Construction & Skilled Trades
HVAC/R Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Program Summary
What would those living in Chicago do without heating, those in Miami do without air-conditioning, or blood banks all over the country do without refrigeration? Heating and air-conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity, and the total air quality in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. Refrigeration systems make it possible to store and transport food, medicine, and other perishable items. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—also called technicians—install, maintain, and repair such systems. Because heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems often are referred to as HVACR systems; these workers also may be called HVACR technicians.
Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems consist of many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and switches. In central heating systems, for example, a furnace heats air that is distributed throughout the building via a system of metal or fiberglass ducts. Technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout the entire system. To do this, they adjust system controls to recommended settings and test the performance of the entire system using special tools and test equipment.
Employment Trends
- This is a high demand field as HVAC units — both large and small — always need repairs and maintenance. With increases in industry and commercial business as well as new home construction and renovation, there is a constant need for qualified HVAC technicians.
- Job prospects are expected to be good, particularly for those with technical school or formal apprenticeship training.
- This field is ideal for someone who enjoys figuring out how equipment works and fixing it. Diagnostic techniques and the use of testing equipment are central to the trade.
Program Objectives
Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
Skills development and preparation potentially leading to professional credentialing by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
This comprehensive heating and cooling essentials program combines a practical blend of theory and hands-on teaching methods. It provides students with a thorough and accurate guide to troubleshooting and essential service procedures on many types of systems likely to be found in business practices. Successful completion of the course will provide students with the knowledge and skills for positions with A/C contractors; wholesale distributors; equipment sales; transportation, federal, state, and local government; the armed services; and in property management, institutional maintenance, and countless other facilities and agencies.
Program Curriculum
| Crs # |
Course Name |
Hrs |
| HVC300 |
Introduction to HVAC/R, Level One – Part 1 (3.5 CEUs) |
33 |
| HVC331 |
Introduction to HVAC/R, Level One – Part 2 (7.6 CEUs) |
247 |
| HVC 334 |
HVAC/R Level Two – Part 1 (5.2 CEUs) |
52.5 |
| HVC 330 |
HVAC/R Level Two – Part 2 (5.2 CEUs) |
52.5 |
|
Program total |
385 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- I’m new to HVAC/R. Which courses should I take first?
As an entry level student, you should consider the HVC 300 and HVC 331 courses during your first semester of study. These courses offer the fundamentals of HVAC/R including Trade Math, Basic Electricity, Piping Practices, Soldering and Brazing, Heating, Cooling, and Air Distribution systems. Hands-on lab training is provided in all HVAC courses to provide a solid foundation for success.
I have a little experience. Can I skip the introductory classes?
No. Even though you have some experience, it’s best that you start from the beginning by taking HVC300. Since we use the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, we want to ensure that you have the necessary fundamentals to complete subsequent HVAC courses.
For additional information, contact:
Adrienne Crowell, PGCC Program Coordinator
301-322-0894,
acrowell@pgcc.edu