Happy Holidays ya filthy animals. We hope you all get gifted a new drill set and zero emails marked ‘per my last message.’

New Courses

Maintenance Electrical Component Checks

This course gives HVAC maintenance technicians hands-on training in inspecting and correcting common electrical issues. You’ll learn how to spot and fix loose or corroded connections, damaged wiring, and worn insulation. Check it out →

Basic Split System: Components Identification

We created this course to help new HVAC techs easily recognize and understand the key parts of a typical residential split system before working on one. Check it out →

Industry News

🧰 EPA’s latest refrigerant rule could change what techs see in the field

🤖 HVAC pricing is getting dragged online kicking and screaming. Thanks, AI

2026 Outlook

Key Trends & Challenges for 2026

• Regulatory Compliance: Starting Jan 1, 2026, new equipment must use low-GWP refrigerants (R-454B, R-32), impacting repairs and replacements.
• Electrification: Increased adoption of heat pumps due to state mandates.
• Labor Shortages: High demand for technicians, with significant job growth expected, but many retiring workers are not being replaced.
• Digital Marketing: Essential for vetting by younger, digitally-savvy customers. Especially with AI used as Google
• Rising Costs: Expect higher equipment and material costs (3-6% rise).

What Contractors Need to Do

• Embrace High-Performance HVAC: Develop systems for measuring static pressure and training for new standards.
• Master New Technology: Train on low-GWP refrigerants, R-32, R-454B, and inverter-driven systems.
• Boost Online Presence: Focus on trustworthiness and experience through digital channels.
• Strategic Planning: Plan for system upgrades considering long-term regulations and energy codes (like NYC's Local Law 97).
• Invest in Workforce: Address labor gaps with training.

Work slows down, but the best in the trades never stop growing.

Join Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe and real home-service Pros as they share the proven playbooks for staying booked year-round.

✅ Free to attend

✅ December 4

✅ Learn what really works from the field

What's New?

Career Help is now in the app

The Lab 💰

• Explore options for jobs and salaries
• Find jobs in your area based on interests and level of experience
• Follow the HVAC career roadmap
• Assistance building a resume

The Portfolio 🔧

• Showcase your work. Capture projects done around the house or your tool setup -any work showing your skills to the trades
• See all your certifications in one place
• Earn badges for every skill you pick up from training

Trades News

Trades News

🔥 Gen Z is over college and the government just threw gas on the fire

The following courses will be deleted on 10/31/2025.

If you are currently enrolled or have not downloaded your certificate make sure to do so before this date.

If you are a business account, these courses will also be removed from your learning plan.

Courses being removed

1. Basic Science for the Trades
2. Piping
3. Basic Electrical Systems & Controls
4. Electricity Fundamentals
5. Complete Residential Systems
6. Trade Math
7. Mechanical Aptitude Soft Skills
8. Refrigeration Basics
9. Routine Maintenance: Residential Systems
10. Basics of Drawings & Blueprints
11. Mechanical Troubleshooting
12. Reading HVAC Drawings and Blueprints
13. Intro to Nabors
14. Tongs and Slips
15. ICAST - Heat Pump Design
16. ICAST - Heat Pump Installation
17. ICAST - Heat Pump Service
18. Refrigeration Cycle - NATE Training
19. AC Maintenance Basics
20. Schneider Electric - Learning the Basics of Electricity
21. Schneider Electric - Applying Safety Rules
22. Schneider Electric - Choosing Professional Equipment Tools Materials and Products
23. Schneider Electric - Selecting the Appropriate Cables and Wires
24. Schneider Electric - Protecting the House with Grounding
25. Fuel System Balance Points
26. Smart Diagnostics- Testing
27. Smart Diagnostics- Troubleshoot
28. Smart Commissioning Smartphone/Tablet Applications
29. QI 9
30. QI 5
31. Service Calculations
32. Your MAP to Management

FAQ:

Why are you removing this course?
We're working on upgrading our content! In the meantime we need to make more room for the good stuff. Stay tuned for new courses.

Will the certificate be saved?
No, you'll need to download a copy of your certificate after completion for any future record.

​What do I do if my employer needs proof of completion?
Please make sure to complete the course and download the certification. Once deleted we will have no record of completion saved.

​More questions? Visit our help center

Now in your dashboard your tools tab shows you more than just manuals!

Now you can:

• Submit custom troubleshooting guides
• Manuals for upload
• Error Codes

And best of all.. Analytics! You can see how your users are utilizing the tools tab in their app.

Hi there,

Assessments are now live!

We’ve added Hiring Assessments right inside your SkillCat Dashboard! During our beta launch, you’ll get unlimited access to evaluate top candidates before they even step on-site.. no seat add-ons needed!

Now, you can:

✅ Assign trade-specific assessments directly to candidates via email or link

✅ View scores, completion data, and pass/fail status in real-time

✅ Compare candidates across key technical and safety skills

✅ Save time screening and interviewing (only meet the best-fit techs)

This release means faster placements, better job matches, and higher retention.

It’s one more way we’re helping you build a pipeline of ready-to-work Green Techs.

👉 Log in to your Dashboard to try it out today.

Hi there,

What's new?!

Looking for a job in HVAC? We want to help! Fill out this form so we can guide you on your way!

🔧 Industry News Roundup

1. 🤖AI’s creeping into the trades and we're not mad about it?

2. 💰 The feds just dropped $86M to supercharge trade programs. Did your state make the cut?

3. ❄️ “Ice batteries” are the latest energy trend. Cool idea or just another frozen fad? See for yourself.

🎁 What's New?

New Courses for the Fast Track to HVAC

Open your app to the Fast Track to HVAC section and check this out!

🎓 October Graduates

Let's congratulate the 203 SkillCat Trade School Grads who finished their 55-hour+ Trade School Certification this past month!

Are you local to the Philadelphia area and interested in the electrical trades?

Check out the Electrical Trade Career Workshop in Philidelphia, PA!

Hi there,

Check out this new course released this month!

Category: HVAC Fast Track

Time to complete: 1.33 Hours

Description:

Capacitors and Resistors introduces learners to two of the most common electrical components found in HVAC systems. The course explains how capacitors store and release energy to help motors start and run efficiently, and how resistors control current flow and voltage within control circuits. Through clear visuals and practical examples, learners will learn to identify these components in real equipment, read their ratings, and safely test them using a multimeter. By the end, technicians will understand how to spot signs of failure and ensure these small but vital parts keep systems running reliably.

Hi there,

Check out this course!

Category: HVAC Fast Track

Time to complete: 1 hour

Description:

Basic Airflow Temperature Reading teaches learners how to take accurate supply and return air temperature measurements to evaluate HVAC system performance. The course covers where and how to place thermometers, what a normal temperature split (ΔT) should look like, and how readings can point to issues like restricted airflow, low refrigerant charge, or dirty coils. Through real-world examples and visual demonstrations, learners will build the confidence to interpret temperature differences correctly and use them as a quick, reliable indicator of system health during maintenance and troubleshooting.