KCKCC HVAC / R

A sincere appreciation is extended to Johnstone Supply for remaining open after hours to facilitate a meaningful connection between our evening HVAC class and their esteemed organization. During the visit, the branch manager highlighted the expectations for professional conduct among HVAC contractors at supply houses. The students gained insight into the significance of knowing the trade and accessing essential tools and parts. This experience was particularly valuable given the class's upcoming graduation and the fact that many students are already employed or soon will be in the field.

Our evening HVAC students are receiving hands-on training in blower motor removal and installation. This class is nearing graduation next month. Enrollment for the fall 2026 semester is now open, starting April 1st, and slots are currently available.

Our HVAC instructors are receiving professional development at the National HVAC Education Conference in Vegas.

Our high school class is finalizing sheet metal projects in their afternoon session. We wish all students a wonderful Spring break and anticipate their return, eager to wrap up the Spring semester on a high note, with graduation just around the corner.

Winter break is a wrap. Today I start my 18th year teaching HVAC, my 38th year since I started my HVAC company, and my 42nd year since I graduated from this institution that taught me HVAC. Looking forward to an awesome spring semester!

Instructor Herman Lloyd

The concluding project for our evening class in the 2025 fall semester involved the installation of a condenser that had previously incurred damage from dog urine on its coil. By employing a nitrogen purge, students effectively brazed the condenser into place, utilizing a technique widely regarded as the benchmark for brazing in modern HVAC equipment. We wish everyone a restful winter break and eagerly anticipate the commencement of the Spring 2026 Semester.

Our HVAC students learned to remove and replace a condenser coil damaged by dog urine during their evening training. They realized that the labor involved in disassembling and reassembling the unit was more substantial than replacing the unit, which would incur significant costs for the homeowner. This practical exercise provided the class with valuable knowledge.

Our evening HVAC students had the pleasure of welcoming Monte Schaich, senior recruiter for Anthony Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric, as our guest speaker. He shared some intriguing facts about their company, including their extensive presence in the Kansas City Metro area with over 200 service vehicles. Additionally, they boast an impressive annual gross of over $70 million, with their technicians earning between $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Notably, they have hired our students in the past and are committed to continuing this trend in the future.

Q: What is the most common reason for premature failure in modern air-conditioning systems? A: The failure to use a nitrogen purge during brazing. Our evening HVAC students have learned the technique of brazing with a nitrogen purge. Each student practiced brazing without nitrogen and then with nitrogen. We then cut the copper tubing in half to reveal the carbon contamination that reduces the lifespan of the equipment. The nitrogen purge prevents oxygen from entering the copper tubing, thereby preventing carbon deposits that can compromise the equipment.

Fall semester 2025 week two is a wrap. The evening HVAC students finished their torch safety on week one. Week two, they are now learning the skill of silver brazing copper tubing on the bench vises. Once they achieve a good level of proficiency on the bench vise, they will be ready to practice their newly achieved skills on the actual HVAC equipment in our lab.