Another option is to set up hvacr equipment in your shop for training purposes, then insert some defective parts. But this is time consuming and isn't always feasible, especially if your company's specialty is, say, supermarket refrigeration. Probably the most common option that contractors use is to rely on their journeymen to train new technicians. But, this is very expensive training when you factor in the journeyman's salary and the additional time he's going to spend on each service call. Schools have long found computer-aided training, particularly simulation software, to be the ideal method of teaching both hvacr theory and troubleshooting.
Simulators emulate generic hvacr equipment under both normal and fault conditions.
Mechanical and electrical faults that are commonly encountered in the field can be inserted into the simulator, which then emulate the changes in pressures, temperatures, electrical values, and other characteristics that occur during a system's operation. Using built-in test equipment, the technician then proceeds to troubleshoot the system. Visual clues, such as ice on the coils or a dirty air filter, are also available to the technician. Once the technician has thoroughly diagnosed the system and identified a suspect component or problem, he can proceed to repair the simulated system. Each repair attempt is automatically entered in a repair log, which may later be reviewed by the supervisor or instructor.