ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has released “Understanding HVAC,” a new three-CD computer video training package designed to help non-technical office and sales staff better understand the HVAC business and their place in it.

ACCA said that Understanding HVAC was created in response to requests from contractor members seeking an easy way to bring their non-technical employees up to speed on HVAC and the contracting business. The program explains the basics of HVAC equipment, how important the HVAC contracting industry is, and how vital the role of each employee is in running a successful contracting company.

The three CDs, each of which include appropriate handouts, are:

Part 1 - The Things That Make Us Different Are the Same
This session offers a brief history of HVAC and the industry’s relevance in the modern world. Human comfort is discussed, and the importance of customer interaction at all levels of a contracting business. It also includes a discussion of business cycles relative to weather and the economy, and the importance of communication and paperwork flow within a company.

Part 2 - How Comfort Works
Simple definitions of important HVAC terms are discussed, and an air conditioning system is built “from the ground up” in order to help employees understand how the system works. It includes a brief discussion of refrigerants, heat pump operation, duct system types, and standards and codes.

Part 3 - How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of doing business is explained in detail, along with the need for training and the need to distinguish your company from the competition. Accessories such as humidifiers, electronic air cleaners, media air cleaners, UV lights, programmable thermostats, and HRV/ERVs are all explained and their application discussed.

Understanding HVAC is available for $299 ($199 for ACCA members). To order, visit www.acca.org/hvacessentials or call 888-290-2220.

Publication date: 11/24/2008