Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning

Introduces the field of refrigeration and air conditioning. Covers thermodynamics, heat transfer, pressure and temperature relationships, and the fundamentals of refrigeration. Students learn the major components and accessories of the sealed system, including metering devices, evaporators, compressors, and condensers, plus the core of EPA Section 608 regulation as it relates to refrigerants and refrigerant handling. Emphasis is placed on safety practices, hand and power tools used in the field, oxy-acetylene torch safety, and techniques for connecting tubing such as brazing, soldering, cutting, bending, swaging, and flaring copper refrigerant lines.

Introduces basic electrical concepts: electron theory, voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law, magnetism, mathematical concepts, and common units of electrical measurement. Covers basic circuit design of series, parallel, and combination circuits, electrical symbols, reading electrical diagrams, and the use of meters for troubleshooting. Provides instruction on 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 the student 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, including the normal refrigeration cycle and the various components of air conditioning units. 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, electrical wiring diagram interpretation, and specialized system components.

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

Provides instruction on general service and installation of all HVAC systems, including testing, adjusting, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment. Emphasis is placed on preventive maintenance for heating and cooling equipment and related components. Students perform actual and simulated service calls and learn residential and commercial air conditioning installation procedures, including proper installation techniques required by code and duct installation.

Centers on the basic theory and application of heat pump systems and components. Students learn how the reverse cycle is applied in heat pumps, ratings such as C.O.P., E.E.R., and S.E.E.R., and various defrost methods including time, temperature, demand, and air-switch controls. Covers installation and service of heat pumps, charging methods (superheat, sub-cooling, weigh-in, dial-a-charge), mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, wiring diagram interpretation, and electric heat and control sequencers for auxiliary and emergency heat.