The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (RACCA) of Tampa Bay held an “Introduction to Air Conditioning” lunch and learn meeting on April 10th, 2025. Hosted by Victor Distributing in Clearwater, FL, the non-technical seminar was presented by RACCA Apprenticeship Program Administrator Keane Bismarck.
The class was a sellout, attended by receptionists, office administrators, dispatchers and other support personnel from local HVAC contractor businesses.
Keane began the meeting by having everyone introduce themselves, then proceeded with a glossary of HVAC terminology. He continued with a discussion of heat transfer in a structure, the difference between a packaged and split system, an explanation of the indoor and outdoor sections of a system and the basic refrigeration cycle.
Types of air conditioning and heating systems commonly found in Florida was the next topic of the day. This included straight cool with electric heat and furnace heating and air source, water source and ground source heat pumps.
An overview of air distribution extended plenum systems, radial systems and return systems concluded the course.
“It’s gratifying to hear the positive feedback from the attendees,” Keane stated. “I’ve been presenting this class since my days as RACCA’s Executive Director and have always had people stating they have a clearer understanding of our industry after the session.”
Visit www.racca-florida.org for information on upcoming events and how to become involved with the association.
