This eight-part seminar is designed for HVAC professionals, ranging from beginners to those with intermediate experience. The program begins with the foundational principles and theories of air conditioning and heat pump systems. From there, it systematically covers the processes involved in Quality Installation (QI), Quality Maintenance (QM), and Quality Service (QS) specifically for residential and light commercial systems in the California market.
Held in the evenings, this series equips participants with the comprehensive skills needed to expertly install, commission, maintain, service, diagnose, and verify air conditioning and heat pump systems. Attendees will learn to ensure these systems are safe, reliable, and operate at peak capacity and energy efficiency.

Part 1 provides an overview of air conditioning and heat pump systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding equipment and investing in education. It introduces the “Three Mass Fluid Flows” (indoor fan airflow, refrigerant flow, and outdoor fan airflow) crucial for system performance and discusses the significance of proper ducting, airflow, and refrigerant charging.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify all major components and describe the operations of AC & HP refrigeration systems.
• Explain the “Three Mass Fluid Flows” concept and its significance in optimizing HVAC system performance.
• Assess the impact of ducting, airflow, and refrigerant charging on system efficiency and reliability and implement best practices to ensure optimal performance.

Part 2 of this series covers thermodynamic principles and the refrigeration cycle, explaining heat absorption and rejection, and the importance of correct refrigerant charge. It details the roles of key components like the compressor, condensing coil, and metering device in the refrigeration cycle.
Learning Objectives:
• Explain the basic laws of thermodynamics and apply them to refrigeration systems.
• Describe the refrigeration cycle and articulate the processes of heat absorption and rejection.
• Identify and explain the functions of the compressor, condensing coil, and metering device within the refrigeration cycle.

Part 3 of this series covers the various types of metering devices used in residential and light commercial HVAC systems, such as fixed rate orifice devices like capillary tubes and piston flow raters, and adjustable orifice devices like thermal expansion valves. The discussion highlights the functionality, advantages, and disadvantages of each device. Additionally, it explains the role of evaporator coils in the HVAC system, detailing the processes involved in converting refrigerant from a liquid to a vapor state and then superheating it.
Learning Objectives:
• Differentiate between various metering devices used in HVAC systems and explain their operational principles.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of fixed rate and adjustable orifice metering devices.
• Describe the function of evaporator coils and detail the process of refrigerant conversion and superheating.

Part 4 examines the components like filter/driers, reversing valves, suction line accumulators, and refrigerant line sets. It explains the role of filters/driers in removing contaminants from the refrigerant, the function of reversing valves in heat pump systems, and the purpose of suction line accumulators in preventing liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. The presentation also covers best practices for the installation and maintenance of these components to ensure system reliability and efficiency.
Learning Objectives:
• Distinguish the types and functions of filters/driers and explain their roles in HVAC systems.
• Review the operation of reversing valves and their critical role in heat pump systems.
• Implement best practices for installing and maintaining suction line accumulators and refrigerant line sets to ensure system efficiency and reliability.
Part 5 covers the essential steps for commissioning a newly installed HVAC system. It emphasizes the importance of thorough testing to ensure the system operates within the designed parameters and manufacturers’ specifications. The segment discusses the potential issues that could arise from design flaws, incorrect installation, or faulty equipment, and outlines a 10-step process for verifying proper operation.
Learning Objectives:
• Explain the importance of testing newly installed HVAC systems to verify performance and reliability.
• Identify common flaws and errors in HVAC systems and explain their impact on performance.
• Conduct the 10-step commissioning process to ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications and original design.
Part 6 explores into the necessity and benefits of implementing a Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) program for HVAC systems. It discusses how the natural degradation of system components impacts performance and reliability over time. The segment highlights the steps to create and execute a PPM program, emphasizing the proactive approach to maintenance to extend the system’s lifespan and efficiency.
Learning Objectives:
• Explain the factors contributing to HVAC system degradation and their impact on performance.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) program tailored to specific HVAC systems.
• Assess the effectiveness of PPM programs in reducing breakdowns, extending equipment lifespan, and enhancing system efficiency and reliability.

Part 7 covers the essentials of refrigeration system service, emphasizing preventative maintenance, identifying common refrigeration circuit problems, and adhering to the “Golden Rule” of diagnosis: Minimizing system breaches to prevent contamination and charge compromise of the refrigeration circuit.
Learning Objectives:
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for refrigeration systems.
• Identify common symptoms of refrigeration circuit problems and execute appropriate initial diagnostic steps.
• Apply best practices to minimize system breaches and avoid contamination, ensuring the integrity of the refrigerant charge.

Part 8 focuses on advanced diagnosis and verification techniques for refrigerant charges and stresses the need to follow manufacturers’ guidelines. It explains both the superheat and subcooling methods, common diagnostic challenges and the proper use of manifold gauge sets to ensure optimal system performance.
Learning Objectives:
• Measure and verify refrigerant charge using superheat and sub cooling methods.
• Diagnose and correct common errors related to refrigerant charge and system performance.
• Adhere to manufacturers’ guidelines and industry standards to ensure optimal system performance and longevity.

Instructor: Michael D. Griffin, IHACI instructor
Mike owns and operates M&M General Repair and Airflow Specialties in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California. Mike is an IHACI Instructor, a member of the IHACI Education Committee, a H.E.R.S. Rater, a Certified Technical Educator, and one of only 21 non-union, non-res Certified Mechanical Acceptance Testing Employers/Technicians in California. M&M General Repair has been in business since 1982, specializing in home service of air conditioning, heating, and most major appliances, and is still active today, servicing the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. Airflow Specialties has been in business since 2004, specializing in Title 24 Verifying, Energy Efficiency, Delivered Efficiency measurements and retrofits covering most of Southern California, performing Duct Pressure Testing, Fan Flow Measurement, Refrigerant Charge Verification, Fan Efficacy, and Energy Efficiency. Mike is certified by both CalCERTS and CHEERS as a H.E.R.S. Rater, as well as NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified in Service and Installation, Gas Furnace, and has Certifications in Light Commercial & Residential Air Balance, Commercial & Residential System Performance from NCI (National Comfort Institute).

Moderator: Andrew Smith, IHACI instructor
Andrew has over 21 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He began his career as a helper, working his way up to technician with a company specializing in residential and light commercial projects. Along the way, he earned NATE certifications in air conditioning and heat pump service before advancing the role of service manager. For the past 10 years, Andrew has shared his expertise as an instructor with IHACI. He currently works with Lennox NAS and has achieved his RSES CM certification.