College Catalog

The curriculum provides knowledge and training in the air conditioning, hydronic heating, temperature and humidity control, air circulation, duct and pipe system design and layout, thermostats, ventilating equipment, automatic controls, commercial refrigeration layout and installation, and piping practices. Students learn to install and repair equipment in the lab segments of the major. The combination of lab practice and theory prepares students for employment and advancement in today's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and commercial refrigeration industry. The HV curriculum incorporates two classes in the fourth semester that are dedicated to Commercial Refrigeration.

Career Opportunities

Refrigeration and air conditioning, heating (HVAC) equipment mechanic, estimator, sales representative, air conditioning technician, industrial physical plant maintenance, plumber, and environmental control specialist.

Recommended High School Subjects

Two years of algebra, one year of science, physics.

Special Equipment Needs

See the Tool List on the Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology major web page.

Remediation Strategies

Students will be required to remediate deficiencies within the first year of enrollment.

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• do technical work in a variety of heating, cooling, and plumbing and refrigeration fields; apply safety standards and understand and work with technical developments in the industry.
• identify and demonstrate correct use of tools, materials, and equipment used in the trade.
• read and interpret blueprints and use blueprints when installing equipment.
• troubleshoot heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment using standard troubleshooting procedures.
• read and interpret electrical schematics; use schematics when installing and repairing equipment.
• estimate the cost of an installation and design; layout an effective system for a specific location and use.
• demonstrate an awareness of, and respect for customer/employer relations.
• demonstrate knowledge of the operation and use of hermetic and reciprocating compressors.
• apply basic knowledge of airflow, ventilation, and energy conservation concepts in the design of systems using modern building design and solar energy technology.
• install, service and repair hydronic heat systems, controls, and heat distributing units.
• install and troubleshoot residential and commercial electrical, pneumatic, and electronic HVAC control systems.
• demonstrate knowledge of gas and oil-fired boilers and heat pump installation and service.

Curriculum

Additional Information

Students planning to continue in the bachelor-degree majors (BHV or BBT) should take MTH 180, if placement test results indicate readiness. Endorsed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Approved National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Bronze Certification training site.

Accreditation

Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).