HVAC Technical Webinars and Virtual Training

Technical webinars have become essential tools for HVAC continuing education, delivering current industry information without travel requirements. These virtual sessions range from one-hour lunch-and-learn presentations to multi-session comprehensive courses, providing flexible access to expertise from leading engineers, manufacturers, and researchers.

ASHRAE Webinar Programs

ASHRAE Learning Institute Webinars

ASHRAE delivers technical webinars through multiple formats:

Live Webinars: Real-time presentations by subject matter experts covering standards updates, research findings, and design methodologies. Sessions typically run 60-90 minutes with dedicated Q&A periods. Topics include psychrometric analysis, equipment selection, energy modeling, and code compliance.

On-Demand Library: Recorded webinars available for immediate viewing provide 24/7 access to technical content. The library contains 200+ sessions covering fundamentals through advanced applications. Each webinar includes downloadable resources such as calculation spreadsheets, reference guides, and presentation slides.

Certificate Programs: Multi-part webinar series structured around specific competencies:

• Building Energy Modeling (8 sessions)
• Healthcare HVAC Design (6 sessions)
• Mission Critical Facilities (6 sessions)
• Humidity Control Systems (4 sessions)

Completion of certificate programs demonstrates specialized expertise and provides concentrated PDH credits.

ASHRAE Chapter Webinars

Local ASHRAE chapters produce region-specific webinars addressing climate challenges, local code requirements, and utility incentive programs. These sessions connect professionals within geographic regions and often feature local case studies demonstrating successful implementations.

Manufacturer Webinar Series

Equipment manufacturers conduct regular webinar schedules to educate engineers and contractors on product applications, new technologies, and installation best practices.

Major Manufacturer Programs

Trane Engineers Newsletter (TEN): Monthly technical publication supplemented by quarterly webinars addressing complex design topics including chiller plant optimization, variable flow systems, and load diversity analysis.

Carrier University Webinars: Product-specific sessions covering equipment selection, installation requirements, startup procedures, and troubleshooting strategies. Advanced webinars address system integration and controls programming.

Daikin Learning Webinars: Focus on VRF technology, heat recovery applications, and hybrid systems combining VRF with dedicated outdoor air systems. Sessions include design software demonstrations and project case studies.

Control System Webinars

Honeywell Building Technologies: Monthly webinars on building automation protocols, energy management strategies, and cyber security for building controls.

Siemens Building Technologies: Covers integrated building systems, fire safety coordination, and fault detection diagnostics.

Schneider Electric: Energy management, power monitoring integration, and demand response programming.

Industry Association Webinars

AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)

AHRI webinars address industry standards, testing procedures, and regulatory developments:

• Standards Updates: Changes to AHRI rating standards and certification programs
• Regulatory Compliance: DOE efficiency regulations, refrigerant transitions, labeling requirements
• Technical Topics: Sound rating procedures, capacity testing methods, software calculation tools

Webinars target equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, and engineers specifying certified equipment. Sessions typically provide 1.0 PDH credit.

ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America)

ACCA webinars serve contractors and technicians with practical applications:

• Manual J load calculation methodology
• Manual D duct design procedures
• Quality installation protocols
• Business management strategies

Most webinars emphasize residential and light commercial applications with hands-on examples.

RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society)

Monthly technical webinars covering refrigeration systems, troubleshooting techniques, and safety procedures. Content targets service technicians with emphasis on diagnostic strategies and repair procedures.

SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association)

Quarterly webinars on duct construction standards, installation best practices, and HVAC system performance testing. Sessions address contractors, installers, and commissioning providers.

Distributor Training Webinars

Wholesale distributors conduct webinars for their contractor customers:

Ferguson HVAC: Product introductions, rebate program updates, inventory management Watsco/Gemaire: Equipment selection tools, mobile app training, warranty procedures United Refrigeration: Commercial refrigeration, supermarket systems, controls troubleshooting Baker Distributing: Emergency service training, diagnostic procedures, parts identification

These webinars provide immediate practical value for contractors making daily equipment selections and installation decisions.

Live vs On-Demand Webinar Formats

Live Webinar Advantages

Interactive Q&A: Submit questions during presentation for real-time expert responses addressing your specific applications or challenges.

Current Information: Live sessions deliver the latest developments including recent code changes, new product releases, and emerging technologies.

Networking Opportunity: Chat features and attendee lists facilitate connections with professionals facing similar technical challenges.

Scheduled Commitment: Fixed presentation times create structure supporting completion of training objectives.

PDH Documentation: Live attendance typically generates immediate PDH certificates suitable for license renewal documentation.

On-Demand Benefits

Flexible Scheduling: Watch content at convenient times without conflicts with project deadlines or site visits.

Pause and Review: Stop presentations to examine calculations, reference standards, or research unfamiliar concepts.

Selective Viewing: Navigate directly to relevant sections rather than watching entire presentations.

Unlimited Access Period: Many platforms provide 30-90 day access allowing multiple viewings for complex topics.

Reduced Cost: On-demand pricing often 30-50% lower than equivalent live webinars.

Format Comparison

Webinar Selection Strategy

Match webinar characteristics to learning objectives:

For standards updates: ASHRAE live webinars deliver authoritative interpretation of new requirements with opportunity to clarify application questions.

For product knowledge: Manufacturer on-demand libraries allow reviewing specific equipment lines when evaluating options for current projects.

For troubleshooting skills: Live technical webinars with case study discussions provide insights from experienced practitioners.

For PDH accumulation: On-demand libraries enable efficient credit acquisition at lower cost when topic expertise already exists.

For exam preparation: Live review courses with problem-solving sessions support PE or CEM exam readiness better than self-paced content.

PDH Credit Considerations

Credit Approval

Most state licensing boards accept webinar PDH credits with these common requirements:

• Minimum duration: 50-60 minutes equals 1.0 PDH credit
• Attendance verification: Polling questions, post-webinar quizzes, or login monitoring
• Technical content: Engineering topics directly related to HVAC practice
• Provider documentation: Certificates including topic, duration, date, and presenter credentials

ASHRAE webinars receive universal acceptance. Manufacturer and association webinars typically gain approval when technical content predominates over marketing messages.

Documentation Requirements

Maintain records including:

• Webinar certificate with PDH credit hours
• Course description or agenda
• Date of completion
• Provider name and contact information
• Payment receipt if applicable

State boards typically require 3-6 year retention for audit purposes.

Quality Indicators

Evaluate webinar quality through:

Presenter Credentials: Look for PE licenses, advanced degrees, published research, or recognized industry expertise in the specific topic area.

Technical Depth: High-quality webinars include calculations, design examples, and references to standards rather than superficial overviews.

Production Quality: Clear audio, readable slides, functional interactive features, and reliable streaming indicate professional development.

Participant Reviews: Platforms with rating systems reveal content quality through feedback from previous attendees.

Supporting Materials: Downloadable calculation tools, reference guides, and slide decks extend value beyond the presentation.

Continuing Access: Recorded versions of live webinars allow reviewing complex material after initial viewing.

Emerging Webinar Trends

Virtual Reality Integration: Manufacturers begin offering VR walkthroughs of equipment rooms and mechanical spaces during webinars, enhancing spatial understanding.

AI-Powered Q&A: Some platforms implement AI assistants that answer common questions during on-demand viewing.

Micro-Credentials: Short webinar series culminating in digital badges demonstrating competency in specific technologies or applications.

Interactive Simulations: Advanced webinars incorporate system simulation tools allowing participants to modify parameters and observe performance changes.

Technical webinars provide cost-effective continuing education fitting demanding professional schedules. The combination of live and on-demand formats accommodates different learning preferences while delivering current technical information from industry experts. Strategic webinar selection maintains technical competency, fulfills license renewal requirements, and supports career advancement without travel expenses or extended time away from practice.