Saving a few minutes on each diagnostic procedure will increase revenue everyday not to mention the savings associated with re-calls due to misdiagnosis and incomplete diagnosis.

Air Properties, Duct Design, Filtration and Air Balance

“Air-Distribution” and “Air Properties” is probably the least understood but one of the most important aspects of HVAC systems!  During this course Technicians will learn more about the psychometrics of air and what it takes to keep the customer comfortable.  Technicians will learn the principals of duct design and air balancing and how to properly size filters.  Techs will also learn how to recognize systems that have airflow design flaws and learn how to diagnose airflow problems using static pressure measurements.

Inadequate duct systems are responsible for many comfort issues within the home or business and they rob customers of countless dollars in the cost of operation, repairs and replacement cost.  As HVAC specialists we must improve our ability to identify and diagnose airflow issues.

Heat Exchanger Inspections

Techs will get hands-on training on heat exchanger inspections.  Although the focus of this course in the spring is for air-conditioning; when a customer is considering “repair vs. replace”, it is important for them to know the condition of their furnace so they can make an informed financial decision on the best solution.  Many times a customer chooses to make the repair or in some cases, only replace the air-conditioning system when the furnace also needs replacing. UTA trains Technicians “hands-on” how to find failed heat exchangers on fully operational furnaces using “state of the art” inspection methods.

NATE Testing is Available

Although the primary focus of this course is for improved Service Technician skills and performance, it does cover most of the material that is likely to be on the NATE exam for Air-Conditioning and heat pumps!  UTA is a NATE testing center and we have at least a dozen computers set-up and ready for techs to take the NATE exam and get immediate results!  (We even have some practice tests that students can take to give them an idea if they are ready). NATE testing is optional with this course however most of the technicians attending with a year or two of experience take the exam.

 Summary:

Make your decision about this course based on the value of the content and the hands-on training.  That’s what counts in the field!  If NATE certification is something you have considered then there is no better time to do it.  Even if a Technician takes the NATE exam and falls short by a few points on one part or the other, they will walk away from this course with an incredible amount of knowledge and skills to put into action immediately!  We don’t just teach the test!!

As with all of UTA’s courses we stress the importance of good customer communications each step of the way.  UTA helps Technicians improve in this area because they gain confidence through an increased understanding of the value of a safe, clean and balanced system.  Former students have reported back to us significant increases in: the sale of maintenance plans, accessories, lead turn-overs and increased average ticket revenue.

Quote from a technician that attended the course:

"The Service (Ultimate) Tech Performance course is just like any other course you would expect from Mark Hardwick. A First-Class presentation and a method that really works. This course really put things together for me. When my employer offered me the opportunity to attend this class, I thought that if I passed my EPA exam, I would be doing well and be that much more prepared for the NATE exams. Needless to say, I went home at the end of the week with not only my EPA Universal Certification but also the NATE Heat Pump-Service certifications with only ten months of experience in the HVAC field, and most of that was in Installation! During the week that I was there, I gained so much practical knowledge that I can honestly recommend this to anyone that wants to step up to the next level in their craft. On top of all of that, Mark and Pat Hardwick are the best hosts and down-to-earth people you would ever want to meet!"

Steve from Idaho