OFTC HVAC Students Receive Manual J Training from Georgia Power | Schools

DUBLIN- Students in Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s Air Conditioning Technology program received a Manual J update from Georgia Power’s Darrel Howell.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual-J procedure is the first step of the HVAC design process. This process ensures that the designer understands the true energy needs of a building so that a properly sized system can be selected.

“Mr. Howell updated the attendees on different building material updates,” explained OFTC Instructor Kevin Livingston. “New building products have been developed to help homeowners save on their energy bills when installing higher efficiency heat pumps.”

Some of the updates included: (1) foam insulation is taking the place of fiberglass for the homeowner that can afford it, (2) a heat pump hot water heater has been invented for homeowners to save comfort and energy and get free hot water, and (3) the minimum rating has increased to a 13 SEER heat pump from a 10 SEER heat pump.

Howell also covered theimportance of insulation, blue print reading for determining an HVAC unit, and sizing a HVAC unit based on the tonnage when using the Manual J calculation. The data collected from the Manual J calculation is also vital for residential customers to be eligible for rebates on high-efficiency HVAC equipment.

With more than 30 students and local area contractors in attendance, Howell also discussed issues such as moisture problems in a home, the importance of running a Manual J heat loss / heat gain on all new and existing homes needing a new air conditioning system, and the importance of insulated windows to conserve energy.

Mr. Livingston invites special guests throughout the year to present current and cutting edge technology updates to his classes to ensure that students see the connection between what they are learning and practicing in the classroom and what business and industry are producing and installing.

To learn more about OFTC’s Air Conditioning Technology Diploma, visit www.OFTC.edu or OFTC’s South Campus in Dublin. Fall Semester registration is August 8th, so enroll now to get started on a great career path.