Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students will explore the physics and theory governing the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, human comfort and psychometrics, and practical applications of refrigeration systems.

Students will focus on the proper use of refrigeration tools, evaluating refrigeration system performance, analyzing ladder diagrams, and troubleshooting electrical components.

Students explore basic concepts and applications of force, energy, fluids and heat as applied to refrigeration and air conditioning. Topics include energy, heating and air conditioning equipment, thermal heat properties, basic refrigeration cycles, test equipment, and tools of the trade.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For course description, see Cooperative Education.

For course description, see Cooperative Education.