Professionally, I am a residential framer but my 4 year apprenticeship was in cabinetmaking. I have recently framed a 4200 square foot two story “Victorian” (not really, but close). I did the foundation (ICFs) and stuck the house (no panels or trusses). Now, as I attempt to learn the mechanical trades I find it very easy to locate books and helpful information on plumbing, electric, radiant floors, and just about everything but HVAC. I have a basic understanding of how it works, but have no idea in determining duct sizes or unit requirements (furnace, boilers, air conditioners, etc.). How can I learn to be a sheet metal/HVAC installer if there are no books or readily available help? If anyone can lend some advice it’d be greatly appreciated.
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Replies
sweater,
There are plenty books. There are many pitfalls to DIY HVAC also.
http://www.hvacbooks.com/
http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/
KK
HVAC is one of the meanest trades out there, thay have been known to eat their young. First you have to get certifide to handle refrigerates. This is not a hard subject but the test runs about $300. without this you are a nobody, they will not talk to you. they will not answer any question. I think they afraid you will take their job. Now somebody going to holler tade school. Its nice but not neccasry. Get some used text books on HVAC. I go to flea market and find some about 1950 model, they easiler to understand. The carrier book is great. Find some broken HVAC equipment and thinker with it.
90% of HVAC is electrical, get a meter and play with it. EBAY has alot of HVAC tools and books. The duct work is software on the net.
HVACtalk is one of the nicest place. Most others are downright mean. Scan the forum but becareful of asking question. You though politic was bad here. Its nothing compare to fresh meat in HVAC sites.
Edited 3/23/2004 7:59 am ET by BROWNBAGG
The Trane Air Conditioning Manual and the ASHRAE Fundamentals would be a good place to start.