Heat Pumps Installation and Service
SER 015

Rising energy prices have increased interest in air-to-air heat pumps even in climate zones not normally considered for heat pump applications. Technicians in many climate zones now need to have a good working knowledge of the operation and troubleshooting of heat pump units. This training course covers residential and commercial split system and packaged air-to-air heat pumps including dual fuel units. Students will learn how to troubleshoot, service and maintain heat pumps fast and accurately. Classroom sessions discuss the refrigeration, air, and electrical systems. Newly acquired skills are tested on operating equipment in the lab. Topics covered include heat pump operation, defrost operation and troubleshooting, supplemental heating, dual fuel setup and operation, operation and troubleshooting of variable speed compressor and indoor fan motors, and metering devices including electronic expansion valves. This class is a mix of classroom training and lab exercises on actual residential split system and commercial rooftop units, with 30% to 40% lab time.

Who should attend this training

Students are required to have basic knowledge of residential or light commercial equipment service or installation. Students must be able to describe the refrigeration cycle, be able to use a multimeter safely, as well as diagnose electrical faults. This course would be focused on technicians of all experience levels, but who are lacking knowledge of heat pump equipment.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course each student should be able to:

• Identify the fundamental characteristics and components of heat pumps compared to conventional air conditioning systems, as well as key market changes impacting heat pumps 
• Visually identify the major components of a typical heat pump system 
• Identify the purpose and function of each main heat pump component 
• Look up model and serial numbers, and determine unit options, parts, and other parameters 
• Utilize unit wiring diagrams and other documentation to determine a given unit’s sequence of operations and how it’s supposed to function in various modes/circumstances 
• Diagnose potential heat pump electrical problems using proper electrical troubleshooting methods in conjunction with unit wiring diagrams and sequence of operations 
• Identify operating modes based on a given system diagram 
• Evaluate system operations related to measured electrical readings, pressures and temperatures, and refrigerant charge levels; and provide appropriate system assessment and recommendations 
• Distinguish between proper and improper procedures for refrigerant charging 
• Identify causes of poor airflow
• Use appropriate tools and proper procedures to measure and calculate airflow 
• Apply the appropriate formula to the associated airflow measurement method to determine airflow 
• Identify the different heat pump types 
• Distinguish water source heat pump systems and operation from other heat pump types 
• Identify key heat pump installation considerations, areas of concern, and best practices

Training Methods Used

This course uses a combination of classroom lecture, quizzes, discussion, demonstrations and practical labs on operating equipment to present the material. Student’s achievement of the learning objectives is determined by successful completion of the quizzes, lab workshops, homework, and final written and practical exam. Lab workshops are instructor guided exercises using the procedures taught in the lectures.

Topics Covered

All times are approximate and shown as (classroom hours/lab or workshop hours).

• Introduction and facility tour (0.67/0.33) 
• Pre-assessment quiz and Basic Refrigeration Cycle review (1.0/0) 
• Comparison of the heat pump to the standard air conditioning refrigeration system (0.5/0) 
• Identifying heat pump components and their functions (1.0/0.5) 
• Key market trends and refrigerant regulations impacting heat pumps (0.5/0)
• Decoding heat pump model numbers (0.33/0.17) 
• Determining the sequence of operation in various modes (2.0/2.0) 
• Homework review and quiz (0.75/0.75) 
• Heat pump troubleshooting methods (1.5/2.0) 
• Refrigerant charging (1.5/0.5) 
• Homework review (0.5/0) 
• Airflow measurement (1.5/3.5) 
• Identifying heat pump types, similarities and differences (1.0/0) 
• Heat pump installation considerations and best practices (0.5/0.5) 
• Homework review (0.5/0) 
• Course review/exam preparation (1.0/0)
• Final exam (2.0/1.0)

Completion requirements

To receive a certificate of completion for this course, student must be present for the entire course, complete all assignments, labs, and tests, and receive an overall course grade of 70% based on the weighted average of the following: graded labs (40% of course grade), assignments (30% of course grade) and final exam (30% of course grade).

Prerequisite requirements

None.

Suggested background

For technicians just entering the HVAC field or persons with no field experience, this course is most effective when preceded by SER024 Intro to HVAC Service, which introduces participants to fundamental concepts of both air conditioning and heating systems, including lab time with service test equipment and tools.

Materials to bring

A device that allows internet connection is recommended for accessing the course reference materials, quizzes, homework and final exam.  We provide the appropriate safety equipment required by Carrier.  If you are required by your company to use other PPE you may bring that to class.

What you will receive

Students in this course will receive a course workbook, charge calculator, notepad and highlighter/pen.

Appropriate dress for this class

This class has a number of exercises that take place in the lab on operating units; participants should wear long pants, closed toed shoes and appropriate shirt, long or short sleeve. If your employer requires special dress which is more stringent than these requirements, this dress should be worn.

Class hours

Class starts at 8 AM and ends at 5 PM daily.  Travel arrangements should be made accordingly.

Location & lodging

Carrier University is located at 5900 Northwoods Business Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28269. Lodging options can be found here.