Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

In this course students become familiar with the principles and theory of thermodynamics and how they apply to the HVAC-R industry. The components and features of the HVAC-R system are introduced. Students will also be introduced to Manual “J” calculations. At the conclusion of this course students will have a basic understanding of heat, pressure, temperature, conduction and radiation.

This course delivers the practical applications of electricity in relation to the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems & the electrical panels. Topics include basic principles of electricity, circuits, interpreting wiring diagrams, the principles of electric motors and testing, troubleshooting, servicing, maintaining and installing HVAC electrical components. Students will be focusing on alternating current circuits, proper wiring of electrical boards, the application of electrical laws to practical wiring applications and safety in the process.

In this course students gain a basic understanding of the principles and theory of controls used in the HVACR industry. Students will apply electrical and energy theory to applications; learn control components, the basics of troubleshooting, and types of electric motors. At the completion of this course the student will be prepared to use Ohms law to analyze circuits, identify types of mechanical, electro-mechanical, and electronic controls to sense and control temperature, level, flow, and pressure, the use of basic electrical troubleshooting techniques, and identify types of motors and state there characteristics.

In this course, students will be introduced to direct digital controls (DDCs): control applications, types of control systems, and components. The application of motors: safety, voltages, environments, insulation, bearings and drives. Motor controls: safety, control devices, motor protection, and troubleshooting electric motors. Upon completion of this course the student will be prepared to explain control terminology, describe electronic control components, explain service factor amperage (SFA), full load amperage (FLA), and rated load amperage (RLA); and describe motor applications.

This course introduces the physics of the basic refrigeration cycle, refrigerants, the pressure and temperature relationship, and pressure-enthalpy to the student. The methods and principles associated with evacuation, recovery and charging of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment are explored. At the completion of this course students will be prepared to identify the main components in a refrigeration cycle, use a pressure temperature chart, measure superheat and sub-cooling, plot a pressure-enthalpy diagram, correctly recover, evacuate and charge an air conditioning or refrigeration system within compliance of EPA608 guidelines, identify refrigerants, and determine the temperature application.

In this course students become familiar with indoor air quality and major air conditioning system components including: condensers, compressors, accumulators, suction lines, evaporators, metering devices, receivers, suction-, discharge-, liquid- and condensate lines. How equipment is selected using manual J heat gain and heat loss calculations are explored. At the end of this course the student will have a foundation of indoor air quality issues and methods that can address these issues. The student will be able to speak about use of manual J to apply proper selection of equipment and installation and use of major air conditioning components.

Commercial Refrigeration Concepts provides the student with a basic understanding of the components, methods, principles and troubleshooting associated with HVAC-R equipment used in commercial HVAC-R systems. Topics include the major components, controls and accessories used in refrigeration systems, the identification of appropriate systems for given applications, and diagnosis and service of refrigeration systems. At the end of this course, students will be able to define, describe and identify the concepts, functions, components and troubleshooting strategies involved in commercial refrigeration.

Students are introduced to the principles and theory of electric heat and heat pump systems. Focus is on the equipment and controls of electric heating and how to maintain, test, and troubleshoot electrical problems. This course also provides students with a basic understanding of the principles and theory of heat pumps. The equipment and controls of air-source and geothermal heat pumps are covered. At completion of this course the student should be prepared to identify the components, trace electrical schematics, describe operating sequence, perform basic maintenance and tests in troubleshooting electric heat and heat pump systems.

Gas Heating Systems exposes students to the theory of gas combustion and gas heating equipment and controls. Throughout the course students gain practical knowledge of gas furnaces along with safety considerations, and students will implement techniques used for troubleshooting, maintaining, and installing gas-heating equipment. After successfully completing this course, students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to begin supervised service and maintenance as well as installation of gas heating systems.

The Regional Systems course allows a custom approach to the needs of each region of the country. Where heating with oil is not a common heating method, or where State or regional certifications are required, this course can be tailored to the needs of each school. Oil Heating introduces students to the equipment and controls of oil heating components. Solar Energy teaches the integration of solar energy systems to the HVAC industry. The installation and operation of Mini-Splits are discussed, along with installation and tune-up techniques for single and multi-split heat pump systems. Zoning Controls teaches the operation and wiring of ducted zone systems. Duct Fabrication gives hands-on experience with the most common air distribution techniques. And the Natural Gas Technician provides specific regional instruction on gas pipe sizing, combustion air requirements, and venting for natural gas appliances.

This course provides the student with the basic principles for the design and installation of HVACR equipment and how these practices assure proper system performance. The principles and theory of airflow requirements, indoor air quality, duct design, load calculation, and sheet metal fabrication are covered in this course. Manual “J” will be introduced. At the completion of this course the student will be prepared to develop a basic load calculation resulting in a properly sized system, recognize good installation practices and analyze system performance.

Water-Based Heating Systems introduces students to the equipment and controls of hot water and steam-based heating systems, as well as the strategies used to reduce indoor air pollution. Throughout the course students will gain valuable knowledge and experience with safety procedures, tools, piping, valves, and control systems used with water- based heating systems, and the tools and components used for providing indoor quality air. After successfully completing this course, students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to begin supervised maintenance and repair of water-based heating systems, and be able to explain procedures used to create indoor quality air.

This course provides the student with the basic principles for troubleshooting HVACR equipment. The methods for repairing problems identified in HVACR equipment are practiced. The focus is on HVACR service calls for residential and commercial equipment. At the completion of this course, the student will be prepared to make service calls for troubleshooting and repairing problems in basic HVACR equipment.

This course provides an extensive review of refrigeration and air conditioning systems fundamentals and lab practical. The Core, Type I, Type II and Type III certifications will be covered. Emphasis will be place on the safe and proper handling of refrigerants in compliance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. At the end of this course the student will be prepared for the EPA Certification—Universal Exam.