How to Install an HVAC System
Learn how to complete a residential HVAC install from Jeff DeMassari, a lead HVAC technician and expert who installs and makes his own custom ductwork onsite. Jeff will cover installation beginning to end: from roughing a house, installing the duct and equipment, and finishing work.
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- Access to course material for 30 days.
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Lesson Plan
Video Lessons · 2H 14M
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1. Introduction to HVAC
Your instructor and expert HVAC system professional, Jeff DeMassari, gives you a preview of what you’ll learn in the course: how to rough a house, how to install ducts and equipment, and how to complete HVAC finish work.
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2. HVAC Tool Overview
Learn how to use a handful of essential tools you’ll need for HVAC work, all of which help with cutting metal, bending metal, or notching metal.
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3. Stackhead Installation
Jeff shows you how to prepare a return stackhead, which pulls air back into the HVAC system and is a crucial element to achieving proper air flow. Learn how to properly crimp your metal fittings, install screws, and coat the stackhead joints with a mastic brush before installation.
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4. Thermostat Location and Running Wires
In order to mount a thermostat, you first have to run your wires. Jeff shows you how to drill holes into the wall and floor, feed 18-5 T-STAT wire through the floor, cut, and tie the wire properly.
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5. Running Lineset
When running linesets in the wall, it’s important not to strap them to a beam where they could get punctured later. Learn how to position your lineset out of harm’s way.
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6. Installing Pipe Runs
Pipe runs are the connective structure for the entire HVAC system, like veins throughout a body. Learn how to set your supply runs so that air flows properly, how to attach your supply and return runs, and how to seal your ducts with screws and mastic to avoid leaks.
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7. How to Build a Plenum
Plenums are key to connecting the duct work to the HVAC furnace. Jeff walks you through building a standard 14x14 four-piece plenum, from measuring and cutting the metal to making the duct connection.
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8. Ductwork Installation
Learn how to prep metal ducts for installation and connect the air duct pieces using locking slips and drives. Also, Jeff explains how to install screws if you’re working with ducts that don’t have rivets.
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9. Prepping Hangers and Hanging Duct
Jeff shows you how to measure, cut, and fold your hangers to prep them for installation into the ceiling. Then, he walks you through prepping your air duct, inserting collars, measuring, and hanging the duct.
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10. Airflow & Drainlines Diagram
Jeff sketches a basic HVAC system diagram, explaining how air is dispersed throughout a house. You’ll also see the flow of drainlines, which sit on top of the furnace, catch condensation, and transition outside to get rid of moisture within the system.
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11. PVC Cuts and Gooseneck Build
To cut large pieces of PVC, Jeff shows you how to use a reciprocating saw, PVC cutter, and automatic PVC cutter. He then demonstrates building a gooseneck by measuring and cutting PVC pieces, priming and gluing the ends, and attaching the elbow pieces.
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12. Exhaust Pipes
Learn the difference between direct and non-direct venting, as well as the exhaust clearance distances from windows, decks, snow grades, and intake pipes mandated by HVAC code.
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13. Clearance Example
Jeff demonstrates how to determine the clearance distance between an exhaust pipe, intake pipe, and dryer vent required by building code.
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14. Installing Drains
Learn how to prep your PVC fittings with primer and glue, attach the fittings together using a P-trap for efficient air flow, and cut a small piece of PVC to fit on the end so your drainline is ready for installation.
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15. Connecting Lineset and Wiring the Unit
Jeff shows you how to tie inside linesets into coil, braze joints together using a blowtorch, and patch lines up with insulation. Then, he demonstrates how to thread, trim, strip, and connect wires into the unit’s terminal.
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16. Lineset Brazing/Pressure Test
Linesets are essential for connecting the indoor HVAC unit to the outdoor unit. Jeff shows you how to make the lineset connection, and how to perform a pressure test and vacuum test on the lineset to ensure it’s working properly and the connection is secure.
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17. Supply Register Installation
Before installing floor registers, Jeff advises vacuuming the vent so it’s clear of debris. Then, he shows you how to caulk around the edges of a 10”x4” boot and insert it into the floor so it holds firm.
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18. Return Grill Installation
Jeff explains why the return grill fins should be facing downward before installation. Then, he shows you how to level the grill so it hangs evenly on the wall, and finally, he screws the grill in.
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19. Thermostat Installation
Jeff walks you through the final steps of setting up your thermostat. With this last step, the initial HVAC system installation is complete.
Who it's for: This course is designed for those looking to prepare for a hands-on career as an HVAC technician, or working professionals who want to deepen their skillset. You’ll walk away with the basic fundamentals of heating and air, the proper use of tools, and all the techniques to complete rough-in and some finish work. No prior HVAC experience is required.
Key Topics
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Start to Finish HVAC Installation
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HVAC Parts and Components
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How to Install Ductwork
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Understanding HVAC System Airflows
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How to Build a Plenum
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Wiring an HVAC Unit
Common Questions
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What is MT Copeland?
MT Copeland helps you further your career in the building industry with expert-led online education that will make you a better, smarter tradesperson.
Our training courses give you a foundation in construction fundamentals and trade skills with real-world applications and best practices to help you grow on the job.
What do courses include?
Online courses include professionally produced videos taught by leaders in the trades and supplementary learning material such as quizzes, assessments and downloadable materials to help you acquire new skills. Watch anywhere, always at your own pace. We keep lesson videos short so they’re easy to watch after work or on your lunch break. You can finish a course in one sitting, or space it out over a week or two.
Can you learn with MT Copeland outside of the u.s.?
Yes! You can take MT Copeland courses from anywhere in the world. Our courses are online, so if you have access to the Internet, you can watch our training videos. Courses are taught in English, with English captions and Spanish subtitles available.
Where did the name MT Copeland come from?
MT Copeland was named after a legendary educator who promoted the idea that training in a specific trade paired with a knowledge of general business principles opens up a whole new world of career possibilities. We believe in the same powerful combination of skills and knowledge.
