Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning Course Listings

Covers the physical principles of refrigeration and the refrigeration cycle. Students will be introduced to the components of the refrigeration system including compressors, condensers, expansion devices, evaporators, coolers, freezers, and refrigerants.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the four major components and three refrigerant lines within a basic refrigeration system.
2. Describe each major component's specific function within the basic refrigeration cycle.
3. Describe the three general refrigerant applications for refrigerant systems.
4. Describe basic heat transfer theory.
5. Define basic refrigeration cycle terminology.
6. Evaluate system super-heat and sub-cooling to judge appropriate system operating conditions.
7. Diagnose the six most common refrigeration cycle malfunctions, stating the symptoms.
8. Observe common safety practices in the use of various refrigeration equipment service tools (which could include refrigeration manifolds, vacuum pumps, or recovery machines).
9. Identify various common refrigeration system accessory components.
10. Describe various common refrigeration system accessory components.
11. Assemble refrigerant piping projects with traditional field joining techniques, where the piping projects hold a nitrogen pressure test of 100 psi without leaking.
12. Identify federal EPA 608 regulations related to refrigerant chemistry and management.
13. Describe federal EPA 608 regulations related to refrigerant chemistry and management.

Covers the physical principles of air conditioning, psychometrics and air movement. Components found in today's air conditioning systems will be examined. Students will learn how to charge and evacuate systems. Other topics included are: pressure, regulating and bypass controls, diffusers, piping procedures, traps and high velocity systems.

Prerequisite: HVA 101 (may be taken concurrently or previously completed)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the basic refrigeration components associated with air conditioning systems.
2. Install air conditioning systems to manufacturer Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards.
3. Explain the basic control and power circuit of air conditioning systems.
4. Evaluate operating system super-heat and sub-cooling to judge appropriate system operating conditions.
5. State common rules of thumb in air conditioning applications for good air flow in A/C systems.
6. Identify common supply system ducting configurations and practices.
7. Measure and calculate system airflow.
8. Utilize appropriately basic psychrometric terms and definitions.
9. Measure psychrometric conditions to plot points on psychrometric charts.
10. Interpret the psychrometric charts to evaluate appropriate air conditions for human comfort.
11. Apply psychometric formulas to the measurement of psychrometric conditions.
12. Perform a Manual J heating and cooling load calculation for a small residential structure to size a forced air heating and cooling system properly.

Servicing modern heating systems, whether they are gas, electric or oil, requires a thorough understanding of basic heating concepts. This course provides the student with the technical knowledge as well as the laboratory skills to begin their career in heating service.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain how basic heating systems create heat.
2. Describe how heating systems distribute heat.
3. Explain the basics of good and bad combustion.
4. Outline the basic order of operations for a complete heating cycle in forced air heating systems.
5. Interpret electrical heating system control diagrams.
6. Identify common furnace safety controls.
7. Describe the function of common furnace controls.
8. Outline the functions of thermostats.
9. Check and adjust furnace settings.
10. Install furnaces according to manufacturer instructions.
11. Start and test furnaces according to manufacturer instructions.
12. Identify proper combustion venting systems.
13. Evaluate combustion air requirements for proper combustion.

Deals with the basic principles of air conditioning as they are applied to large commercial systems. The principles of heat pumps will be included. Topics covered include: gas and electric heating/cooling of top units, economizers and large air distribution systems.

Prerequisite(s): HVA 101 and HVA 102; both may be taken concurrently or previously completed.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the components of the mechanical heat pump cycle.
2. Explain the function and operation of the components of the mechanical heat pump cycle.
3. Differentiate between a standard heating cooling thermostat and the heat pump thermostat.
4. Explain the various sources of heat for air-cooled, water-cooled, and geothermal heat pumps.
5. Differentiate between open loop and closed loop heat pump systems.
6. Evaluate refrigerant pipe sizing for a commercial split system.
7. Interpret New York State energy conservation codes applicable to commercial systems.
8. Explain the operation of an Economizer.
9. Explain the operation of a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV).
10. Explain the operation of an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV).

Covers basic principles of electricity and electric motor theory as it is found in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning industry. Topics covered are: series and parallel circuits, Ohm's law, amperage, voltage, watts, transformers, relays, contactors, wire sizing, distribution, and capacitors.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Define basic terminology used in electrical systems and work.
2. Identify the safety issues involved with electrical circuits.
3. Identify basic electrical principles involving electricity at the atomic level.
4. Identify practical applications involving resistance, induction and magnetism encountered in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems.
5. Outline the different forms of electrical power, its distribution and, its applications in HVAC/R systems.
6. Predict the basic forces encountered in electrical circuits.
7. Analyze wire sizing and circuit overload protection devices.
8. Develop wiring diagrams.
9. Locate control components in HVAC/R systems for testing and troubleshooting.
10. Identify electrical motor principles and control components used to start and stop them in HVAC/R systems.
11. Classify commonly used motors in HVAC/R.
12. Illustrate working safely on energized electrical circuits for testing and troubleshooting.
13. Review the proper use of electrical meters to facilitate testing and troubleshooting of electrical circuits encountered in HVAC/R systems.
14. Interpret basic control wiring configurations of residential furnaces and air-conditioning systems.
15. Describe the proper use of various electrical hand tools used for stripping and joining wiring together in the field.
16. Synthesize basic troubleshooting strategies in electrical circuits.
17. Evaluate wiring control circuits and control configurations of series-parallel circuits.
18. Illustrate proper testing and troubleshooting of electrical motors.

This course is designed to prepare the HVAC technician for the legal and safety issues related to the industry. Employee, employer, and customer relations will be explored. The student will learn to self-evaluate their personal and technical skills and prepare a professional plan for growth.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the role an employee takes in satisfying a customer’s needs.
2. Summarize what constitutes exceptional customer service.
3. Explain how various forms of communications affect customer satisfaction and interactions.
4. Describe legal issues as they relate to their direct interaction with the customer.
5. Describe ethical issues as they relate to their direct interaction with the customer.
6. Summarize the importance of safety in the work environment.
7. Summarize the role of OSHA.
8. Prepare paperwork essential to the daily routine of an HVAC professional.

A review of AC and DC theory and wiring diagrams. Use of multimeters, watt/hour meters, amprobes, oscilloscopes and power sources. Students will devote considerable time to learning how to troubleshoot electrical problems through the use of load simulators such as the Ranco system and printed circuit boards.

Prerequisite(s): HVA 105

Course Learning Outcomes
1. The student will review the basic electric theory and be introduced to a variety of wiring diagrams. The student will interpret the wiring diagrams, create sequence of events and suggest troubleshooting procedures.
2. The student will draw a wiring diagram when given a combination of components and the operation is desired.
3. The student will learn to cross-reference a variety of HVAC controls both electric and electronic.
4. The student will be introduced to the theory and application of micro-electronics in heating, cooling, and refrigeration applications. The student will identify "input" and "output" requirements, functions and troubleshooting techniques for electronic controls.
5. The student will know the definition of and basic application of: 1). Semi conductors 2). Diodes 3). Full wave bridges or 'wheatstone' bridges 4). Transistors 5). Rectifiers 6). Triacs
7. The student will be aware and know how to operate diagnostic tools for spark ignition boxes, hot surface ignition boxes and heat pump controls.
8. The student will evaluate the functions and performance of electronic thermostats, thermistors and common HVAC electronic controls.

Covers the principles and theory of hot water and steam boilers. Topics covered are: design, controls, pumps and valves of boilers, New York State boiler codes, and the servicing of hot water and steam boiler systems.

Prerequisites: HVA 103

Course Learning Outcomes
1. The student will be able to describe different types of hot water heating systems including natural convection units and forced convection units. The student will demonstrate understanding of the parts and construction of a hot water boiler.
2. The student will be able to identify and know the common application of one-pipe series loop systems, one-pipe systems with flow tees, tow-pipe direct return systems and two-pipe reverse return systems. The student will be able to identify and explain the operation and application of the components (and accessories) of these piping systems.
3. The student will demonstrate understanding of the principles, operation and application of various centrifugal water pumps.
4. The student will be able to identify various controls and control systems and explain the basic operation and application of the control.
5. The student will demonstrate understanding of the principles involving pressure drop through systems, air expansion, air locks, pressure and proper pressurization.
6. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the theories and applications of terms relevant to steam heating systems including: latent heat, condensation, water hammer, cold start-up, critical water level and Hartford loop. The student will demonstrate understanding of the construction and components of a steam boiler.
7. The student will identify and demonstrate knowledge of the basic operation of the controls, components and accessories found in a steam heating system including mechanical, thermostatic and kinetic traps. The student will demonstrate knowledge of pipe sizing concerns and considerations in steam heating systems.
8. The student will demonstrate knowledge of insurance codes and national codes relevant to hydronic heating systems.
9. Students will identify common hydronic system heating failures and demonstrate knowledge of maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for hydronic heat systems.

Covers all the elements related to calculating loads in commercial applications. Topics covered will include: reading building blueprints, evaluating building conditions, heating and cooling load calculation, equipment selection, duct distribution systems, and use of fire dampers, access doors, detectors, diffusers, control systems.

Prerequisite(s): HVA 101, HVA 102 and MTH 135 or higher.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Interpret building schematics or industry blueprints.
2. Evaluate building envelope efficiency through industry practices.
3. Perform a load calculation for a building envelope equipped with heating and cooling capabilities.
4. Select appropriate equipment for building envelope based on its current condition.

Covers the design and service of the appropriate energy management system for a given facility. Topics to be covered are: evaluation of mechanical systems, building structure, needs of occupant, duty cycling, microprocessor controls, preventative maintenance and cost analysis.

Prerequisite(s): HVA 105 or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Calculate the current costs of various forms of energy.
2. Explain the influence of insulation, windows or building orientation on energy costs.
3. Explain the basics of energy management control systems.
4. Explain the differences among energy management, sustainability and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
5. Articulate the advantages and disadvantages of emerging energy management technologies.

An overview of all types of equipment currently on the market and in use in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning installations, both incidental and commercial. It is designed to keep the student up to date with information on state-of-the-art developments in the field.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Student will be able to describe in detail currently evolving HVAC/R equipment.
2. The student will describe the latest in troubleshooting techniques necessary for the repair of new HVAC/R systems.
3. Student will demonstrate competent interpretation of manufacturers data sheets.
4. Student will demonstrate effective communication with wholesalers and manufacturers for both better service and customer satisfaction.

An advanced level course in heating systems focusing on fossil fuel technology and venting. There will also be discussions in calculating fuel economies and greenhouse effects.

Prerequisite(s): HVA 103

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Reference the national gas code handbook and its content for various applications.
2. Review basic gas pipe sizing procedures.
3. Identify various gas piping materials.
4. Identify gas meters, pressure regulators, and gas venting materials.
5. Evaluate vent sizing tables for single and multiple appliances.
6. Analyze various venting installations.
7. Review the operation of various heating systems.
8. Analyze operation of heating systems after a new installation.
9. Review various furnace troubleshooting procedures.
10. Compare operating costs of standard efficiency furnaces and high efficiency furnaces
11. Identify alternate heating system applications.

A course demonstrating the role of the computer in the HVAC technologies. The student will receive an overview of the operation of six current computer programs in the HVAC specialties.

Prerequisites: HVA 102, HVA 103 and HVA 104.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate the basic operation of a computer.
2. Locate HVAC/R resource information such as manufacturers' homepages, HVAC/R mall web-sites and other relevant internet sources.
3. Demonstrate how to use various HVAC/R troubleshooting software.
4. Demonstrate how to use load calculation software.
5. Evaluate a total structure load analysis using load calculation software.
6. Locate other available HVAC/R software.
7. Explain how computers are used for energy management, HVAC/R system control, and component identification in automated building control.

A thorough understanding of the various refrigerant types are necessary for the heating, ventilating and air conditioning service technician. This short course will explore CFC's, HFC's, HCFC's and the refrigerant retrofit procedures necessary in today's changing energy field.

Prerequisites: HVA 101, HVA 102, HVA 104 or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the characteristics of Carbon, Florine and Chlorine (CFC) chemicals in the HVAC/r industry.
2. Identify the use of Carbon, Florine and Chlorine (CFC) chemicals in the HVAC/r industry.
3. Identify the characteristics of Hydrogen, Florine and Carbon (HCF) chemicals in the HVAC/r industry.
4. Identify the use of Hydrogen, Florine and Carbon (HCF) chemicals in the HVAC/r industry.
5. Identify the characteristics of Hydrogen, Carbon, Florine and Chlorine (HCFC) chemicals in the HVAC/r industry.
6. Identify the use of Hydrogen, Carbon, Florine and Chlorine (HCFC) chemicals in the HVAC/r industry.
7. Demonstrate replacing or retrofitting refrigerants (Hotshot, Hotshot II) such as CFCs, HFCs, or HCFCs in the HVAC/r industry.
8. Describe the effects to the environment from use of refrigerants such as CFCs, HFCs, or HCFCs.

As many heating, ventilating and air conditioning personnel advance in their careers, the aspiration for many is to enter the area of estimating. This course will explore the fundamentals of blueprint reading, mechanical takeoff, reading mechanical specifications, equipment and labor estimating, both manually and by computer. This course is applicable to both residential and commercial contractors.

Prerequisites: HVA 101 and HVA 103 and MTH 135 or higher; or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify mechanical system types, components and application in HVAC/r industry.
2. Demonstrate installation procedures used currently in HVAC/r field for industrial mechanical systems.
3. Identify proper delivery methods for securing bid.
4. Differentiate between private and public bidding.
5. Prepare an estimate in the HVAC/r field by hand or by utilizing computer aided software.

Commercial refrigeration service is a specialization within the heating, ventilating and air conditioning industry. This course will provide the student with the understanding of ice machines, reach-in coolers and freezers, as well as walk-in coolers and freezers. Emphasis will be placed on repair of restaurant type equipment.

Prerequisite(s): HVA 101 and HVA 102

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the major components in a commercial refrigeration system.
2. List refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration.
3. Compare commercial refrigeration systems to residential air conditioning systems.
4. Identify additional components and accessories used in commercial refrigeration systems.
5. Demonstrate various operations of refrigeration system maintenance, which may include the proper retrofitting, recovery, evacuation, or charging of a commercial refrigeration system.
6. Explain the operation of an ice machine.
7. List the refrigeration components that comprise a walk-in cooler and freezer.
8. Explain various methods utilized for defrost in refrigeration systems.
9. Summarize temperature requirements for product preservation and health.

In response to continued emphasis on energy conservation, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning industry has seen a resurgence in applications utilizing chillers, variable air volume and heat recovery systems. This course will provide the student with an understanding of these complex systems.

Prerequisite(s): HVA 101 and HVA 103, and HVA 105 or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the theory of HVAC/r chilled water systems.
2. Identify the different types of cooling towers in a closed loop hydronic systems.
3. Differentiate between commercial and industrial air handling systems, which include constant volume, variable air volume systems.
4. Identify mechanical components in air distribution systems in HVAC/r industry.
5. Explain the operation of combined heat and power systems (CHP CO-Generation plants).

This course will provide students with the theory and application of sheet metal fabrication for use in the field of residential and light commercial HVAC installation. Students will gain a working knowledge of floor and hand tools used in the trade and relevant safety issues. Geometry and math associated with fabrication are an integral part of this course.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Student will properly and safely demonstrate the use of sheet metal hand tools and shop equipment.
2. Student will fabricate a sheet metal project that meets the criteria established by the instructor and representative of the industry standard.
3. Students will be able to identify various duct materials, types of locks and fasteners and support systems for ducting.
4. Students will layout and fabricate a 'transition' using hand tools and equipment that would be available in the field ( not shop equipment), that meets industry specifications.

Students in the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning certificate and degree programs may participate in a cooperative educational experience as a program elective. Students enrolled in this co-op must be able to work and document a minimum of 200 hours per semester. Both paid and unpaid work experience is acceptable. Seminar will be done on-line with course instructor. The Department Chair and/or the instructor must approve the HVAC/R sponsor/employer. Present jobs may qualify. Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA to qualify for this opportunity.

Prerequisite(s): HVA 101 and HVA 103 and HVA 105 or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Refrigeration (HVA/R) theory.
2. Utilize practical HVA/R applications.
3. Communicate effectively in written or verbal context.
4. Evaluate company benefits packages.
5. Evaluate one’s own work performance.
6. Create a company mission statement or culture statement.
7. Identify personal areas of improvement based on a Workplace Skills, Knowledge, and Mentor Evaluation Report.

This course is an introduction to MIG and TIG welding and plasma cutting. These skills are practical and often essential for various craftspersons. Students will work with aluminum, stainless steel, and other common metals in this course. This course is offered off-site at Mahaney Welding. In addition to tuition, part-time students must purchase student insurance. Students should also expect to purchase a pre-packaged kit of course materials including their safety equipment and book.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Perform a Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) weld within appropriate entry-level standards.
2. Perform a Metal Inert Gas (MIG) weld within appropriate entry-level standards.
3. Demonstrate how to safely and correctly operate a plasma cutter.
4. Demonstrate safe operation of relevant equipment.

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024