The world of HVAC is facing a multitude of changes. Fortunately, modern technology is keeping pace to provide ways to help owners and managers run an effective and efficient team of HVAC technicians. Professional HVAC training has become more critical than ever.  

The complexity of HVAC systems is increasing, baby boomers are reaching retirement age and there’s a flood of new, inexperienced technicians coming into the industry. This is a perfect time to embrace new methods of training that are faster, less expensive, and more effective than the outdated training models we have been relying on for so many years.

Training HVAC technicians with online troubleshooting simulations and virtual reality has become the new standard for creating and sustaining the very best HVAC tech teams. Many companies are now leveraging the latest technology, to help HVAC techs learn in ways that are designed to increase comprehension and retention.

Here are some of the ways HVAC companies are using HVAC simulations to educate technicians, improve performance, and increase profits.

#1. To Onboard New Techs

It’s no secret to HVAC companies that there is a growing skills-gap in the industry. Our very best HVAC technicians are all retiring. It took them years to learn and master every aspect of HVAC and become veterans you could count on in the field. 

Now that HVAC firms have to replace these veterans with younger HVAC technicians, they’re faced with needing to train them faster than ever before. Fortunately, the skills gap is able to close a little bit faster now that companies are starting to use on-demand video based learning, 3D simulations, and virtual reality training. 

New hires can now have instant access to countless hours of on-demand video courses ranging from HVAC fundamentals to advanced troubleshooting scenarios. And for managers, there exists unique training software that gives them the ability to customize a learning path for each tech and track their progress. This allows for the creation of unique learning experiences based on the specific learning needs to each employee.

The most challenging thing to replicate with new HVAC technicians is exposure to common tasks and troubleshooting scenarios experienced in the field. The hands-on, apprenticeship training and ride-along way of learning is simply not scalable.  

3D HVAC troubleshooting simulations can help recreate real-life field experiences, allowing for limitless practice, getting technicians up to speed faster. What if there were HVAC equipment simulators and troubleshooting tasks that technicians could practice on at home? 

3D simulations put HVAC techs right into the field, giving them the experience of actually performing troubleshooting scenarios  or completing equipment repairs in the comfort of their own home. 

Research has clearly shown that immersive learning experiences are the most effective way for people to leverage the latest technologies to learn new HVAC troubleshooting skills quickly and retain them better. And, with 3D and VR HVAC training, technicians can repeat the simulation over and over until it becomes ingrained into their muscle memory.

#2 To Enhance the Skills of Veteran HVAC Techs

Not all experienced techs are ready to retire, but they do need to expand their skill set to quickly keep up with advancing technologies. Strategic companies are taking advantage of on-demand and virtual reality HVAC training to broaden the skill set of their techs so they can be ready for new challenges. However, these HVAC techs are still needed in the field. 

Sending your HVAC techs off to classroom training or gathering everyone in the office to host your own workshops means hours of lost  business. With on-demand classes, 3D simulations and VR enabled training, technicians can complete their training at a time that works best for them and the company. Each HVAC technician can take the courses they need at a pace that works for them, without any hardware needed.

The 3D simulations and VR enabled training scenarios will ensure they have mastered the material and are ready to be deployed in new ways.

#3 To Expand the Offerings of the Business

Growing HVAC businesses need to keep pace with the advancing technologies in the industry. If HVAC technicians are not up to speed on the most current training, or the latest equipment, HVAC companies will need to turn away work. 

These are just some of the ways HVAC companies are using advances in HVAC training to stay ahead in this rapidly changing industry. Training is the most critical component of staying competitive, and 3D simulation, VR learning, and on-demand courses, now make training faster, cheaper, and more effective. 

Well trained HVAC technicians work faster, make fewer mistakes, and enjoy increased job satisfaction. Managers can spend less time planning and implementing HVAC training and more time, ensuring that each HVAC technician is getting the right training without turning away business.