Technology may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of HVAC training. For years, the HVAC business has been relying on classroom lectures, reading of manuals, and on the job field training to prepare new recruits for the trade. Now, advances in technology have the potential to revolutionize how we train both our newest technicians and help our veterans stay sharp and adapt to HVAC industry specific technology advances as new HVAC systems continue to advance over time.

These new training technologies couldn't come at a better time. The HVAC industry is facing an unprecedented skills gap. Because of simple demographics, a large portion of the veteran workforce is about to reach retirement age. That means we need to train a whole new generation of technicians in a short amount of time. To make things even more complicated, these new recruits entering the workforce are much different from the previous generation. 

The latest hires are frankly under 40-years old and grew-up with the internet, video games and smartphones. They grew up in a world where nearly everything was available on a screen and on-demand. Let's look at some of the most effective HVAC training technologies and how they can help the industry adapt to the latest challenges.

On-Demand Video HVAC Courses

The first HVAC training technology to consider is on-demand video. HVAC online training in the form of video courses can transform how we train new and veteran technicians. Instead of relying on a centralized classroom-based learning program, employees can hold their training program in the palm of their hand. 

Courses are available at every level from introductory applied-sciences to advanced system troubleshooting and can be accessed anytime and anywhere. 

These HVAC training videos can be viewed on any computer, smartphone, or tablet. This is a style of learning perfectly suited to the new generation of digital natives. Most have been learning via online video since a young age and are accustomed to the idea of accessing training on their own time.

3D Simulations

Training courses are an essential aspect of preparing HVAC techs. However, it is only one aspect. Technicians also need to get hands-on training to integrate their knowledge into experience. 

This can become a real training logjam when the rookie technicians begin to outnumber the veteran technicians. It may no longer be possible to count on actual in the field training. Fortunately, new technology has made 3D simulations for HVAC training a reality. 

You can now offer your employees virtual experience on interactive equipment, including residential AC, gas furnaces, gas boilers, heat pumps, and commercial AC. 

Technicians in training can use diagnostic tools to troubleshoot common faults and receive feedback from the simulation to ensure they are following the right steps. Because the training is virtual, they can repeat common tasks over and over until they have mastered them.

Virtual Reality

The very latest and greatest HVAC training technology is Virtual Reality (VR) training. Formerly only available to the military, pilots, and surgeons, VR training technology is now available to train HVAC teams. VR is an immersive technology meaning the students learn faster and retain more as they can easily visualize the task before them. 

Since VR headsets have become extremely affordable, any HVAC company can now offer a real virtual reality training simulator to their HVAC technicians.