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PROGRAM

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology

Associate in Science

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology


Program Overview

The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology Associate Degree Program at CBT Technology Institute provides a comprehensive education with a blend of lectures and lab work. This balanced approach ensures you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a simulated work environment in our well-equipped labs

After completing this program and earning your degree, you will be prepared for mid-level roles in the in-demand HVAC-R industry, mastering the installation, design, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial systems. This program is offered in both English and Spanish and will prepare you for the Journeyman Certification upon acquiring the necessary experience. Let us help you prepare for your future career. Speak with an air conditioning advisor before registering to get started


Program Details

  • Total Semester Credits: 60
  • Program Length: 20 months
  • Next Start Date: July 08, 2024
  • Location: Offered at Hialeah and Flagler Campuses
  • Language of Instruction: English and Spanish
  • Delivery Mode: Traditional On-Ground and via Hybrid distance education modality
  • ESCO Certifications: Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures, Brazing and Soldering, Low GWP Refrigerant Safety, OSHA -10, NCCER CORE, and NCCER Level 1 Air Conditioning, EPA 608, EPA 609

  • Note: Completing a course or program in a language other than English may reduce employability where English is required.

Program Outcomes

The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating (HVAC-R) degree program at CBT Technology Institute empowers graduates with a comprehensive skill set and knowledge base, essential for entering and excelling in the HVAC-R industry. Through hands-on training and a focus on industry standards, graduates are fully prepared to tackle diverse challenges in their careers. This program is designed to develop confidence, technical proficiency, and a commitment to energy efficiency, equipping students to make a significant impact in their field and drive innovation in the HVAC-R industry.

In the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating (HVAC-R) degree program at CBT Technology Institute, students will:

  • Ensure Safety and Compliance: Master OSHA regulations and EPA procedures, ensuring adherence to essential safety and environmental standards in the HVAC-R trade.
  • Develop Technical Proficiency: Learn to install, evaluate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair air-conditioning and refrigeration systems using industry-standard tools and techniques.
  • Interpret and Apply Technical Diagrams: Gain expertise in reading and interpreting wiring diagrams for effective system installation and troubleshooting.
  • Master Air Distribution Systems: Acquire skills in sizing, installing, testing, balancing, and troubleshooting air distribution systems, including constructing ductwork.
  • Design and Install Efficient Systems: Apply industry-accepted procedures for HVAC-R system design, including meeting construction code requirements and implementing energy-efficient practices.
  • Operate and Test Systems: Learn to operate and test various commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems, including their automatic controls, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Job outlook for this career-focused program

According to the Department of Labor, Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 37,700 openings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Sample of reported job titles

A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer); HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist); HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech); Service Technician (Service Tech)

Average Salary

The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $57,300 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,250.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm 2022 wage data external site and 2022-2032 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

This course offers a general introduction to the principles, concepts and laws applied to electric circuits. In-depth coverage of Ohm’s Law and its relation to voltage, current, resistance, followed by theoretical and practical applications of electrical components connected in series, parallel and series-parallel circuits. Also, the course focus on understanding of AC theory, components such as inductors, capacitors, transformers, electronics and semiconductors components, and its applications as well as the principles of operation of different devices and its appropriate selection.

This course is focused on the characteristics, operation, control, selection, installation and applications of different electric motors. Electric motors such as: single phase, three phases, hermetic compressors, multi-speed and variable and electronically commutated are studied. Activities in the labs are planned in order to connect, wiring starting methods, interpret connection diagrams and verify technical conditions of parts and troubleshooting. In addition, electrical and safety codes also will be emphasized.

This course is an introduction to basic concepts related to heat and air conditioning cooling, the study of the physical laws relating to refrigerants and basic components of a mechanical refrigeration system for vapor compression. It Includes topics such as: Types and functions of compressors, condensers, evaporators and expansion, types of refrigerants, the ozone layer, the rules of the Environmental Protection Agency, how to solder copper pipes, description of how a vacuum is done, how to charge a refrigeration system with refrigerant and the use of the recovery machine. The course will be focused on saving energy and preserving the environment by using green technologies with special attention to new technologies applied to high efficiency HVAC systems, as well as studying the mechanical and safety codes on the most significant topics related to the subject. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

A study of electrical circuits applied to air conditioning and heating. Topics include electrical symbols, schematics, real circuits, diagnostics of the most common electrical problems in a compressor’s electric motor, and forms or methods used to start a compressor. Other topics include electrical connections and air conditioning system protective controls, as well as explaining and making electrical connections of low voltage components. The course content will be taught through theory and practice. The course will be focused at saving energy and preserving the environment by using green technologies with special attention to new technologies applied to high efficiency HVAC systems, as well as studying the electrical and safety codes on the most significant topics related to the subject. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

This course covers the installation and operation of different types of air conditioning systems. Topics include: mechanical components, standard and higher efficiency of the refrigeration cycle and indicators for the heat and cooling loads calculation, types of air conditioning systems: conditioner wall/window and mini-split system, split systems, package units and heat pumps. New technologies and advances in air conditioning systems designed high-efficiency are addressed. Skills develop in services, installation and repair of different air conditioning systems. In addition mechanical and safety codes will be emphasized.

This course discusses the installation and operation of different types of air conditioning systems used today. Topics include basic concepts of air conditioning systems, comfort conditions, AC load estimation, the use of diagrams, mechanical components of the system, and types of equipment including basics of heating systems. In workshops, students will acquire skills in handling tools and measurement instruments in the repair and installation of the units and components. The course will be focused at saving energy and preserving the environment by using green technologies with special attention to new technologies applied to high efficiency HVAC systems, as well as studying the mechanical and safety codes on the most significant topics related to the subject. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of air distribution and ventilation in AC systems. Topics include indoor air quality, methods for controlling pollution sources, ventilation and the use of means for cleaning the air, concepts of MERV and Naima, psychometrics, humidification, humidifiers, sizing, installation and servicing, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance, and ASHRAE 62.1 2007, and standards of acceptable indoor air quality. Other topics include duct system design, fundamentals of air flow, analysis of balance or equilibrium in supply and return ducts, DOAS systems, duct works, and insulation measurements. The course will be focused at saving energy and preserving the environment by using green technologies with special attention to new technologies applied to high efficiency HVAC systems, as well as studying the mechanical and safety codes on the most significant topics related to the subject. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

Blueprint Reading is an entry level course, primarily delivered through lectures and practical exercises. The study of the principals involved in the use and interpretation of the drawings and specifications commonly used in construction. Plan views, elevations, sections and schedules are examined in depth. Use of various lines and symbols are explained. Students will practice visualizing the three-dimensional building from two dimensional drawings in a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC/R) field. Topics include concepts of geometric figures and formulas, conversion tables, common abbreviations, symbols, drawing, sketching, views, plans, schedules, and technical specifications. The students also work with the Florida Building Mechanical Code to obtain a better understanding of the principles, regulations and organization of the different topics included in the course. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

This course covers different types of automatic controls used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Topics include: fundamentals of HVAC/R control systems, control loops, methods and modes, sensors and auxiliary devices, control logic and variable frequency drive (VFD) in electrical motor HVAC/R equipment, control valves and dampers, self- and system-powered controls, pneumatic, electric and electronic controls, programmable logic controllers (PLC), direct digital control (DDC), digital and analog interfaces and control diagrams and sequences. New technologies and advances in control systems designed are addressed. Skills develop in services and troubleshooting in different control systems HVAC/R. In addition mechanical, electrical and safety codes will be emphasized.

This course discusses the different heating systems for heating the air. Topics include: basic concepts and mechanical components, types of heating systems: heat pump systems, electric heating, and gas heating systems, heating systems and heating oil hydrodynamics. The course will be focused at saving energy and preserving the environment by using green technologies with special attention to new technologies applied to high efficiency HVAC systems, as well as studying the mechanical and safety codes on the most significant topics related to the subject. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

This course provides the procedures for calculating heat load for air conditioning in residential, commercial and industrial buildings and heat load for commercial refrigeration systems. Topics include: the exterior and interior design conditions, evaluation of external heat loads, gains and solar radiation structures, evaluation of internal charges: occupants, lights, motors, equipment, technological processes, the evaluation of load infiltration and ventilation, breathing products. Other course elements include the psychrometric chart, the representation of air treatment processes and the selection of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Special attention to new technologies and building materials as well as new insulation systems used in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and high efficiency equipment are covered. Students also study the mechanical and safety codes most relevant to the subject. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

This course discusses the different types of chillers: high pressure, low pressure and absorption that are currently used in air conditioning systems. In addition, it also discusses the types of cooling towers. Topics include: basic mechanical components of the system: compressor, direct expansion evaporator and flooded, air-cooled condensers and water, expansion devices of systems of high and low pressure, the equipment components of absorption systems, startup, commissioning and maintenance of all types of water chillers. The course will be focused on saving energy and preserving the environment by using green technologies with special attention to new technologies applied to high efficiency HVAC systems, as well as studying the mechanical and safety codes related to the subject. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

This course presents standards of product temperatures for preservation and health. Topics addressed include retrofitting, recovery, evacuation, start-up, charging, troubleshooting of commercial refrigeration systems. Supermarket refrigeration, parallel rack systems, multi- compressor lubrication, secondary refrigerant systems, walk-in refrigerators and freezers, refrigeration load calculation, proper piping practices. Ice machine, types and applications, installation, service and troubleshooting. Transport refrigeration, rapid freezing and cascade systems. New refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration systems.

This course describes concepts, principles, and techniques used to estimate projects. It covers topics like the estimating process, types of estimates, the quantity takeoff, directs and indirect cost, bidding strategies, examples of estimating projects. A project of estimating will be complete and evaluated at the end of the course.

This course will describe the different alternative energy systems. The course covers topics like fossil energy, nuclear energy, solar energy, wind energy, ocean energy, and geothermal energy. The course illustrates how HVAC systems use alternative energy and also covers the efficiency of the compression cycle and absorption refrigeration cycle combined with different energy generation systems.

This course is the first college level English course for students. This course emphasizes the skills necessary to prepare you for college level writing. In this course students will develop an understanding of effective, college level writing with an emphasis on exposition and research essays. Oral and written communications of impressions and judgments concerning assigned readings in the essay and allied genre are required. This course also focuses on the building of an active vocabulary and on correct sentence and paragraph structure.

The course includes theories and practices in oral communication and speech writing, and the process of oral communication in all types of organizations. Students will learn the fundamentals of effective oral communication, with an emphasis on delivering effective presentations. This course will cover skills and techniques for planning and delivering a presentation, overcoming anxiety, and working with various audiences. Students will also use Microsoft PowerPoint to create and present an automated slide show presentation. This course is also taught in the Spanish Language.

The students will be introduced to the concepts necessary for the algebraic operations and will be instructed in the understanding of the real number system, polynomials, graphing of linear equations, equalities, and inequalities. The subject will be an application-driven course using real data to solve real world problems. This course is also taught in Spanish.

This course will examine significant events, movements, and patterns that have helped shape the modern world. While our emphasis will be on the 19th and 20th centuries, we will delve deeper into history to connect modern forms of democracy, culture, and conflict to their historical roots.

This is an introductory course focused on electromagnetics topics and thermodynamics. It covers a study of electric charges, forces, and field, Coulomb's law, electric potential, and electric potential energy, and an introduction to magnetism. The course also includes thermal physics, transfer of energy in thermal processes, and the laws of thermodynamics.

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