HVAC Service Technician Level 1 & 2

Course Description

This is an introductory course, designed to prepare the student for an occupation in the air conditioning and refrigeration trade. These classes can be completed separately over two semesters or taken as a combined class (when offered) within one semester. Level I must be successfully completed before taking Level II.

Level I includes:

Introduction to Refrigeration, including: heat transfer, refrigeration components, refrigeration tools, operation of a walk-in cooler, compressor troubleshooting and replacement.
HVAC Electricity, including: ohms, amps and volts, Ohms Law, basic wiring diagrams and symbols, control circuits, and understanding schematics.
Oil, Gas and Electric Furnaces, including: fuel oil properties, oil burners, furnace operation and repair, natural/LP gas properties, gas burners, gas furnace operation and repair.
Heat Pump Service, including: heat pump cycle, components, troubleshooting, understanding sub-cooling, super heat, and using heat pump charging charts.

Level II includes:

Mechanical Cooling, including: refrigeration cycle, refrigerant charging, load calculation and duct design.
PLC’s / CFC, including: digital logic, input/output, CPU operation, ladder logic basics, and CFC Certification
HVAC Controls, including: electric controls, pneumatic controls, mechanical refrigeration controls (metering devices), electronic control boards, and thermostats.
HVAC troubleshooting, including: pressure-temperature chart and refrigerants. Students will also be using diagrams for troubleshooting.

Occupation Description

An HVAC service tech would be expected to handle the following repairs:

Repair and installation of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and systems
Mechanical system troubleshooting using various tools and test instruments
Perform routine preventative maintenance of refrigeration and A/C equipment and systems
Repair and maintenance of both commercial and residential systems

Careers Available

HVAC service techs are employed by air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, repair facilities, hospitals, factories, apartment complexes and other maintenance companies.

Occupational Outlook

Learning Objectives

Core topics include:

HVAC theory
HVAC Electricity
Operation of Oil, Gas and Electrical Furnaces
Heat Pump Service
CFC Certification
HVAC Controls and Troubleshooting

Through classroom lecture and hands on lab work, the student will learn the safe and practical applications of HVAC repair and service. Training sessions are held in a technical skills lab/classroom. The lab is equipped with the necessary supplies and tools to allow students to run refrigerant piping circuits and do rough in type installations. Students will work on HVAC and refrigeration systems supplied in the lab.

Helpful Personal Attributes

Should have the ability to work in a team environment, be organized, detail-oriented and a problem solver.

Program Contact

For more information regarding classes in Forsyth and Stokes counties, contact the Customer Service Center at 336.734.7023.

Course Schedule

HVAC Service Technician Level 1

There are no courses available

HVAC Service Technician Level 2

There are no courses available

HVAC Service Technician Level 1 & 2

There are no courses available

Technical Standards for Economic Workforce Development: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Our program technical standards have been developed to help students understand nonacademic standards, skills, and performance requirements expected of a student in order to complete this particular curriculum.

If an accommodation is necessary to participate in the program, it is imperative to identify a reasonable accommodation to those students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonableness is determined by Accessibility Resources and the program on a case-by-case basis utilizing the program technical standards. The accommodation needs to be in place prior to the start of the program, or it may delay your ability to start the program. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Accessibility Resources and request accommodations.

SKILLS	DESCRIPTION	SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
MOTOR SKILLS	Students must possess physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity to safely perform HVAC services.	Physical abilities sufficient to perform HVAC skills in a hot (90+ degree) and cold environment.Physical ability sufficient to crawl under structures or confined spaces while carrying tools and equipment.Physical ability to use various hand tools.Be able to climb ladders up to 10’ in height while carrying tools and equipment.Sufficient motor function to execute hand movements required to install and service HVAC/R systems.Physical ability to coordinate two or more limbs (two arms, two legs or one arm and one leg) while sitting, standing or lying down.Weight bearing ability sufficient enough to lift and carry weight up to 50 pounds and install equipment overhead.
VISION	Must have visual perceptionMust be able to use sensory cues to maintain standards of quality brazing.Must be able to recognize when there is a problem or possible problem.Must have an awareness of surrounding through use of senses.	Ability to identify HVAC equipment preventive and maintenance needs and perform maintenance and preventive services.Ability to determine appropriate tool needed to repair air conditioning, heating or refrigeration systems.Visual skills sufficient to distinguish all primary colors.Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range.Have sufficient visual capacity to read prints, schematics, meters and testers.
HEARING	Must be able to recognize when there is a problem or possible problem.Must have an awareness of surrounding through use of senses.	Sufficient auditory skills to hear tones of various pitches emitted by testers and meters.Sufficient auditory skills to hear equipment running/operating to determine efficiency of operation.
TECHNOLOGICAL	Must have technical ability to use electronic meters and testing equipment.Basic knowledge of the computer.	Must be able to read and interpret wiring diagrams, meters, gauges, manifolds and electrical instruments.Must be able to read prints, schematics, meters and testing equipment.Must be able to check email and create/edit basic documents.
COMMUNICATION	The ability to convey information effectively and efficiently in class or lab settings.	Must be able to communicate effectively with the instructor and other students.Must be able to understand/interpret information from textbooks, handouts, diagrams, charts and tables.Must use written and oral communication to demonstrate comprehension of HVAC concepts.Must recognize and be able to use HVAC terminology.
CRITICAL THINKING/ PROBLEM SOLVING	Students must be able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.Must be attentive in the classroom, observe demonstrations and participate in lab classes.Must be able to recognize when there is a problem or possible problem.	Ability to determine the steps necessary to troubleshoot air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment.Ability to assess causes of HVAC equipment malfunctions and solutions.Ability to identify HVAC equipment preventive and maintenance needs and perform maintenance and preventive services.Ability to determine appropriate tool needed to repair air conditioning, heating or refrigeration systems.Sufficient motor skills to quickly and repeatedly adjust HVAC system controls to exact settings.Must be able to read and interpret wiring diagrams, meters, gauges, manifolds and electrical instruments.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS	Students must have sufficient personal skills for successful interactions with customers, colleagues, supervisors, and students from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.Must possess emotional wellbeing and intellectual abilities to complete all projects and responsibilities in the classroom.Student will be expected to learn and apply workplace responsibilities.	Must be able to work cooperatively with partners and groups.Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with co-workers under physically and mentally demanding environmental conditions.Be careful about detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks.Exercise good judgment.Follow safety procedures.Maintain composure, keep emotions in check, control anger, and avoid aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations.Must not have a debilitating fear of heights, insects, spiders, snakes, or lizards.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE	Must be able to work in an industrial or construction environment	Must be able to work effectively in confined spaces such as under structures.Must be able to tolerate extreme heat and cold.Must be able to tolerate exposure to noxious chemical compounds including but not limited to acids, acid-like chemicals, solvents, glues, cleaners, oils and refrigerants.Must be able to wear hard hats, safety glasses, steel toe shoes and other safety related equipment as required by the industry.

This document is intended to serve as a guide regarding the physical, emotional, intellectual and psychosocial expectations placed on a student. This document cannot include every conceivable action, task, ability or behavior that may be expected of a student. Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. Ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any licensure, certification exam, or successful completion of the degree program.

Reference: These Technical Standards are adapted from Southern Piedmont Community College Technical Standards. Modifications have been made to meet Forsyth Tech specific program needs.