That's right! Last Thursday's meeting was the final educational session before the summer break. On June 28 we will have our chapter picnic and awards along with the drawing for all three prizes. This will take place at the Coca Cola stadium at an Iron Pigs game. This promises to be a great time.
Many thanks to Mr. Kevin Wasieleski CM who again was able to share his expertise with our chapter about R-410A. As most of us are aware R-410A will be the refrigerant of the future.With the phase out of R-22 it makes sense to learn and acquire the necessary certifications for the use and handling of this next generation refrigerant. Operating at pressures of 40-70% higher than R-22 requires gauges, hoses, recovery cylinders, reclaimers, and accesories that are designed to handle these higher pressures. Pity the poor techie that tries to use the wrong equipment with this refrigerant.
With the advent of this new refrigerant proper installation is more important than ever. Keeping the system clean and dehydrated will be crucial to the continued good operation of the compressor. Since POE's are so hygroscopic the proper evacuation procedures, filter driers, brazing techniques are now a "no short cuts" approach to a system that will meet its design.
In addition to all this with the higher SEER ratings and higher cost of these units, the technician can ill afford to be lazy or sloppy in his/her work practices. It's not rocket science, but it is science. In the always changing HVAC industry you need to invest in yourself and your profession by keeping up with the latest knowledge that will keep you light years ahead of the "beer can cold" mentality.
Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations to the three new CM's in our chapter. Mr. Tom Donmoyer CM, Mr. Brian Thomas CM and yours truly have all passed the CM exam that was offered in April at the RSES/EKA session in Pittsburgh. For me it's been a four year journey.Tom and Brian have been working towards this goal over the last several years. Let me just say that the self study approach works! Each of us studies and reviews the material on our own and we meet every two weeks to discuss the material and review the questions. That way we stay accountable and we can measure our progress toward the certification. Hey, there's strength in numbers! All those involved in the self study program really have my respect and admiration for the time and effort that they spent in reading , studying, reviewing, etc. with all of us. I'd like to see a new group start in September with those who would like to pursue the CM certification. By the way, the exam is by far the most difficult of all the certs. offered. To pass it is an accomplishment of no small stature. Congrats to you all!
Personally, I'm looking at the CMS.
NEVER STOP LEARNING!!!!
