Air Conditioning Technology

Because heating and cooling utilizes the most energy in a home, one of the best decisions a homeowner can make to improve efficiency and lower bills is to upgrade these systems. This program lets viewers know how to install a new residential forced air furnace, with segments on disconnecting and removing the existing unit, inspecting and testing components, and details of the actual installation—all with an eye toward safety. Information is also given on putting in a digital thermostat, adding a humidifier and HEPA filter, and testing the entire system once it’s complete. Smart tips are offered throughout, and the video closes with suggestions for homeowner training. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online.

Only in the last 200 years have humans learned how to make things cold. Johnson explains how ice entrepreneur Frederic Tudor made ice delivery the second biggest export business in the U.S. and visits the place where Clarence Birdseye, the father of the frozen food industry, experienced his eureka moment. He also travels to Dubai to see how mastery of cold has led to penguins in the desert. From IVF to food, politics and Hollywood to human migration, the unsung heroes of cold have led the way.

Students aiming for a career in air-conditioning repair and technology will encounter all the essentials in this program, which summarizes the ins and outs of operation and service. Typical systems for cooling or dehumidifying residential environments are covered. Details on condensing units and their components—including the condenser coil, compressor, motor, fan, and accumulator—are illustrated along with typical outside housings and insulation materials. The three methods of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—are outlined, along with the difference between high-side and low-side pressure systems. The refrigeration cycle is demonstrated, as are different types of compressors, such as scroll, reciprocating, and piston. Heat pumps, electrical controls, evaporators, and sight glasses are explained. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online.