Mechanics vs Technicians 

I agree with you Dirk, we have to many technicians guessing and changing parts and not solving the problems.

This really addresses the age old question, what separates a good technician from a great technician? Answer - Theory. A great technician utilizes higher-order critical thinking skills such as analyzing and evaluating. These are not innate skills, but rather learned skills. Learning theory, really requires us to learn how to learn. It requires the great technician to go above and beyond watching, memorizing, and practicing.

We, as the industry, must evolve. Staying current on new technologies, learning new products, new platforms, all the while sharpening our ability to connect with people, on a one-on-one, personal level is key to me. The further technology and digitization evolves, the more relevant human relationships will be important. We have gotten away from human to human over the last decade or so, but it is resurfacing, as we as humans, and the select group in our HVAC world, need a tribe to huddle with. Great work here Dirk, keep pounding brother.

Great explanation Dirk. This has always been an issue and isn’t always transparent.

I 100% agree with this video. I had to learn a lot about theory before I was allowed to touch a tool. For me the hvac industry is more brains than mechanical skills.

I agree that field work takes a strong fundamental understanding of theory on how an HVACR system operates and performs. Measurements are only numbers unless we can use our fundamental understanding to interpret and analyze them. Understanding what a measurement should be before taking it is just as important as taking the measurement. The best field technicians marry both the mechanical and the theory together to quickly solve system problems.

We are definitely an industry that needs techs "beyond mechanical skills". I was once told it was easier to be a veterinarian than a human doctor, because animals never hide the fact something hurts. A Dr.'s first step is not writing a prescription, it starts with a question like "What are you here for today"? HVAC technicians are like doctors, looking for an accurate diagnosis before prescribing the correct mechanical procedure. Fortunately homeowners give honest answers (unless they shorted something out they shouldn't have been in). Every service call should start with communication soft-skills, and asking questions gives great advantage. Having knowledge of fundamentals allows the tech to pursue further questions that can result in a quick and accurate diagnosis. Without technical theory and fundamental knowledge, diagnosis can be a mechanical exercise and guessing game. Technical knowledge along with communication skills (asking the right questions) will continue becoming more valuable and most likely a higher percentage in this video as the industry advances in new technologies. Nice job - great conversation!

Very good analysis. As usual Dirk you right on target. Grey matter turns into green matter $$$$ 😊

Here Dirk. Nice video. I believe the terms are interchangeable. I have had both of the titles, and I had the same duties.