Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, A.A.S. - HVA3
One of the fastest-growing service occupations, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning has seen major changes over the past years as a result of the national emphasis on fuel conservation and environmental concerns.
Every private residence, business, industry and agency needs the skill of technicians trained in the installation, maintenance and repair of air conditioning, refrigeration and heating systems.
Students are trained to diagnose and repair malfunctions; size, fabricate and install air duct systems; and estimate cooling and heating loads for selection of the most efficient systems for a given building. Practical training in a well-equipped shop gives students on-the-job experience before they graduate. EPA technician certification is taught and the test is offered to all curriculum students, which includes A2L refrigerant and farmable refrigerant.
Four certificate programs are offered: Introduction to HVAC - (Quickskills), HVACR Installers, Heating Fundamentals, and Refrigeration Applications.
Requirements
| Courses | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Courses | ||
| ENG 165 | Professional Communications | 3 |
| Mathematical Requirement | 6 | |
| Elective Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Required Core Subject Areas | ||
| ACR 102 | Tools and Service Techniques | 3 |
| ACR 106 | Basic Electricity for HVAC/R | 4 |
| ACR 108 | Refrigeration Fundamentals | 3 |
| ACR 110 | Heating Fundamentals | 4 |
| ACR 118 | Air Conditioning Fundamentals | 3 |
| ACR 242 | Electronic Controls | 2 |
| Subtotal | 19 | |
| Other Courses Required for Graduation | ||
| ACR 107 | Wiring Diagrams | 2 |
| ACR 131 | Commercial Refrigeration | 4 |
| ACR 140 | Automatic Controls | 3 |
| ACR 150 | Basic Sheet Metal | 2 |
| ACR 175 | EPA 608 Certification Preparation | 1 |
| ACR 201 | Troubleshooting and Maintenance | 3 |
| ACR 206 | Advanced Electricity for HVAC/R | 2 |
| ACR 210 | Heat Pumps | 4 |
| ACR 223 | Testing and Balancing | 3 |
| ACR 224 | Codes and Ordinances | 2 |
| ACR 231 | Advanced Refrigeration | 4 |
| ACR 250 | Duct Fabrication | 3 |
| ACR 252 | Special Topics in Air Conditioning & Heating | 2 |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| Subtotal | 38 | |
| Total Hours | 72 | |
Graduation Plan
Fall Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| ACR 102 | Tools and Service Techniques | 3 |
| ACR 106 | Basic Electricity for HVAC/R | 4 |
| ACR 108 | Refrigeration Fundamentals | 3 |
| ACR 150 | Basic Sheet Metal | 2 |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ACR 118 | Air Conditioning Fundamentals | 3 |
| ACR 131 | Commercial Refrigeration | 4 |
| ACR 175 | EPA 608 Certification Preparation | 1 |
| ACR 206 | Advanced Electricity for HVAC/R | 2 |
| ACR 250 | Duct Fabrication | 3 |
| Mathematical Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| ACR 107 | Wiring Diagrams | 2 |
| ACR 140 | Automatic Controls | 3 |
| ACR 231 | Advanced Refrigeration | 4 |
| Elective Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ACR 110 | Heating Fundamentals | 4 |
| ACR 201 | Troubleshooting and Maintenance | 3 |
| ACR 210 | Heat Pumps | 4 |
| ENG 165 | Professional Communications | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ACR 223 | Testing and Balancing | 3 |
| ACR 224 | Codes and Ordinances | 2 |
| ACR 242 | Electronic Controls | 2 |
| ACR 252 | Special Topics in Air Conditioning & Heating | 2 |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
Spring Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
| ENG 165 | Professional Communications | 3 |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| Mathematical Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| ACR 107 | Wiring Diagrams | 2 |
| ACR 140 | Automatic Controls | 3 |
| ACR 231 | Advanced Refrigeration | 4 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| ACR 102 | Tools and Service Techniques | 3 |
| ACR 106 | Basic Electricity for HVAC/R | 4 |
| ACR 108 | Refrigeration Fundamentals | 3 |
| ACR 150 | Basic Sheet Metal | 2 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| ACR 118 | Air Conditioning Fundamentals | 3 |
| ACR 131 | Commercial Refrigeration | 4 |
| ACR 175 | EPA 608 Certification Preparation | 1 |
| ACR 206 | Advanced Electricity for HVAC/R | 2 |
| ACR 250 | Duct Fabrication | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| Elective Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| ACR 110 | Heating Fundamentals | 4 |
| ACR 201 | Troubleshooting and Maintenance | 3 |
| ACR 210 | Heat Pumps | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| ACR 223 | Testing and Balancing | 3 |
| ACR 224 | Codes and Ordinances | 2 |
| ACR 242 | Electronic Controls | 2 |
| ACR 252 | Special Topics in Air Conditioning & Heating | 2 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
Summer Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer Semester | Hours | |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| Mathematical Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| ACR 102 | Tools and Service Techniques | 3 |
| ACR 106 | Basic Electricity for HVAC/R | 4 |
| ACR 108 | Refrigeration Fundamentals | 3 |
| ACR 150 | Basic Sheet Metal | 2 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ACR 118 | Air Conditioning Fundamentals | 3 |
| ACR 131 | Commercial Refrigeration | 4 |
| ACR 175 | EPA 608 Certification Preparation | 1 |
| ACR 206 | Advanced Electricity for HVAC/R | 2 |
| ACR 250 | Duct Fabrication | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer Semester | ||
| ACR 107 | Wiring Diagrams | 2 |
| ACR 140 | Automatic Controls | 3 |
| ACR 231 | Advanced Refrigeration | 4 |
| Elective Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| ACR 110 | Heating Fundamentals | 4 |
| ACR 201 | Troubleshooting and Maintenance | 3 |
| ACR 210 | Heat Pumps | 4 |
| ENG 165 | Professional Communications | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ACR 223 | Testing and Balancing | 3 |
| ACR 224 | Codes and Ordinances | 2 |
| ACR 242 | Electronic Controls | 2 |
| ACR 252 | Special Topics in Air Conditioning & Heating | 2 |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
Application and Advising
If you are ready to start your education, there are a few simple steps involved in enrolling at Piedmont Technical College.
Advising Information
The following information provides a guide for advisors who are helping students enroll in this program.
Program Notes
It is best to start in the Fall semester.
Students will earn an A.A.S., Major in HVAC Technology (HVA3) by the completion of the Refrigeration Applications Certificate, the Heating Fundamentals Certificate and completion of (18 credit hours-which includes CPT 101 or CPT 169) of general education.
Courses are offered during day and evening hours
Top-quality tools, meter and gauges, which are required for this program, will cost $500 - $700. There is a list at the bookstore, or you can contact the HVAC Academic Program Director for more information.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Purpose Statement
Purpose Statement – The HVAC program is dedicated to assisting adult learners in the development of the skills and knowledge necessary to the student’s success and to support their educational goals for employment and profession growth in the HVAC/R field. The program offers a wide range of credentials including the Associate in Applied Science Degree and two certificates in HVAC Technology.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
-
Install, repair and service most light commercial refrigeration systems.
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Use a wiring schematic in troubleshooting most air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems.
-
Install and service most residential heat pump systems.
-
Use most of the tools and meters associated with the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.
-
Calculate residential heat loss and heat gain.
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Test and balance air quantities in most heating and air conditioning systems.
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Install and service most heating systems including gas, oil, and electric.
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Apply safety rules and regulations when working.
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Install, repair and maintain most domestic refrigeration systems.