Technician Certification for Refrigerants, 3rd edition

Author Howard Styles

Many EPA section 608 course books simply concentrate on the goal of passing the tests and do not provide any more information than is required for the test. Once a student has passed then they are going to have to learn the EPA course material in more detail if they want to actually become a technician. Typically the student discards any section 608 training materials once they have their EPA card. This book is intended to cover the EPA tests in considerably more detail, teaching the student the underlying concepts of HVAC and leaving the student with both a greater level of knowledge as well as a high test score. This book is highly recommended and will continue to be useful following the tests.

Section 608 Certification Exam Preparatory Manual, 9th edition

Covering the core topics as well as type one, two and three certification this is a short but dense book that should take you all of the way towards certification. If you are new to the HVACR field you may need to supplement this book with others that provide a more detailed introduction to topics such as refrigerant names and classifications, vacuum levels, and refrigerant cycles. The intent of this book is simply to help with passing the EPA certifications. This edition was rewritten for 2019 and subsequently revised into this V2 edition to bring it fully up to date with the EPA rule changes for the start of the year. This book is also available in a Spanish translation (Seccion 608 de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) Manual Preparatorio Novena Edición V2)

Fundamental Refrigeration, 1st edition

Author George Gunter

Fundamental refrigeration is intended to be an initial introduction to students who are not familiar with HVAC systems. The text keeps theory and mathematics to a minimum for easy access to the basic refrigeration concepts but covers much of the information EPA section 608 students must learn. Although the book does not cover the full scope of the EPA tests it is useful as an introduction to HVAC topics. In the book R-22 refrigerant in high pressure systems is used for the examples which should be useful for all of the tests. As the book is now over a decade old the price for a new copy on Amazon is now reasonable which is why we are recommending it.

HVAC Control Systems, 1st edition

Author Ronnie J. Auvil

Clearly written with many great diagrams and pictures this book should be on the shelf of any HVAC trainee technician. Intended to be an introductory text for students the author adds in clearly explained new concepts as the reader progresses through the book. Each chapter ends with a series of review questions to ensure you have fully understood the material.

Guide to NATE/ICE Certification Exams, 3rd edition

Author Robert Featherstone, Jesse Riojas

Aimed at people studying for the NATE/ICE exams this book contains in depth material covering these qualifications as well as over 2500 questions and answers. Divided into two sections, the first is a study guide for HVAC topics covered under the ICE exam. The second part contains the 2500 questions about the material in the first part.

Heat Pump Operation, Installation, Service, 1st edition

Author Randy F. Petit, Sr., Turner L. Collins

Heat pumps are clearly an area of HVACR that all technicians will need a very strong understanding of to pass tests and then work in the field. This book is an introductory text for students beginning their training and contains a good overview in each chapter with question pages which can be torn from the spiral bound book for grading by a tutor. Technicians will need to supplement their study with other works as this book does not provide enough detail for a full understanding of each topic.

Electricity for Refrigeration, Heating, and Air Conditioning, 2nd edition

Author Russell E. Smith

First published in 1978 this classic HVAC textbook has been continuously updated by Russell E. Smith and the tenth edition is now available. HVAC technicians must be extremely familiar with all aspects of electrical systems used in the field as they form such a large part of real world work. Electricity for Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning expands on previous editions by adding new material on digital meters, brushless DC motors, WiFi thermostats, control systems, and more practice problems.

The Complete HVAC Lab Manual, 10th edition

Author Eugene Silberstein, Jason Obrzut

Written to help instructors teach students the material in a technician certification course. The book contains over 250 lab exercises so you can practice your knowledge of the course material before the tests. Now in a new tenth edition this book is worth buying to make sure you are really familiar with the HVAC subjects you have studied. Please note this book is a lab workbook and not a textbook. It contains tests and lab exercises and is intended to be used alongside a textbook in a classroom setting.

Residential Construction Academy HVAC, 2nd edition

Author Eugene Silberstein

Written by the prolific HVAC author Eugene Silberstein this book is a detailed look at installing HVAC systems in a residential setting. Each of the very detailed chapters is well written and illustrated and ends with a series of review questions at the chapter end. This is an extremely useful book which many technicians choose to keep after they have become certified. While the book does not cover any of the newer refrigerants as it was published in 2011 the information inside is fundamental to HVAC installation practice and still useful today. Recommended.

HVACR 101, 1st edition

Author Joseph Moravek

Aimed at beginners with a strong emphasis on real world HVACR work this book makes an excellent introductory text for students starting a course or studying for the EPA certification. HVACR 101 is the first of a series of books, each containing increasing depth and complexity as they explain practical and useful industry topics. Each chapter contains descriptions of issues you may find when working with HVACR equipment as well as end of chapter review questions, with answers to questions at the end of the book. This is one of those books that should be on every students book shelf. Highly recommended.

HVACR 201, 1st edition

Author John Hohman

Following on from the excellent first title in this series this book expands on the existing material in more depth. Like its predecessor HVACR 201 contains information based on real world work in the HVACR field, ensuring the book will be useful long after a students training has finished. Starting with a review of essential HVACR topics the book covers electrical systems and controls with useful case study examples, going on to explain mechanical troubleshooting and installation topics. Throughout the book there are tips drawn from professional field experience as well as review questions with answers at the end of the book. This book would be ideal for the intermediate student who will likely continue to find it useful when starting work in the field. Highly recommended.

Fundamentals of HVACR, 3rd edition

Author Carter Stanfield, David Skaves

This is one of the few HVACR textbooks that should be considered a standard work for HVAC students and technicians. Almost everyone starting in the field should have a copy. The publisher claims it is comprehensive enough to be used as the basis for a full HVACR course. This third updated edition now includes chapters on electrical troubleshooting, mini-split, multi-split and variable refrigerant flow systems, and motor controls. Sections on digital gauges, nitrogen brazing, and confined space safety have been expanded.

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 21st edition

Author Andrew D. Althouse, Carl H. Turnquist, A.F. Bracciano, D.C. Bracciano, and G.M. Bracciano

Intended to be the standard textbook for HVAC students Modern Refrigeration and Air conditioning covers all topics in an easy to understand way. The 20th edition was updated to include a new careers chapter as well as a safety chapter. It also has many technical updates including 300 new illustrations.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 9th edition

Author Eugene Silberstein, Jason Obrzut, John Tomczyk, Bill Whitman, Bill Johnson

In every technical field there are a few textbooks that become all time classics that everyone in the field either does or should own. This is one of those books for people working with HVAC equipment. This is a book to keep once you have gained your certification as it will be a useful reference when you are working.

HVACR 301, 1st edition

Author John Hohman

Building on the previous two books in this series HVACR 301 is firmly based in the real working environment of the HVACR trade. Aimed at students starting work experience or those leaving training for a job in the field this book provides a solid understanding of real world HVACR work. Each chapter contains a thorough walk-through of the topic alongside real world problems and end of chapter review questions with answers to questions at the end of the book. Students just starting out may prefer to review the previous books before reading this one as it assumes the reader has a strong working level of HVACR understanding. Experienced technicians will find this book useful as well as those just starting their career, this is a book to keep after your training. Highly recommended.

HVACR 401, 1st edition

Author John Hohman

Continuing on from the first three books in this series HVACR 401 is the first to concentrate in depth on a single topic. The book covers heat pumps and as with the previous books expands on the material within the preceding book. The book is aimed at students in the final stage of training, apprentices, and those beginning work in the field. Starting with a review of heat pumps and the refrigeration cycle the book continues on to expand on heat pump system components, electrical schematics, and maintenance. The final chapters cover geothermal, ground source, and water source heat pumps. As with previous books there are many field examples and review questions with an answer key at the end of the book. Highly recommended.

HVAC and Refrigeration Systems, 1st edition

Author Ronnie J. Auvil

A solid technical reference for technicians working on residential and light commercial systems. The main focus of the textbook is to provide an understanding of the procedures for installing, servicing, and troubleshooting all residential and light commercial HVAC systems. The Author Ron Auvil also writes for HVAC News and is a technical contributor for Fluke Corporation, having worked for the Pentagon, The University of South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Gulfstream Aircraft, Boeing, and NASA.

Industrial Refrigeration Handbook, 1st edition

Author Wilbert Stoecker

Industrial Refrigeration Handbook is the distilled wisdom, learning, and experience of an expert in the field. It is not an entry level text, but instead aims to cover the harder, higher level theory and concepts not found in more general textbooks. While the book has not been recently updated to cover newer refrigerants this should not dissuade you from buying this book as it has very good coverage of fundamental theory and its application. Readers of this book will need at least a college level understanding of algebra to fully understand the math topics in the book. If you are serious about understanding industrial refrigeration then this book should be on your shelf.

Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians, 3rd edition

Author Dick Wirz

This 3rd edition of Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians is perfect for the experienced technician starting work in the food service industry. It helps you use your existing knowledge to work on medium and low temperature food service refrigeration equipment. New in this edition is a much expanded chapter on Supermarket Refrigeration as well as additions to the chapters on Compressors, Controls and Accessories, and Troubleshooting. Highly recommended.

Heat pumps, 2nd edition

Author Eugene Silberstein

Covering air source, water source, and geothermal heating pump technology Heat Pumps is written by one of the authors of the popular Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology. The second edition contains information on green building code as well as fifteen chapters on troubleshooting.

Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, 8th edition

Author James D. Halderman

Covering the complete range of topics for the ASE education certification heating and air conditioning test this book has been revised to expand on R-1234yf refrigerants, engine coolants, HVAC inspection procedures, and sealant filters. Case studies have been added to several chapters to expand on real life troubleshooting techniques.

Auto Heating and Air Conditioning, 5th edition

Author Chris Johanson

Aimed at technicians studying for the ASE tests Auto Heating and Air Conditioning is a new revised edition of the popular automotive MVAC textbook. Written by an ASE master technician who has also authored several other ASE textbooks in the Goodheart-Willcox ASE range. The book covers the topics in the ASE education foundation task list for the A7, heating and air conditioning test. This is a detailed and authoritative book for those training to be an ASE technician.

Modern Diesel Technology: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, 2nd edition

Author John Dixon

Intended as a textbook for diesel technology programs Modern Diesel Technology is ideal for technicians staring work on truck HVACR. Covering the details of truck heating, air conditioning, engine cooling, and truck-trailer refrigeration the book even includes the history of HVACR in the truck industry.

Federal clean air act section 609 training manual & Exam, 1st edition

ESCO one of the largest training organizations for EPA section 608 and 609 testing have long published this classic book for technicians studying for their EPA 609 card before moving onto ASE training. This book is short but dense, intended to provide just enough training to pass the test. You can purchase the book directly from ESCO inside a training packet alongside the return by mail test. ESCO also provide a free PDF download of the training manual which we recommend you read first. The test can then simply be booked and completed online on the ESCO site.

Harvest of the Cold Months, 1st edition

Author Elizabeth David

Concentrating on the early days of food refrigeration this is the last book the famous food writer Elizabeth David was working on at the time of her death in 1992. Harvest of the Cold Months is truly global in scope and epic in scale, concentrating on the ice trade in antiquity to the early days of refrigeration. There is an abundance of fascinating detail about the type of foods requiring ice houses and the wealthy people who could afford such luxury in the past.

Refrigeration: A History, 1st edition

Author Carroll Gantz

From storing winter ice and the ingenious evaporative cooling methods to the invention of modern refrigeration this book covers a huge swathe of history most are unaware of. Refrigeration: A History tells the story of the many methods devised to keep food from spoiling by keeping it cold. Moving from ancient history to the American ice harvesting trade and early ice machines and eventually to the modern refrigerator this book is a fascinating look at how we came to be where we are today.

Refrigeration Nation: A History of Ice, Appliances, and Enterprise in America, 1st edition

Author Jonathan Rees

In his book Refrigeration Nation, Jonathan Rees recants the history of refrigeration in the USA and explains how the continuing development of cold storage changed the eating habits of a nation. Refrigeration has had a huge but largely unseen impact on the development of the country from the way it expanded the markets of farmers to the length of time could be kept before spoiling. Although Rees main focus is America he does make several interesting comparisons between refrigeration in the US and other countries.

Cool: How Air Conditioning Changed Everything, 1st edition

Author Salvatore Basile

It is the technology that has become ubiquitous in American life, fitted in each home, workplace, and school. It has changed the expectation that American people have to simply endure the weather in summer. Air conditioning the background to modern life. The path to today was not always a smooth one however. Inventors initially struggled to perfect the equipment we now take for granted. Once they had it was tough to convince the public of the need to be cool in the summertime. This book presents the funny and dramatic history of air conditioning.

Chilled: How Refrigeration Changed the World and Might Do So Again, 1st edition

Author Tom Jackson

We take the "cold chain" our food is stored and travels in for granted now, but the story of how we got here today is a fascinating one told well in this entertaining journey through the history of refrigeration. Chilled: How Refrigeration Changed the World and Might Do So Again takes us from early attempts to cut and store ice right up to super cold superconductors in science experiments.