Someone told me it isn't difficult to repair auto A/C units and it wouldn't take long to learn it. Is that true and are there many jobs and skilled people out there?

One mechanic told me it would take all day to take out a part out form under the dash of an '85 Ford which doesn't sound easy to me. The way he jumps from job to job it probably would take all day though.

The local college is having a class which is composed of about 60 hours. 1/2 lecture and 1/2 half hands on. I never liked fixing things, but if it's not too aggravating like working on outboards and such maybe there is a possiblity here. Thanks.

Hi,

There's a demand for about any sub trade. A/C or better said MVAC (Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning) involes understanding the physics of heat transfer first and then you have all the different vehicles and the way they applied that. It's invasive to an automobile in almost every respect.

This is a VERY tough area for the biz of it. Big bucks in equipment and a host of legalities now to boot. It's also highly seasonal so it's not so easy as an ONLY trade for year round work.

There's as much to know about servicing/repairing automotive A/C as the rest of the car! Who told you this was a quick and easy thing to get into?

You really need to have a strong understanding of the first thing cars need to do - Start, run, and move safely down a road. Things you do to A/C can effect or damage other necessary operations and vs versa.

Not a good trade for dependable year round income. The easy $$ in A/C is the first breakdown of a nice original system of which about 65% is a common leak and a simple repair of the leak and proper recharge can be somewhat fast and easy. Don't be fooled though!

If you think working on outboards is aggrevating - A/C will be total hair loss!

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
_________________________________________

http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the eye opener on that one. My Dad told me he thought it looked simple but he was just guessing. On the surface it doesn't look complicated. As usual things are complicated no matter what you get into, especially in legalities.

I've worked on cars, small engine, and outboard motors. I learned most everything the hard way. (asked a lot of questions of forums too). There weren't any outboard schools around teaching the basics.

The way the economy is going, I don't think there are any real good opportunites. Still looking though. Bob

What I see with a declining economy is that the money spent on A/C will decline in almost all places as it is generally fine to leave it broken and still use the car.

Some repairs can get right into the thousands and folks just aren't going to fix those which isn't surprising.

You will notice "quick fix" stuff sold in stores for automotive A/C that can work and make it sound so simple. Truth is it frequently costs folks in damage to the whole system to save a buck up front. It's kind of like using "tire slime" to fix all tire problems. What a mess when that doesn't work! Even when it does it would throw off the whole balance of the tire so it's not really a fix but that part of the A/C biz is out there.

Ok: I'll come back with a thing to read in a minute about what it takes just to properly fill a perfectly good system that is empty for any reason. You'll be shocked at what it takes just to do that- PROPERLY!

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
_________________________________________

http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/

http://www.autoclimas.com/...igerant%20charge.php

Check that out. To just do that small operation is a course of study - never mind what needs to be fixed to get to that!

T

Ps: That was written by a friend in the biz!
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
_________________________________________

http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/