I landed a job with Wendys Restaurants in Colorado Springs three months after finishing HVACR school in September of 2010. I started out doing preventative maintenence on the roof top units and other equipment such as frosty machines to reach in coolers. I posted my resume on Hvac Agent and got a call for the interview within a few weeks. These Videos help out tremendously and I learn something new everyday! Thank you Dr Zarkloff!!!!
HVAC has many other specialty areas such as: chiller and chill water systems, pumps, valves and various other controls. Boilers, heaters, piping and more if its steam. Duct work is also a specialized part especially metal duct. VAV's and energy management systems (computer stuff). AC is more than your basic home heating and cooling it is a very technical and specialized industry that covers a broad range of specialty skills.
@skip4309wtf I agree completely with you on this one. Watching this DR. and his videos is not going to help you learn. Hands on in the field for 5 years will though. I would never post myself on YouTube like this guy either. LOL
Yea you have to have experance. My main work is Refrigeration. I'll do heating and cooling for friends and family because its basic as it gets but you need history. I saw a residential tech look at a down 15 door reach in cooler. First thing he did was push in the contactor. Second thing he did was fly about 30 feet back. I thought he was dead. The compressor was shorted to ground. Now he had probley dont that 100 times working at houses, and thought this would be the same. Bad mistake.
A lot of techs these days are hesitant on training for fear of their jobs. They need to realize theres plenty of work to go around. And maybe if they train someone, that means less overtime for them. I know some people survive off of the overtime, but when you get to be an older tech, that overtime becomes not only a hassle but a damage on the body, When your young, the first few years aren't so bad. Sometimes its not what you know, its who you know.
90% of HVAC guys I know only got into it because of their family background. I tried getting into the field for a few years. After realizing that it would be smarter to get a college degree in 4 years instead of wasting it working for a cut throat HVAC company. I know journeyman who gave 7 years of their life for 23 an hour. Now they complain about the aches and pains associated with the strenuous work. I recommend people interested in HVAC to focus on the engineering aspect of it and get a de
I do refrigeration, I worked for a guy for free for 1 year. Dieter is his name. He works on blast coolers ect. He would pay me here or there, but what I learned was priceless. I work the swans food account for him. The yellow trucks that deliver frozen foods. When is comes to residentual thats as basic as it can get. My biggest problem where honeywell smart-valves I and II generation I got that down in 2 weeks time. Good luck you all.
@plaebslayer CORRECT! If you have a faulty condenser fan motor, all the heat stored in the refrigerant will not be exerted properly which causes the lines to be burning hot. Good job! :)
@cameron030362 great guess since a stopped up metering device would cause the unit to simulate a pump down but no im looking for a more common type of problem on a conventional residential straight cool split system
@Dr.Zarkloff good guess and the answer would be correct if i were talking about a heat pump :) the unit im reffering to is a straight cool, assume its a 2001 12 SEER condenser
Apartment Maintenance is a VERY VIABLE job choice....CON"T....
Now, after 9 months, my boss has offered me a position (as soon as one becomes available) as a maintenance supervisor at $25/hr....I work for a major Apt Mgmt Company and we have 6 properties in town and aquire more all the time. I got my CAMT (Certified Apt Maint Tech) and PMC (Property Maintenance Craftsman) licenses with the help of my employer and will soon get my CPO (Certified Pool Operator).
Apartment Maintenance is a VERY VIABLE job choice. I took a 1350 hr HVAC course at the local Jr College (14 months going full time, wife and savings were able to support us). Total tuition was about $3,400 compared to those private institution costing $16,000 or more. I graduated and took a job as a maintenance tech at $16/hr. Fortunately for me, I knew a little bit about plumbing, carpentry and electricity already, but my HVAC certificate/diploma was the absolute door opener.
Your at a service call where there is no cooling in the space, you start off by setting the tstat in a call for cool. You inspect your air handler and feel the suction line to see if its cool but notice its warm, afterwards you touch the liquid line and notice its almost hot enough to burn your fingers. Based on these observations what can be determined to be the causing the unit to not cool properly?
@chevychemo The reversing valve isn't energising or shifting into the cooling position, if you have a cooling active reversing valve. If you have a heating active reversing valve then you might want to program the thermostat correctly.
Companys want guys with field experience and knowledge so they can confidently send them on service calls, so i have a suggestion for you Dr.Z how about you ask your viewers an hvac/r question at the end of your videos and have us answer them in the comment section? Ill post a question just to see how many ppl can answer it :)
Can't find a job as an HVAC Tech so I started my own business as an HVAC Tech and Appliance Tech. I have previous experience as a mechanic and have the electrical and mechanical skill to do any job. Too bad the employers can't see that, they only see the "he's fresh out of HVAC school sh*t" Now I'm enjoying being independent and actually make more money instead of getting paid $15/hour crap.
@DrZarkloff Thanks Dr Z. I even get calls from repair and home warranty companies wanting me to do a service call for them. I'm enjoying repairing heating problems right now, I see different equipments, new and old and they all have different challenges. Some are easy and some not so easy. I just had one where I spent two day trying to get a heater to stay on. The burner keeps going out after it ignites. Troubleshooting guide might say it's the flame sensor but that's not alwasy the case.
@md929 That is a good idea. I've actually thought about doing the same thing. My only concern was the contractor licensing that is required in some cities/counties of my state; there is no state hvac license required. I have found out that in some areas, they will not even let you sit to take the test unless you can prove you have so many hours of experience working for a licensed contractor, so there again a new person is knocked down before they can get started.>>>>>>>>>>>>
@md929 And most employers don't think that some of us, have skills that transfer over into hvac; we aren't completely green. Completely green, I agree, would be a hardship for an employer, but many of us with previous work experience in some other type of trade could slide right in with minimal training and be a real benefit to employers.
@achzdck Great point. A lot of people think that HVAC techs are qualified washing machine and dryer repair men. I'm able to work on all of the above because I've done more that HVAC all my life. Knowledge is power.
You Gotta Know Someone In the field to Get Your foot in the door.Its sad to say but true. I went to school for HVAC and only 2 out of 30 people have found a job so far from my graduating class in Oct 09. i am one of those 2 people. lol
@Trav7000 I'm very happy for you being able to find a HVAC job in this economic climate. I didn't know anyone to get my first HVAC job. I did have good economic times on my side.
"Five years experience required" has always been the problem with the trades for beginners.
At first, I thought the journey men were just being selfish and arrogant, for not hiring people who wanted to learn and wanted to work. Till I had the pleasure of training a few guys who were "green", its very frustrating trying to explain things to guys who are fresh.
But most of the time guys who get hired are because they know someone, and they just need a "job", which I think is sad.
I started out just doing all the heavy work for a guy that had been off sick for 3 months, luckily work picked up at the company and they kept me on. After 12 years i went self employed and have been for the last 7 years. Things have been a bit tight lately but its the same in most trades now and i think will be for a few years to come.
After I lost my job of 20 years, I went to hvac school for two years but can't get anyone to give me a chance. I am more than willing to start at the bottom, but you have to get your foot in the door first. I figured with my past background in electrical that I would have an easier time getting an entry level job in hvac, but I don't seem to be getting any calls. I think once you are past age 40, most employers really don't want to spend the time or the money training you.
@SaintWilliamIII That five year thing is really a tough hurdle. I went to air conditioning school when I was 45. I think that people that are learning the trade in their 40s make prime employees.
@SaintWilliamIII this saddens me reading these comments. If you guys can't find a job there is no way in hell i will. I still have a year of school left before i graduate. i'm scared as hell just reading these comments
basically go get a job, if you want to be in the hvac industry take a job doing SOMETHING that deals closely with hvac. even try to get a job at an hvac supply house moving boxes. other than that i heard mcdonalds is hiring
I think the best way is to be willing to start at the bottom, and I do mean bottom. I have friends that went to HVAC school and think they should start out on top, or in service, thing is you have nothing real to offer on paper, so be a grunt, a helper, a attic rat and work your way up.
I'm a bit disappointed in your pro-uinion spiel. I've been a SMWIA employee for 20+ years. What did it get me? Nothing. Nada.
I realize the school's union negotiated a sweet deal for you. The Sheet Metal Workers and your local state union are not the same. I wish I'd had the same agreement. Sadly, not
Yes, I'm bitter. It sucks to be me and begging for work. No big deal. I'll find my way get out of this hole. I'll leave the union hacks in my waste trail and take their jobs.
@PutSome5tankOnIt I don't remember being pro union. The only union I've ever belonged to is the teacher's union at work. I sometimes wonder why I bother with that.
The private sector is what truly drives the US ecomonomy. We're not seeing a lot of activiity from US citizens. Government and business will be the last to exhibit reduced spending.
Your history in HVAC is inspirational. Not all of us have such a varied background. A good number of us have only been able to get work experience in the residential sector. I am a top flight installer and technician. Available residential work is in the toilet. Companies would rather hire cheap newcomers than experienced workers. Money is the bottom-line decider. Commercial work isn't much better.
Getting 5 years of experience won't be easy these days. The economy is horrible.
I landed a job with Wendys Restaurants in Colorado Springs three months after finishing HVACR school in September of 2010. I started out doing preventative maintenence on the roof top units and other equipment such as frosty machines to reach in coolers. I posted my resume on Hvac Agent and got a call for the interview within a few weeks. These Videos help out tremendously and I learn something new everyday! Thank you Dr Zarkloff!!!!
randol12 4 months ago
@randol12 Thanks for watching.
DrZarkloff 4 months ago
@randol12 educate urself... JOIN UNION... hvacr school was a waste of ur money
ShyBoy13 3 weeks ago
HVAC has many other specialty areas such as: chiller and chill water systems, pumps, valves and various other controls. Boilers, heaters, piping and more if its steam. Duct work is also a specialized part especially metal duct. VAV's and energy management systems (computer stuff). AC is more than your basic home heating and cooling it is a very technical and specialized industry that covers a broad range of specialty skills.
skip4309wtf 5 months ago
@skip4309wtf I agree completely with you on this one. Watching this DR. and his videos is not going to help you learn. Hands on in the field for 5 years will though. I would never post myself on YouTube like this guy either. LOL
hvactech77 3 weeks ago
Does going to school for HVAC count as years in experience? My program is 15 months long it includes residential and commercial hands on work.
savator408 7 months ago
@savator408 It all depends on if you were working in the field as an apprentice at the time when you were in school.
DrZarkloff 7 months ago
Yea you have to have experance. My main work is Refrigeration. I'll do heating and cooling for friends and family because its basic as it gets but you need history. I saw a residential tech look at a down 15 door reach in cooler. First thing he did was push in the contactor. Second thing he did was fly about 30 feet back. I thought he was dead. The compressor was shorted to ground. Now he had probley dont that 100 times working at houses, and thought this would be the same. Bad mistake.
savagegolfer 11 months ago
@savagegolfer Thanks for watching. Refrigeration is a specialty.
DrZarkloff 11 months ago
How long do you have to work as a a/c Tech before you can open your own business?
nahad74 11 months ago
@nahad74 That varies from state to state. You might want to call your local licensing bureau.
DrZarkloff 11 months ago
@DrZarkloff iam in florida like you
nahad74 11 months ago
@nahad74 It all depends on the laws in your state.
DrZarkloff 11 months ago
now i have to tell my son he has to save the world if its not to late
co2x3 1 year ago
A lot of techs these days are hesitant on training for fear of their jobs. They need to realize theres plenty of work to go around. And maybe if they train someone, that means less overtime for them. I know some people survive off of the overtime, but when you get to be an older tech, that overtime becomes not only a hassle but a damage on the body, When your young, the first few years aren't so bad. Sometimes its not what you know, its who you know.
footlong87 1 year ago 2
@footlong87 Amen to that.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
90% of HVAC guys I know only got into it because of their family background. I tried getting into the field for a few years. After realizing that it would be smarter to get a college degree in 4 years instead of wasting it working for a cut throat HVAC company. I know journeyman who gave 7 years of their life for 23 an hour. Now they complain about the aches and pains associated with the strenuous work. I recommend people interested in HVAC to focus on the engineering aspect of it and get a de
Artscola 1 year ago
@Artscola I have a Bachelor degree in Sociology and Anthropology. My degree plus a dollar will buy me a cup of coffee.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
@DrZarkloff what a funny answer, smart and funny i mean.
caletcalet 1 year ago
@caletcalet Thanks.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
I do refrigeration, I worked for a guy for free for 1 year. Dieter is his name. He works on blast coolers ect. He would pay me here or there, but what I learned was priceless. I work the swans food account for him. The yellow trucks that deliver frozen foods. When is comes to residentual thats as basic as it can get. My biggest problem where honeywell smart-valves I and II generation I got that down in 2 weeks time. Good luck you all.
savagegolfer 1 year ago
seriously, can i make a living out of hvac?
kolocho7777 1 year ago
@kolocho7777 I do. It all depends on the individual.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
@plaebslayer CORRECT! If you have a faulty condenser fan motor, all the heat stored in the refrigerant will not be exerted properly which causes the lines to be burning hot. Good job! :)
chevychemo 1 year ago
@plaebslayer WOW! That's practically slavery. The economy would have to get down right brutal before I'd work for those wages.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
@cameron030362 great guess since a stopped up metering device would cause the unit to simulate a pump down but no im looking for a more common type of problem on a conventional residential straight cool split system
chevychemo 1 year ago
@Dr.Zarkloff good guess and the answer would be correct if i were talking about a heat pump :) the unit im reffering to is a straight cool, assume its a 2001 12 SEER condenser
chevychemo 1 year ago
Apartment Maintenance is a VERY VIABLE job choice....CON"T....
Now, after 9 months, my boss has offered me a position (as soon as one becomes available) as a maintenance supervisor at $25/hr....I work for a major Apt Mgmt Company and we have 6 properties in town and aquire more all the time. I got my CAMT (Certified Apt Maint Tech) and PMC (Property Maintenance Craftsman) licenses with the help of my employer and will soon get my CPO (Certified Pool Operator).
cameron030362 1 year ago
@cameron030362 Cool. I have my CPO, too.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
Apartment Maintenance is a VERY VIABLE job choice. I took a 1350 hr HVAC course at the local Jr College (14 months going full time, wife and savings were able to support us). Total tuition was about $3,400 compared to those private institution costing $16,000 or more. I graduated and took a job as a maintenance tech at $16/hr. Fortunately for me, I knew a little bit about plumbing, carpentry and electricity already, but my HVAC certificate/diploma was the absolute door opener.
cameron030362 1 year ago
Your at a service call where there is no cooling in the space, you start off by setting the tstat in a call for cool. You inspect your air handler and feel the suction line to see if its cool but notice its warm, afterwards you touch the liquid line and notice its almost hot enough to burn your fingers. Based on these observations what can be determined to be the causing the unit to not cool properly?
chevychemo 1 year ago
@chevychemo The reversing valve isn't energising or shifting into the cooling position, if you have a cooling active reversing valve. If you have a heating active reversing valve then you might want to program the thermostat correctly.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
@chevychemo piston in the metering device
cameron030362 1 year ago
Companys want guys with field experience and knowledge so they can confidently send them on service calls, so i have a suggestion for you Dr.Z how about you ask your viewers an hvac/r question at the end of your videos and have us answer them in the comment section? Ill post a question just to see how many ppl can answer it :)
chevychemo 1 year ago
@chevychemo Cool.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
Can't find a job as an HVAC Tech so I started my own business as an HVAC Tech and Appliance Tech. I have previous experience as a mechanic and have the electrical and mechanical skill to do any job. Too bad the employers can't see that, they only see the "he's fresh out of HVAC school sh*t" Now I'm enjoying being independent and actually make more money instead of getting paid $15/hour crap.
md929 1 year ago
@md929 Congratulations. I hope that you do well. Become your own man when others won't let you play.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
@DrZarkloff Thanks Dr Z. I even get calls from repair and home warranty companies wanting me to do a service call for them. I'm enjoying repairing heating problems right now, I see different equipments, new and old and they all have different challenges. Some are easy and some not so easy. I just had one where I spent two day trying to get a heater to stay on. The burner keeps going out after it ignites. Troubleshooting guide might say it's the flame sensor but that's not alwasy the case.
md929 1 year ago
@md929 I'd have guessed the flame sensor.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
@md929 That is a good idea. I've actually thought about doing the same thing. My only concern was the contractor licensing that is required in some cities/counties of my state; there is no state hvac license required. I have found out that in some areas, they will not even let you sit to take the test unless you can prove you have so many hours of experience working for a licensed contractor, so there again a new person is knocked down before they can get started.>>>>>>>>>>>>
SaintWilliamIII 1 year ago
@md929 And most employers don't think that some of us, have skills that transfer over into hvac; we aren't completely green. Completely green, I agree, would be a hardship for an employer, but many of us with previous work experience in some other type of trade could slide right in with minimal training and be a real benefit to employers.
SaintWilliamIII 1 year ago
@achzdck Great point. A lot of people think that HVAC techs are qualified washing machine and dryer repair men. I'm able to work on all of the above because I've done more that HVAC all my life. Knowledge is power.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
You Gotta Know Someone In the field to Get Your foot in the door.Its sad to say but true. I went to school for HVAC and only 2 out of 30 people have found a job so far from my graduating class in Oct 09. i am one of those 2 people. lol
Trav7000 1 year ago
@Trav7000 I'm very happy for you being able to find a HVAC job in this economic climate. I didn't know anyone to get my first HVAC job. I did have good economic times on my side.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
"Five years experience required" has always been the problem with the trades for beginners.
At first, I thought the journey men were just being selfish and arrogant, for not hiring people who wanted to learn and wanted to work. Till I had the pleasure of training a few guys who were "green", its very frustrating trying to explain things to guys who are fresh.
But most of the time guys who get hired are because they know someone, and they just need a "job", which I think is sad.
FireConvoy88 1 year ago
@FireConvoy88 Nepotism is a problem everywhere. But, what are you going to do, family if family.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
I started out just doing all the heavy work for a guy that had been off sick for 3 months, luckily work picked up at the company and they kept me on. After 12 years i went self employed and have been for the last 7 years. Things have been a bit tight lately but its the same in most trades now and i think will be for a few years to come.
heavydiesel 1 year ago
@heavydiesel I guess everyone has to pay their dues to get their career rolling in the right direction.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
tha key is to know people--during school/training make as many CONTACTS as possible-the more contacts you make the better your chances are--
crownvvc4 1 year ago
@crownvvc4 Great advice.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
After I lost my job of 20 years, I went to hvac school for two years but can't get anyone to give me a chance. I am more than willing to start at the bottom, but you have to get your foot in the door first. I figured with my past background in electrical that I would have an easier time getting an entry level job in hvac, but I don't seem to be getting any calls. I think once you are past age 40, most employers really don't want to spend the time or the money training you.
SaintWilliamIII 1 year ago
@SaintWilliamIII That five year thing is really a tough hurdle. I went to air conditioning school when I was 45. I think that people that are learning the trade in their 40s make prime employees.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
@SaintWilliamIII this saddens me reading these comments. If you guys can't find a job there is no way in hell i will. I still have a year of school left before i graduate. i'm scared as hell just reading these comments
chamelean223344 7 months ago
yep. we all have to start somewher, good vid.
V8Jagnut 1 year ago
@V8Jagnut Thanks. It's probably the same or even more difficult in Australia.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
basically go get a job, if you want to be in the hvac industry take a job doing SOMETHING that deals closely with hvac. even try to get a job at an hvac supply house moving boxes. other than that i heard mcdonalds is hiring
couchkilla 1 year ago
@couchkilla Amen to that.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
got to be in the right place at the right time Doc Z so I have found.
co2x3 1 year ago
@co2x3 My father always told me that, too.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
I think the best way is to be willing to start at the bottom, and I do mean bottom. I have friends that went to HVAC school and think they should start out on top, or in service, thing is you have nothing real to offer on paper, so be a grunt, a helper, a attic rat and work your way up.
Nutintoitbut2doit 1 year ago
@Nutintoitbut2doit It's strange how some people think that 2 years of school will put them in a service truck on day one.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
@DrZarkloff Yea we all have been at the bottom at one time lol.
Dr. Z you the man good video.
Nutintoitbut2doit 1 year ago
Comment removed
Nutintoitbut2doit 1 year ago
I'm a bit disappointed in your pro-uinion spiel. I've been a SMWIA employee for 20+ years. What did it get me? Nothing. Nada.
I realize the school's union negotiated a sweet deal for you. The Sheet Metal Workers and your local state union are not the same. I wish I'd had the same agreement. Sadly, not
Yes, I'm bitter. It sucks to be me and begging for work. No big deal. I'll find my way get out of this hole. I'll leave the union hacks in my waste trail and take their jobs.
PutSome5tankOnIt 1 year ago
@PutSome5tankOnIt I don't remember being pro union. The only union I've ever belonged to is the teacher's union at work. I sometimes wonder why I bother with that.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
Finding an HVAC job that require very little or no experience can be tough unless you know the owner lol!
Vinylrecordsneverdie 1 year ago
@Vinylrecordsneverdie Especially in this economy.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
Comment removed
Vinylrecordsneverdie 1 year ago
The private sector is what truly drives the US ecomonomy. We're not seeing a lot of activiity from US citizens. Government and business will be the last to exhibit reduced spending.
PutSome5tankOnIt 1 year ago
@PutSome5tankOnIt lol. That is so true.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
You teach me a lot of things about HV/AC, stuff I would never have picked up a book upon, not that it's not interesting. Thanks for all your videos.
awreslr2 1 year ago
@awreslr2 Thanks for watching.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago
Your history in HVAC is inspirational. Not all of us have such a varied background. A good number of us have only been able to get work experience in the residential sector. I am a top flight installer and technician. Available residential work is in the toilet. Companies would rather hire cheap newcomers than experienced workers. Money is the bottom-line decider. Commercial work isn't much better.
Getting 5 years of experience won't be easy these days. The economy is horrible.
PutSome5tankOnIt 1 year ago
@PutSome5tankOnIt Cheap labor equals poor workmanship.
DrZarkloff 1 year ago