Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning

Introduces the field of refrigeration and air conditioning — thermodynamics, heat transfer, pressure and temperature relationships, and refrigeration fundamentals. Students learn the major components of the sealed system (metering devices, evaporators, compressors, and condensers) and the core of EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act as it relates to refrigerants and refrigerant handling. Emphasizes safety, the hand and power tools used by HVAC/CR technicians, oxy-acetylene torch safety, and techniques for connecting tubing such as brazing, soldering, cutting, bending, swaging, and flaring.

Introduces basic electrical concepts for the HVAC/CR student — electron theory, voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's law, magnetism, and common units of electrical measurement. Covers basic circuit design (series, parallel, and combination), electrical symbols, reading electrical diagrams, and the use of meters for troubleshooting. Also covers the various types of electric motors and their applications, including single- and three-phase motors, capacitor start/run motors, and the controls used to start and stop them.

Provides the basics of gas-fired heating, geared toward residential and commercial package-unit forced-air heating systems. Covers central heating system mechanical and electrical safety, types of gas and fuel, function of controls, combustion-efficiency tests, gas-pressure adjustment, and proper ventilation. Familiarizes students with boiler room design and hydronic heating systems, focusing on controls and safe operation. Extensive hands-on troubleshooting and electrical wiring diagrams prepare the student for field service.

Covers air conditioning split systems and rooftop package units. Teaches the normal refrigeration cycle for air conditioning units and their components. Charging methods covered include superheat, sub-cooling, weigh-in, and dial-a-charge. Includes service and repair of air conditioning systems using mechanical and electrical troubleshooting techniques, wiring-diagram interpretation, and specialized system components.

Introduces refrigeration systems and applications. Topics include defrost methods, safety and operational controls, refrigerant piping, refrigerant recovery and charging, and leak testing. Covers the installation and startup of common commercial refrigeration systems (display/storage boxes and cases, walk-in systems, and supermarket racks) and introduces commercial ice machines, including electrical and mechanical operation sequences, control adjustment, preventive maintenance, repairs, and installation.

Provides instruction on general service and installation of all HVAC systems — testing, adjusting, maintaining, and troubleshooting HVAC equipment, with emphasis on preventive maintenance for heating and cooling equipment. Students perform a simulated service call and diagnose a real-life troubleshooting scenario. Also introduces residential and commercial air conditioning installation procedures, proper installation techniques required by code, and duct installation.

Centers on the theory and application of heat pump systems and components. Students learn how the reverse cycle for air conditioning is applied in heat pumps and ratings such as C.O.P., E.E.R., and S.E.E.R. Covers various defrost methods (time, temperature, demand, air switch, and integrated circuit-board controls), installing and servicing heat pumps, charging methods (superheat, sub-cooling, weigh-in, and dial-a-charge), and electric heat and control sequencers for auxiliary and emergency heat.