Course Details

An introductory course explaining the principles of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR). The basic refrigeration cycle and components will be covered. Elementary electrical concepts, electrical heating systems, and hydronic heating systems will be introduced. Guiding principles for service and installing technicians, i.e., hand-tools, safety, energy conservation, certifications, codes, and permits will be introduced. Careers in HVACR will be explored and trade math skills reviewed.

The skills reviewed in Introduction to Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration will be applied to electrical circuits as basic electrical theory is broadened with activities using various electrical meters to reinforce learning from classroom instruction. Electrical components in HVACR systems will be presented as students learn to interpret and produce various electrical diagrams illustrating how these systems are controlled.

An introduction to heating fundamentals including heat transfer and combustion theory. Furnace types, their specific control components and sequences of operation will be covered. Students will also prepare for the Rocky Mountain Gas Association (RMGA) Gas Technician Certification exam.

An introductory course covering the physical and chemical laws governing the principles of refrigeration. A more in-depth study of the refrigeration cycle, system components, refrigerants, and refrigerant controls will be covered.

Copper tubing and pipe joinery will be covered, including tools and equipment, and their proper use will be demonstrated while emphasizing safety. Oxy-acetylene, air-acetylene and MAPP equipment will be covered. Installation related devices, wiring, tubing installation and sheet metal methods will also be covered. Various hanging and support methods will also be addressed.

This course is designed to enhance the qualifications of the technician to understand the different temperature classifications, equipment and operational conditions within the classifications. This includes special refrigeration system components, such as two temperature system components, evaporator pressure controls, crankcase pressure regulators, low ambient controls, pressure controls and safety devises, defrost methods, and accessories. Refrigeration system applications are covered, which includes merchandising options for refrigeration systems, automatic pump down cycle, multiple evaporator systems, multiple compressor systems (rack systems), secondary refrigerant systems, pressurized liquid systems, staggered defrost methods, vending machine refrigeration, water coolers, mobile (transport) refrigeration systems, cascade refrigeration systems, and ice making. Special refrigeration applications are covered as well as the preparation of achieving the Environmental Protection Agency’s 608 Refrigerate Handlers Certificate which is required by federal law.

This course is designed to enhance the qualifications of the technician with the in-depth study of system diagnosis in high, medium and low temperature classes. Exploring causes and remedies from superheat and/or sub cooling out of parameters to evaluating the efficient operating conditions of compressors, condensers, evaporators and metering devices. Troubleshooting is a vital part of maintaining an efficient and safe operating system while performing a successful service call. Critical thinking will be addressed including verifying the problem, gathering information, performing visual inspections, isolating and identifying system problems ultimately correcting the problem, testing and completion of the service call. Residential Energy Auditing including diagnostic testing, duct and air leakage testing, combustion and furnace efficiency, HVAC/R venting, and draft testing, numerical analysis and reporting will be covered.

This course is designed to enhance the qualifications of the technician with the in-depth study of system installation and start up. Covering proper system locations, piping, electrical connections, condensate removal, system leak and charge check. The air distribution system will be covered including configurations, selection, duct materials, installation, airflow calculations, sizing of air distribution systems, register and grill selection, and balancing of the system. Measuring airflow equipment used for system pressure balancing in the distribution system while adjusting air volumes, dampers and registers are addressed. With high cost of energy, monetarily as well as environmentally, Residential Energy Auditing and diagnostic testing of the system through numerical analysis and reporting is becoming crucial. Heat gain and heat loss calculations to ensure efficient and safe system round out this vital course.

This course is designed to enhance the qualifications of the technician to understand the physical creation of different air distribution systems. By understanding field measurements, calculations, fittings, construction and sheetmetal drawings. This will be an introduction to radial line development, triangulation, duct fabrication standards, bend allowances and soldering as it pertains to the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration industry.

This program prepares students for an interesting and profitable career as an HVACR Technician. Technicians will install, service and repair equipment in a wide range of applications including residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial settings. This program provides participants with the opportunity to prepare for a successful career, anywhere in the world, and acquire the knowledge and skills that will qualify them for employment opportunities with incomes higher than the typical U.S. household. Additionally, this industry has proven to be resistant to economic downturns. With increasing energy costs and indoor air quality expectations, employment opportunities and earnings are on the rise.