HVACR Courses

This course introduces the student to the career paths and opportunities in the HVACR industry. Professional associations and professional certification are discussed as well. Basic electricity and motors are fundamental to the success of an HVACR technician. This course is designed to provide the students with the knowledge and technical skills to be applied to advanced courses further in the program as well as job duties in the field. In this course the student is introduced to electrical safety, electrical theory, and principles. Basic concepts such as types of electrical circuits, circuit components, circuit protection, and the national electric code are discussed in the beginning of this course. As students advance, they will learn about AC and DC voltage supply and application in HVACR, circuit diagrams and the application of schematics in equipment troubleshooting and repair. Types of electric motors, motor controls and troubleshooting will be covered in this course.

This course begins with a study of basic math and mathematical formulas which will be encountered and used by the technician in performing daily activities. Fundamentals of refrigeration including enthalpy, combined gas law, compression, and absorption will be explored.

The student will receive instruction in the criteria for selecting the proper tool for a job. With the ability to select the proper tool, the student will then learn how to properly and safely use the tools that are essential to the HVACR Technician. Students are taught to use a variety of electrical, pressure and temperature measuring devices. In addition, students will also use sheetmetal tools necessary for assembling ductwork.

The student will learn the characteristics and applications of pure and blended refrigerants, and understand the various lubricating oils used in refrigeration systems. This class exposes students to operating principles of compressors used in comfort air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Included are installation, service and repair procedures.

Students will learn about the basic components of a refrigeration system and refrigeration system’s accessory function, installation, and service, as well as the basic refrigeration cycle. Additional topics covered will be heat transfer, heat transfer methods and heat content. Introduction to refrigerants will be included in this course, which will give the student a comprehensive understanding on the different types of refrigerants and the impact of refrigerants on the environment. This course will expose students to the safe and proper procedures of refrigerant handling including refrigerant recovery, recycle and reclaim.

In this course the student will be introduced to electrical theory and principles and their application to HVACR systems. This course also introduces DC and AC circuit operation and electrical fundamentals. Basics such as ohm’s law, relays and transformers will be included.

This course will cover hydronic heating systems such as hot water boilers and steam boilers systems. The course will cover the different areas such as sizing and equipment selection as well as identifying the various components used in hydronic heating systems. Students will learn about installation and service of hydronic systems.

The student will learn the function of various electrical components and functions such as transformers, single-phase and three-phase power distribution, capacitors, the theory and operation of induction motors and the instruments and techniques used in testing AC circuits and components. This class also reviews electrical safety and explains the theory of solid-state electronics, as well as the operation, use and testing of electronic components used in HVACR equipment. This class will familiarize the students with the operation, testing and adjustment of conventional and electronic thermostats, as well as the operation of common electrical, electronic, and pneumatic circuits used to control HVACR systems. This class also explains how to analyze circuit diagrams for electronic and microprocessor-based controls used in comfort heating and cooling equipment and how to troubleshoot systems that use these controls. The students will be exposed to the tools, instruments and techniques used in troubleshooting gas heating appliances, including how to isolate and correct faults. Also covered are the techniques and equipment used in troubleshooting cooling equipment, focusing on analyzing system temperatures and pressures to isolate faults.

The student will examine air movement, measurement including the understanding the concepts of climate and weather, humidity, and an understanding of how air movement affects human comfort. The student will study air quality control as measured by temperature, humidity, fresh airflow, pollutants, and chemicals in an enclosed space. Air distribution and ventilation system service are discussed during this course.

This course will introduce the various types of compressors and components that are found in typical HVACR systems. The student will learn the operating principles, applications, installation and adjustment of fixed and adjustable expansion devices used in refrigeration equipment.

This course will cover heat load calculations, equipment sizing, equipment selection, and equipment installation and service for both residential and commercial setups. Students will be introduced to gas, oil, and electric heating systems as well as control systems that operate in combination with heating systems such as thermostats and humidity and energy recovery systems. Students will practice furnace troubleshooting and tune-up using instruments including combustion analyzers, monometers, and multi-meters. Completing this course, students will be able to install, troubleshoot, and service heating systems.

The student will be introduced to EPA regulations, recovery requirements, leak detection and repair. At the end of this course the student will be able to take the examination for the EPA 608 Universal Certification.

Students will learn about residential air conditioning systems as well as commercial air conditioning systems. The course will expose students to the methods of equipment sizing and selection. Students will practice the proper methods and procedures of installation and troubleshooting for air conditioning systems – residential central systems and commercial rooftop units. Preventive maintenance is included in this course. Students will learn about alternative, non-traditional HVAC systems, such as ductless multi-zone systems and geothermal systems. Students will learn about the components of such systems as well as installation and service.

The student will examine air movement, measurement, air quality, distribution and ventilation system service during this course.

The student will learn the principles of ductless and central air-conditioning systems as well as absorption and evaporative cooling and the operation of components and their location.

Students will learn about system installation and startup. This includes gas pipe, drain line, electrical and sheetmetal. The student will learn to use a variety of electrical, pressure and temperature measuring devices and will use sheetmetal tools necessary for fabrication and assembly of ductwork. Students will learn about the mechanical codes that regulate the installation of HVACR systems. Students will be exposed to the proper State mechanical codes as well as the International mechanical codes. Students will be introduced to EPA regulations, recovery requirements, leak detection, and repair. Students will prepare to take and successfully pass the EPA 608 exam as well as R 410A refrigerant safety.

The student will learn the fundamentals of forced-air, hydronic, heat pumps and gas fired heating systems and will learn the operation of components of the systems and typical configurations in the industry.

This class expands on what was learned in Air Conditioning Systems I. The student will also be exposed to humidity control, thermostats, heating and cooling loads. This course also familiarizes the student with air conditioning installation, troubleshooting and service.

Students will learn about the importance of energy conservation as well as the purpose of building controls, protocols and principles of control system troubleshooting and repairs. Students will learn about the role of information technology in HVACR and building management systems installation and services, and components added to an existing system to improve energy conservation. North American Technician Excellence: is a nationally recognized certification by HVACR contractors. Students review course materials and be prepared to take the NATE Core examination. Topics such as communication skills, mathematics, basic science, personal ethics and conduct, fabrication tools, safety, heat transfer and comfort, electricity and motors will be covered in this extensive course.

This class expands on what was learned in Heating Systems I. The student will learn about oil fired and electric heating systems. This course familiarizes the student with installation and service. The student will also be prepared to take the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) core exam.

The student will engage in study of domestic refrigerators and freezers. The student will learn the systems and components of these units. This class also engages the student with installation, troubleshooting, service and repair of domestic refrigerators and freezers.

The student will be introduced to commercial refrigeration systems. This class explains system configurations, high-side components, low-side components and piping. Special refrigeration systems and applications will be discussed to include transportation refrigeration as well as alternative methods.

In this course, the student will build upon the concepts and applications introduced in Commercial Refrigeration I.

The students will learn the procedures for the startup of hot water, steam heating, chilled water, and forced-air distribution systems after initial equipment installation or after an extended period of shutdown. Also included are the procedures for preparing these systems for extended shutdown.