We’re getting close to another major milestone in our free HVAC training program at Klein Cooling. Next week, our students will be taking their EPA Section 608 certification exam.
Today, we spent our classroom time preparing for that test, concentrating on Type II and Type III refrigeration systems. But before we got into the EPA material, we had an important discussion about what comes next.
Preparing for the NATE Exam
Our students have completed the HVAC Theory and HVAC JobReady curriculum through SkillCat. The next goal after EPA certification is the NATE HVAC Support Technician exam.
We talked about the areas that deserve extra attention: electrical troubleshooting, heating, refrigeration, airflow, and system diagnostics. Completing online lessons is a great foundation, but we also want students to be comfortable applying that knowledge to real equipment.
We’re putting together additional hands-on labs so they can practice taking measurements, following a sequence of operation, and figuring out why a system isn’t working correctly.
Download the NATE Support Technician Student Review Checklist (PDF)
EPA 608 Type II — High-Pressure Refrigeration
Today’s Type II review covered high-pressure refrigeration equipment, recovery and evacuation requirements, refrigerant handling, leak detection, and the rules technicians need to know when working on these systems.
We also reviewed refrigerant leak-rate requirements, including the traditional 10%, 20%, and 30% annual leak-rate thresholds for different appliance categories, and discussed how newer refrigerant regulations affect the industry.
Download the EPA Refrigerant Leak Repair Study Chart (PDF)
EPA 608 Type III — Low-Pressure Refrigeration
Type III deals with low-pressure refrigeration equipment, including certain chillers. These systems behave differently because portions can operate below atmospheric pressure.
That means a leak can allow air and moisture into the system instead of simply letting refrigerant escape. We covered purge units, noncondensable gases, recovery, evacuation, and proper charging procedures.
Understanding those differences matters for students working toward Universal EPA 608 certification.
One Week Until the EPA Exam
With the exam coming up next week, we encouraged everyone to revisit the Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III sections of their SkillCat coursework. The goal isn’t just to memorize answers. It’s to understand why the rules and procedures exist.
Download the EPA 608 Universal Student Review Checklist (PDF)
Building Something That Lasts
After the EPA exam, we’ll continue strengthening our hands-on training, especially electrical work, heating diagnostics, and troubleshooting on real equipment.
Our free HVAC training program is about more than getting through a course. It’s about helping people build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to start a career in the trades.
Next week is a big one.
Week 26 complete.
Comfort. Integrity. Legacy.