Technical enough to be useful
These lessons explain the measurements and principles contractors use when evaluating HVAC systems so you can better understand recommendations and service discussions.
Technical Lessons
Learn the fundamentals behind HVAC performance
The Academy is written for homeowners who want more technical depth without turning the site into a service manual.
HVAC Academy
BTUs, Tons & HVAC Capacity
Understand the units used to describe heating and cooling capacity.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyHeat Transfer Basics
Conduction, convection and phase change in residential HVAC.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyThe Refrigeration Cycle
A deeper look at evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademySuperheat & Subcooling
What these refrigerant measurements mean conceptually.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyHVAC Pressure Basics
How pressure changes through refrigeration and airflow systems.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyAirflow & CFM
Understand airflow volume and why equipment depends on it.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyStatic Pressure
How duct-system resistance affects blower performance.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyTemperature Rise & Split
What temperature change across HVAC equipment can tell you.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademySensible vs. Latent Heat
Why cooling temperature and humidity are different loads.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyPsychrometrics for Homeowners
A plain-English introduction to temperature, humidity and moisture.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyElectrical Basics for HVAC
Voltage, current, resistance, capacitors and controls at a conceptual level.
Start lesson →HVAC AcademyHVAC Control Sequence
How thermostats, relays, boards and safeties coordinate operation.
Start lesson → HVAC AcademyHydronic Heating 101
Flow, water temperature, circulators, zoning, expansion and air management.
Read guide →HVAC AcademySteam Heating 101
Steam distribution, venting, condensate return and pressure fundamentals.
Read guide →HVAC AcademyBoiler Controls & Components
Aquastats, circulators, zone valves, expansion tanks, relief valves and low-water cutoffs.
Read guide →Knowledge without unsafe instructions
The Academy intentionally avoids step-by-step procedures for live electrical work, refrigerant handling, gas work or bypassing safety controls.
Start With the Basics
New to HVAC?
If terms like evaporator, return air, heat exchanger or condenser are still unfamiliar, begin with the Learning Center before moving into the Academy.
Related Resources
Continue with the right next topic
Learning Center
Start with plain-English system explanations.
HVAC Glossary
Reference the components and terms used in Academy lessons.
Troubleshooting Center
Connect technical fundamentals with real system symptoms.