Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

We offer a seven quarter, two-year Associate’s Degree of Applied Science (A.A.S) in HVAC/R. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level positions as a technician in the HVAC/R trade, a rewarding career that is fast-paced, challenging, and requires an independent mindset.

Students of the SCC HVAC/R program study electrical theory, motors, controls, refrigeration theory, gas and electric furnace troubleshooting, air conditioner and refrigeration system troubleshooting, heat pump troubleshooting, and computer based digital controls. Please see course descriptions for a detailed listing of each course and learning topics.

Hands-on learning and troubleshooting is an important part of our program. The SCC HVAC/R lab has over 120 pieces of operational equipment for students to learn on and practice with. All pieces of equipment were installed by students, and have been maintained by students. Classroom theory is backed up with real-world testing, measurement, and troubleshooting on actual pieces of equipment students will see in the field after they graduate. An optional internship is available sixth and seventh quarters as well. Students will have the opportunity to take the tests to receive their Spokane Gas Heating Mechanic’s 1 License and EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Handling License. Students will also register to receive their WA L&I Electrical Trainee License, and will start to receive credit for hours that will apply towards an electrical license.

SCC HVAC/R Graduate Employment Rates

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15	2015-16	2016-17
Estimated Employment Rate	95%	100%	100%	100%	100%
Average Starting Hourly Wages	$15.20	$14.89	$16.45	$15.81	$16.79

Source: Program Data Tracking

AIRC 103 — Fundamentals of Electricity in HVAC/R — 4.0 Credits

Students explore the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism, and basic applications in the HVAC/R trade. Theory includes voltage, direct and alternating current, resistance, series and parallel circuits, electrical symbols and schematic diagrams, electrical safety, and basic electrical components. Emphasis will be placed on the skills to interpret basic schematics for gas heat, electric heat, and air conditioning systems.
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AIRC 106 — HVAC/R Electrical Applications — 6.0 Credits

Students further explore electrical applications in the HVAC/R field. Topics include motors, line voltage and low voltage controls, relays, transformers, and thermostats. Special emphasis is placed on the development and use of schematic and wiring diagrams for troubleshooting gas and electric furnaces.
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AIRC 107 — HVAC/R Electrical Applications Lab — 8.0 Credits

Topics will include wiring, testing, and troubleshooting of series and parallel circuits, low voltage and line voltage controls, interpretation of schematic diagrams, and electrical safety. Emphasis will be placed on wiring, testing, and troubleshooting an electric and gas furnace.
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AIRC 108 — Fundamentals of Heating Systems — 6.0 Credits

This course introduces the fundamentals of heating with forced air fuel gas burning appliances and electric heating appliances. Students will explore gas codes, venting, gas piping, the combustion process, and components of residential and light commercial heating systems. Emphasis will be placed on sequence of operation, troubleshooting, and the relationship of the electrical and mechanical functions as a complete system.
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AIRC 109 — Fundamentals of Refrigeration — 5.0 Credits

Students will explore the physics and theory governing the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, human comfort and psychometrics, and practical applications of refrigeration systems.
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AIRC 110 — Fundamentals of Refrigeration Lab — 10.0 Credits

Students will focus on the proper use of refrigeration tools, evaluating refrigeration system performance, analyzing ladder diagrams, and troubleshooting electrical components.
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AIRC 125 — Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication — 1.0 Credits

This course introduces the theory and practical application of sheet metal practices in duct fabrication. Topics include sheet metal tools, layout, duct fabrication, and duct installation procedures.
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AIRC 126 — Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication Lab — 3.0 Credits

Lab component to accompany AIRC 144 Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication. Students will use sheet metal tools, equipment, and layout procedures to fabricate and install a duct system.
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AIRC 136 — HVAC/R Safety — 1.0 Credits

This course will introduce students to the safety requirements mandated by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries and OSHA. Topics include safety standards, fall protection, electrical safety, struck-by, caught-in or between, PPE, HAZMAT, and health hazards in construction.
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AIRC 137 — Fundamentals of Heating Systems Lab — 8.0 Credits

Students will wire, troubleshoot, and repair residential and light commercial heating systems. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills to identify system problems, troubleshooting strategies, and repair procedures.
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AIRC 203 — Fundamentals of Air Conditioning — 7.0 Credits

This course continues refrigeration instruction to also include comfort cooling and air conditioning. Students will explore techniques for proper refrigerant handling, recovery, recycling, reclaim, and evacuation, in preparation for the EPA 608 Refrigerant Handling License. Electrical skills will be further developed, exploring the use of electric motors, capacitors, motor protective devices, additional controls, and code compliance.
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AIRC 204 — Fundamentals of Air Conditioning Lab — 7.0 Credits

Students will focus on the proper use of refrigeration tools, evaluating refrigeration and air conditioning system performance, analyzing ladder diagrams, troubleshooting electrical components, recovery and evacuation procedures, and brazing techniques.
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AIRC 205 — System Performance Testing — 5.0 Credits

This course will introduce students to the idea of considering the individual components as part of a complete system when evaluating performance. Topics include the measurement of system performance through airflow, critical charge, charging tables for air conditioning systems, combustion analysis for combustion appliances, economizers, fan laws, fan and blower performance, air distribution systems, and hydronics. Heat transfer in buildings and calculation of heat load will also be covered, focusing on the building as a system.
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AIRC 206 — System Performance Testing Lab — 10.0 Credits

Students will measure airflow and analyze results, evaluate system performance, and practice advanced troubleshooting procedures. Troubleshooting will include refrigeration problems, compressor replacements, electrical problems including compressors, motors, and controls, combustion problems, and airside problems.
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AIRC 207 — System Servicing and Troubleshooting of Heat Pumps — 5.0 Credits

Students will explore heat pump fundamentals, types of heat pump systems, system accessories, troubleshooting, and diagnostics. Topics include heat pump compressors, flow control, thermostats, controls, control strategies, piping, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, and airflow. Electrical skills will be further developed, exploring the use of electric motors in heat pump systems, capacitors, motor protection devices, controls, and code compliance.
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AIRC 208 — System Servicing and Troubleshooting of Heat Pumps Lab — 10.0 Credits

Lab exercises will focus on understanding and troubleshooting the refrigeration cycle, electrical components, evaluation looking at the system as a whole, and strengthening technician skills through the use of schematic reading, troubleshooting procedures, and customer service techniques.
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AIRC 262 — Fundamentals of Direct Digital Control — 5.0 Credits

This course introduces the fundamentals of control theory and applications for direct digital control in commercial HVAC/R systems. Topics include unique characteristics of commercial buildings, commercial and mechanical systems, control theory, sensors, control strategies, control devices, basic electronics, and basic networked communication systems.
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AIRC 265 — Fundamentals of Direct Digital Control Lab — 10.0 Credits

Students will select, install, and commission a direct digital control system for a specific commercial application. Applications include a rooftop unit with economizer, geothermal heat pump, and commercial low temp refrigeration system.
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AIRC 266 — Cooperative Education Seminar — 1.0-2.0 Credits

For course description, see Cooperative Education.
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AIRC 267 — Cooperative Education Work Experience — 1.0-18.0 Credits

For course description, see Cooperative Education.
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"My experience in the SCC program was great. The faculty was knowledgeable, approachable and very thorough in their teaching, and I left with a strong understanding of the trade." — Mike Hatley, Johnson Control service technician

"The HVAC/R program at SCC gave me a good solid foundation for my professional life. Their instructors are terrific, and they are especially great at helping you build your self-confidence. I'm very glad I chose SCC to launch my career." — Santos Cardenas, Lincoln building engineer for Goodale & Barbieri Real Estate Services

DTA Distribution Areas	Distribution Area Outcomes	APLED COURSES	OUTCOME ASSESSMENT
Communication	Prepare and present ideas (verbal and written) clearly, concisely, logically and effectively to communicate in a professional manner	APLED 121	X
	Create, organize, present and adapt effective verbal and nonverbal messages to diverse audiences in diverse contexts	APLED 121 & 123	X
	Access online research related to professional/technical industry topics	APLED 121 & 123
	Demonstrate the ability to critically think: summarize, interpret and evaluate written discourse	APLED 121
	Prepare and write business letters, memos and other documents using instructed technical format	APLED 121	X
	Utilize effective document design techniques to ensure numerical and/or technical data is easily accessible to audience	APLED 121
	Appropriately use college-level language skills (i.e., grammar and punctuation) to draft, revise and edit writing assignments	APLED 121
	Utilize effective communication to lead a group	APLED 123
	Utilize appropriate conflict-management and problem-solving skills while leading or working within a group	APLED 123
	Utilize appropriate customer-relations skills (for both internal and external customers)	APLED 123
	Demonstrate effective listening and responding skills necessary to understand verbal and nonverbal information	APLED 123
Employment Readiness	Analyze personal employment goals and articulate career objectives	APLED 125	X
	Assess professional skills as well as strengths and weaknesses	APLED 125	X
	Develop job search strategies (e.g. research sources of career information and employment opportunities, develop a professional network)	APLED 125
	Demonstrate job interview skills (i.e. presentation skills and effective communication in an interview setting )	APLED 125
	Understand employment and leadership in a diverse workplace	APLED 125
	Prepare an effective employment portfolio including a resume, cover letter and list of references	APLED 125
Math	Apply mathematical concepts and principles to perform computations, as they apply to the student's chosen career	APLED 112	X
	Apply mathematics to solve problems within the student's program	APLED 112
	Apply technology tools (to include calculators) to solve problems as they relate to the student's chosen program	APLED 112
	Use mathematical concepts and techniques in solving practical and applied problems within the student's chosen program	APLED 112
Computer Literacy	Apply skills and concepts for basic use of computer hardware, software and networks in the workplace and in future coursework	APLED 113
	Effectively demonstrate and use the Windows operating system, PC and cloud file management systems	APLED 113
	Effectively demonstrate the use of the school's learning management system	APLED 113	X
	Effectively demonstrate how to email and search the Internet	APLED 113
	Effectively demonstrate and use word processing, spreadsheet and presentation softwares	APLED 113	X
	Use Microsoft Office programs to create personal, academic and business documents following current professional and industry standards	APLED 113

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SCC HVAC/R Graduate Employment Rates