Wins and losses from trying online HVAC training programs up in Minnesota

Man, been in the Chicago area my whole career but got a call from a buddy up in Minnesota looking to switch into HVAC, so I pointed him to that Facebook post in HVAC Techs Network about the best learning programs near Huntsville. He tried a couple online certs like the ones from HVAC School, thinking it'd be quick, but after six months he's still struggling with basics like checking superheat on an R-410a system. I told him to stick with local hands-on stuff, but he lost a ton of time and probably a grand on those courses that didn't deliver. Meanwhile, I just wrapped a Trane install that went smooth as hell, client happy and paid on time. Share your wins and losses with training programs, guys, especially for newbies in cold spots like up there.

Haha, your buddy sounds like me when I tried that NATE prep online, ended up freezing my ass off practicing gauges in my garage during a snowstorm.

Screw these online programs, they're just cash grabs from companies like Carrier who want cheap labor without real training. Us techs in the field know it's all BS until you get dirty.

Told my nephew the same thing, he watched a Bryan Orr video and thought he was set, next thing you know he's calling me at 2am because the mini-split he DIY'd is leaking everywhere. Funny how fast theory turns to panic.

That Huntsville thread is spot on, local programs beat online every time.

I signed up for an online course last year, thought it'd help with EPA cert renewal. Joke's on me, the videos were outdated and I failed the test first try. Stuck paying double for a proper class.

Online certs are a scam, especially in HVAC where you need to feel the refrigerant lines to really get it. Don't waste your money, go union apprenticeship if you can.

Same here, man. My first online module on ductless systems had me confused as hell on the Blueridge install steps, wasted two weekends troubleshooting a practice unit that never worked right.

Went through a local program in my area, nailed my first Carrier Infinity job right out the gate. Online stuff? Nah, it's all hype.

PSA: if you're new, skip the cheap online garbage and invest in a real mentorship. Saw a kid last month try to wire a Mitsubishi Hyperheat from a YouTube tutorial and nearly started a fire. Not worth the risk.

Private equity is ruining training too, buying up programs and jacking prices without improving quality. Fight back by sharing free tips in groups like that one.

Buddy of mine did an online course and now he's charging $80/hr on small jobs, but half the time he calls me for help. Win for me, loss for him.

SharkBite for HVAC? Nah, but online training is just as sketchy. I stick to hands-on, makes all the difference on zone 6 installs.

Never trust online-only for refrigerant handling, one wrong superheat calc and you're looking at a $5k compressor swap. Learned that the hard way early on.

Feel you on the losses, but my win was ditching online for a local shop apprenticeship. Now I'm running full installs solo after just a year.

That FB discussion nailed it, Huntsville has solid options but for us northern guys, add in cold weather specifics or you're screwed come winter.