Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program

Program Description

The HVAC program is a 1 year program consisting of 900 clock hours. Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating focuses on the servicing and installation of air conditioning, refrigeration and heating equipment. The curriculum provides instruction in all types of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

Program Objective

The objective of the HVAC program is to prepare a competent and skilled HVAC technician with knowledge and skills required to work in wide variety of settings, such as residential homes, businesses and corporations. The course will also educate students on professionalism, integrity and High Ethical Standards. Upon successful completion and passing the course with a 76% score or higher and maintaining an overall attendance of 92%, the student will receive a diploma in HVAC.

Career Outlook

Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Candidates familiar with computers and electronics and those with good troubleshooting skills will have the best job opportunities as employers continue to have difficulty finding qualified technicians to work on the new systems. Please refer to
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm

Certification

Upon successful completion of all the requirements of the program, the student will be awarded a diploma and will be eligible to register for the HVAC tech certification through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 and 410-A certification exams. The state of Illinois does not require HVAC technicians to be licensed to obtain a job as an HVAC technician. A technician can be hired as an HVAC tech as long as they have been trained. However, technicians working with refrigerants must have EPA certification.

Program Outline

HVAC01: Basic Refrigeration & Heat Pump Operations
This course is designed to improve the competency level of the participant in the basic and fundamental areas of refrigeration definitions and terms, the refrigeration cycle of operation, and component recognition. The expectation of this course is to instill a higher degree of confidence for communication and conversational exchange. The participant gains knowledge primarily through a classroom environment with a smaller degree of laboratory activities.

HVAC02: Foundations for Troubleshooting Gas Furnaces
This course is designed to train technicians to systematically apply procedures to analyze dual fuel equipment operation and comfort conditions. The participant applies troubleshooting procedures to determine if there is a problem with a dual fuel equipment installation without removal of panels.

HVAC03: Foundations for Troubleshooting HVAC Refrigerant Systems

Hands-on, performance-based training processes are used in this course to train participants to systematically implement the HVAC system analysis procedure, and to validate actual sealed-system performance of fully operational HVAC equipment.

HVAC04: Servicing HVAC Refrigeration Systems

This hands-on, performance based training program is designed to develop technician skills to properly service HVAC refrigerant systems.
This course emphasizes safety in presenting the proper techniques as the technician fabricates piping, replaces, and assembles a complete operational HVAC refrigerant system.

HVAC05: Troubleshooting HVAC Refrigerant Systems
In this course, participants develop refrigerant system troubleshooting skills through hands-on, performance-based application of proper and systematic routines. A training laboratory setting, which closely simulates a technician’s normal work environment, enhances the effectiveness of the training as he/she develops confidence to perform the job tasks, while determining future developmental needs, as well.

HVAC06: Basic HVAC Electrical Operations

This course is designed to improve the competency level of the participant in the basic and fundamental areas of HVAC electrical definitions and terms, basic familiarization with electrical test instruments and meters, the electrical operation and control of the system, and component and component symbol recognition. The expectation of this course is to instill a higher degree of confidence for communication and conversational exchange. The participant gains knowledge primarily through a classroom environment with a smaller degree of laboratory activities.

HVAC07: Foundations of Electrical Troubleshooting
In this hands-on, performance based training program, the participant develops skills to apply a systematic troubleshooting procedure to establish the cause for electrical system problems. Modified equipment and simulators are used in a laboratory to closely simulate the technician’s normal work environment; and to enhance the effectiveness of the training. An expected outcome is, technician who can confidently and cost effectively complete a service repair request.
HVAC08: Foundations for Troubleshooting HVAC Electrical Systems
In this hands-on, performance based training program, the participant gains a working knowledge of the basic concepts of electricity (volts, amperes, capacitance, inductance, reactance, power factor, ohms law, series/parallel circuits, etc.) The training processes along with laboratory exercises are used to train the participant to systematically implement procedures to analyze HVAC electrical system operation. The expected outcome of the course is for the technician to have the competency skills to determine normal or abnormal system operation. The participant selects and installs high and low voltage wiring for a trainer unit. Homework is assigned for the training.

HVAC09: Servicing HVAC Electrical Systems
In this hands-on, performance based training program, the inexperienced and experienced technician learns the importance of safety in servicing HVAC electrical system. Experienced technicians are provided the opportunity to evaluate their own proficiencies and to change their work habits as appropriate. Individual and team laboratory exercises are used to enhance the troubleshooting skills of the technician.

HVAC10: Advanced Troubleshooting of HVAC Systems
Provide technician with an opportunity to refine troubleshooting skills and to solve multiple symptom problems (i.e., electrical, refrigeration, and air distribution).

HVAC11: HYDRONICS
This course is designed to provide basic knowledge of the functioning of Hydronic system. The system of how water is used as a medium for providing heating and cooling will be demonstrated through different types of control systems and safety devices in a boiler and heating terminals.

Tuition: $16,995.00
Registration Fee: $150.00 (Non-refundable)
Application fee: $75.00 (Non-refundable)
HVAC Program will be offered at the Oak Brook Campus Only.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.

Hours: 900 – Approximately 12 Months.