Electron Theory    

Aug. 5, 2009

Technicians will be given electron theory to help them understand how electricity flows and how to troubleshoot electrical circuits.  Series Circuits, Parallel Circuits, Ohms, Power Laws.     2 Hr Class               

Residential Furnace Controls   

Sept. 9, 2009

Technicians will use the electron theory to troubleshoot furnaces in a hands on setting.  Use of multi-meters, understanding of DC/AC.  How to measure capacitance and what it means.  Amperage readings and what the information tells you.  Hands On  2 Hr Class

Thermal Dynamics I, II        

Oct. 7, 2009

Understand heat and how it travels.  Pressure and temperature relation.  Introduction to the refrigeration cycle.  Reading a P/T Chart and what it means.  Superheat/Sub-cooling.  2 Hr. Class

Refrigerator Controls and Troubleshooting     

Nov. 4, 2009

Testing of Refrigeration Controls; Defrost timers, Defrost termination, Current relays, Defrost elements, Evaporator and Condenser fans, compressors, Potential relays, Thermostats.    Hands On  1-2 Hours

Common A/C Issues        

Dec. 2, 2009

Testing Contactors, Breakers, Fuses, Compressors, Condenser fan motors, Fan centers.

Care, Charging refrigerant, Refrigerant fractionation, Temperature glide.     2 Hr Class

HWC Wiring and Troubleshooting  Jan. 9, 2010

Learn hands on.  Wire a complete HWC Heating unit.  Troubleshooting Ignitions, Sensors, Sail switches, Limits, Roll-outs.          2 Hr. Class

Digital/Mercury Thermostats      

Feb. 16, 2010

Testing thermostat relays. How broken thermostat wiring is found.  The importance of leveling mercury stats and heat anticipation.  Re-cap fan centers, blower relays.   1 Hr. Class

Circuit Board Troubleshooting   

March 23, 2010

Input, Output measurements. Relay testing,  uA testing.   1 Hr. Class

Electron Theory II     

April 30, 2010

Engineering and Scientific notation.   Cycles, Duty, HP, Capacitance Run, Capacitance Start.   1 Hr. Class

All classes will begin at 6:00 p.m.   If you have a Multi-meter, please bring it to class.

EPA

Section 608

Release

     CFC certifications will be part of the class training.  Recovery and Reclaiming of CFC and HCFC refrigerants will be covered.  Testing will be available at the end of the classes.  Complex maintenance personnel should attend all classes to insure a passing grade.  EPA study books, (3) practice tests and recovery equipment will be provided by Hollis Contractors Group. 

Disclaimer:

     I __________________________ realizes that a CFC certificate is not a license to perform repairs, modifications and installation of heating or cooling appliances or other mechanical equipment without benefit of a State Mechanical license.   I _______________________ also realize there is no HVAC or HVAC/R certification to allow same.  It is Hollis Contractors desire only, to promote a safe working environment while reducing the expenses of it’s customers.  The Federal Government holds each CFC card holder responsible for recording the purchase, use and losses of all CFC and HCFC refrigerants.  Hollis Contractors advises all card holders to keep a log of all refrigerants they purchase and where it was used for possible EPA audits.  Hollis Contractors Group will not be held responsible for work done by unlicensed personnel. 

If interested in seeking State licensure you must prove 3 years minimum employment by a licensed contractor in the discipline you are interested in or 2 years minimum employment and one year  in a  school recognized by the State Mechanical Division.

THIS NOTICE MUST BE SIGNED AND WITNESSED AND ORIGINALS MAILED BACK TO HOLLIS CONTRACTORS GROUP BEFORE THE START OF CLASSES FOR EACH PERSON ATTENDING CLASSES OR TAKING THE CFC EXAMS.

_______________________             ____/____/____ 

Student        Date

_______________________             ____/____/____

Witness       Date

_______________________            ____/____/____

Witness       Date

Common Issues

     Because it is usual practice for some complexes to install or change out new

Air conditioning condensers, it is imperative they understand how to properly charge the system.  I guarantee if you ask your maintenance employees right now

They do not understand Superheat and Sub-cooling or how to use a P/T Chart.

     Yes, it may cool the tenant but for how long and at what expense? 

Because we give the Section 608 CFC exams we have found that 80% of  seasoned service technicians we test do not understand how to really charge a system

properly.  And yes, we have given the exam to companies you may be using or have used in the past.  Overcharging a system can cause high amperage draws consuming more energy than necessary not to mention the long term damage done to the compressor.  An A/C well taken care of and properly charged could last 99 years.  We know this because that is our warrantee on our installed units.

     We have serviced many refrigerators for Stockton Properties.  One thing we noticed is how many refrigerators they were throwing away.  We started to check these units and found that more than half was discarded because the maintenance personnel thought the compressor was bad.  We showed them that a part that cost less than $5.00 (current relay) fixed the problem.  It will not take long to see the value in this unique program. 

     Some complexes install their own furnaces.  If the need should arise for a permit or sheet metal transition or they need advice on how to install it, we are there for you.

     All the maintenance personnel that have come to our classes find themselves actually enjoying themselves and learning so much more.  Building their confidence is part of our job. 

     We want to keep your tenant turnover low and employee morale high.  This happens naturally when repeated service calls are minimized and parts changing becomes obsolete.  You save exponentially.

     Night service calls are usually a nightmare for maintenance.  One reason is obvious. Getting up and facing the cold.  But, that’s not all.  They fear they will not have the part or be able to fix the problem and will have to supply unit heaters etc.  That’s why we offer 24 hour parts and technical service.  This takes a lot of pressure off the maintenance personnel and keeps customer confidence high.

     Give us a call we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about

our program.                  HAPPY RENTING!

The Truth about HWC

Combination Heating/Cooling Units

     Fact:

     Many heating companies when they cannot resolve a problem will try to sell a new unit rather than admit they cannot repair it.

     True, be aware, unless the manufacturer went out of business most parts are still available.

     Fact: There is more profit in installing a new unit.

     True, There are larger profits on replacement labor.

     Fact:

     When one or more holes are found in a heat exchanger you must replace the whole unit.

     False, Heat exchangers can be replaced in 2 hours or less for 1/4 of the cost of a new unit and still have a warranty.  In fact, some companies will charge you for the permit and never apply for it.  This is how they get around this:  They tell you the inspectors are behind a couple of months on their inspections so enough time will pass that you will forget about it.  People with very hectic work schedules usually do.  This however can be a blessing in disguise, but don’t pay for it.  The truth is if they actually pull the permit and it is inspected 80% of the complexes could not pass the inspection as now all other appliances will have to be brought up to code if they share the same venting.  This could end up costing hundreds more in updates.

     Here is one example of that: To protect the complex we will not give their name. 

This complex has three floors.  One common vent is used for all the water heaters and furnaces for all three floors. Grandfather clauses have been rescinded by the State of Michigan.

     According to Gamma Tables for venting only one water heater and one furnace can be in one common vent.  This would be very expensive to replace all the venting for all three floors if a permit was issued.

     Fact:

     Replacing the heat exchanger requires a permit.

     False, This is considered a repair. Repairs do not require a permit.

     Fact: Replacing the heat exchanger is expensive.

     False, Heat exchanger change out cost on average of $680.00  A new unit will cost $2500-$3000.00 to replace.

     Fact: I can purchase the bottom A/C unit brand new for less than $750.00.

     False, The bottom section cost $1595.00 and the retro fit kit cost $35.00 plus tax you will have to spend $1727.80. and you will have a 1 year parts only warranty!

     Our units are $750 W/ Exchange and come with a 2 year parts and labor warranty.

Don’t be left out of this program, lock in these prices now before the new year prices take effect in March.