Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R)

The Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) logo

Train for a cool career! Climate control technology is changing. The need for qualified HVAC technicians is expected to grow 34% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Rising demand for trained technicians will result in excellent employment opportunities. Troubleshoot and wire electrical motors. Diagnose environmental management systems. Install, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Students obtain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification prior to leaving school in order to be employed in any job that requires work with refrigerants. This program prepares students for industry competency certification from North American Technician Excellence (NATE).

Classroom and shop experiences in the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program enable the student to become proficient in the installation, repair, and maintenance of commercial and domestic air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Included in instruction is the theory and application of the basic principles involved in the conditioning of air. The operating characteristics of various cooling and heating units and parts are also studied. Blueprint reading and the use of technical reference manuals are included. The student will learn to troubleshoot and repair pumps, compressors, valves, electromechanical controls, and digital control systems.

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program. The tools, test equipment, materials, and processes used in this laboratory are similar to those used in industry and include tools that utilize bluetooth and other wireless technology.

The program is accredited through The Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) in the following areas: Residential Heating and Air-Conditioning, Light Commercial Heating and Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration.

The following table illustrates the program structure:

Course #

OCP

Course Name

Hours

ACR0000

Introduction to HVAC/R

250

ACR0001

HVAC/R Fundamentals

250

ACR0012

HVAC/R Service Practices

250

ACR0013

HVAC/R Intermediate Service Practices

250

ACR0044

HVAC/R Advanced Commercial and Industrial Service Practices

350

TOTAL HOURS

1350

*1700 with optional course

ACR0045

Students have the option of registering for an optional, additional 350-hour course when they complete the 1350 program entitled:

HVAC/R Advanced Service Practices

350

Hours

1350 hours. Approximately 12 months.
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cost

Approximately $6,553
HVAC/R 22-23 Fee Sheet

What You’ll Learn

A/C Fundamentals
HVAC Science
Refrigeration Systems & Components
Refrigeration Practices
HVAC Electrical Systems & Components
A/C Systems
Heating Systems
Heat Pump Systems
System Design, Sizing & Layout
Commercial Environmental Systems

Career Ready Skills

Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee.
Apply appropriate academic and technical skills.
Attend to personal health and financial well-being.
Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason.
Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions.
Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
Employ valid and reliable research strategies.
Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management.
Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals.
Use technology to enhance productivity.
Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence.

Industry Certifications

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certifiied Technician 608
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Industry Competency Exam (ICE) (Residential)
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Industry Competency Exam (ICE) (Light Commercial)
North Amercian Technician Excellence (NATE) Industry Competency Exam (ICE) (Commercial Refrigeration)

Course Projects

Installation and Startup 10 Ton Trane System
Preforming Maintenance on Campus A/C System
Troubleshooting Different A/C Systems in Lab & on Campus
Load Calculations
Pipe Sizing For A/C Systems
Diagnosing Air Flow Problem on Commercial Equipment

Employment Opportunities

Students who complete this course can expect to earn a starting salary of $15+ per hour in the following industries (Actual wages vary according to education, experience, and certifications.)