Note: This short series is on the mindset of learning (and teaching), not really a “tech tip,” per se. We will be back to the tech tips in a few days.  I've heard and repeated these phrases countless times over the years, both at home and work: That should be obvious. It's just common sense. […]

Do you know how a solenoid valve works? Really? On the surface, I think we all understand how a solenoid valve works. The coil energizes, creating an electromagnet. That temporary magnetism lifts an iron plunger within the valve allowing refrigerant to flow. But is it really that simple? It turns out that the answer isn't […]

  The most common—and often most frustrating—questions that trainers and senior techs get asked sound something like this: “What should my ______ be?” or “My _____ is at ______. Does that sound right?” Usually, when the conversation is over, both the senior and junior techs walk away feeling frustrated because the junior tech just wanted […]