This comprehensive two-year HVAC program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, hands-on skills, and certifications needed for entry-level and advanced roles in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. Students will develop core technical competencies, master essential tools and systems, and gain real-world experience in both residential and light commercial applications.
Upon completion of the program, students will receive a PHCC certificate of completion, earn their EPA Universal Certification, and be prepared for multiple NATE certifications.
NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the nation’s largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians, recognized industry-wide as the standard for demonstrating real-world, job-ready HVACR knowledge.
Trade Mathematics Explains how to solve HVAC/R trade related problems involving the measurement of lines, area, volume, weights, angles, pressure, vacuum, and temperature. Also includes a review of scientific notation, powers, roots, and basic algebra and geometry.
Basic Electricity Introduces the concept of power generation and distribution, common electrical components, AC and DC circuits, and electrical safety as it relates to the HVAC field. Introduces reading and interpreting wiring diagrams.
Introduction to Heating Covers the fundamentals of heating systems and the combustion process. The different types and designs of gas furnaces and their components, as well as basic procedures for their installation and service, is provided.
Introduction to Cooling Explains the fundamental operating concepts of the refrigeration cycle and identifies both primary and secondary components found in typical HVAC/R systems. Common refrigerants are introduced as well. Describes the principles of heat transfer and the essential pressure temperature relationships of refrigerants. Basic control concepts for simple systems are also introduced.
Introduction to Air Distribution Systems Describes the factors related to air movement and its measurement in common air distribution systems. The required mechanical equipment and materials used to create air distribution systems are also presented. Basic system design principles for both hot and cold climates are introduced.
Basic Copper and Plastic Piping Practices Explains how to identify types of copper tubing and fittings used in the HVAC/R industry and how they are mechanically joined. The identification and application of various types of plastic piping, along with their common assembly and installation practices, are also presented.
Soldering and Brazing Introduces the equipment, techniques, and materials used to safely join copper tubing through both soldering and brazing. The required PPE, preparation, and work processes are covered in detail. The procedures for brazing copper to dissimilar materials are also provided.
NATE -Students prepare for and complete the NATE Core exam, which validates essential HVAC knowledge including safety, tools, electrical theory, heat transfer, and basic system operation. This is the first step toward becoming NATE certified.
Alternating Current Presents the basic concepts of alternating current generation and use. It also discusses how single- and three-phase alternating current is used to power resistive and inductive circuits in HVAC/R equipment. Various types of transformers used in HVAC systems are identified. The basic operation of single- and three-phase motors is explained. In addition, the process of safely testing AC-powered devices is covered.
Compressors Presents refrigerant compressors. Since the compressor is considered the heart of any HVAC system, its good health and well-being are crucial to overall system performance and reliability. Compressors can take many forms, but they all perform the same basic function. They create the pressure differential in the system that allows refrigerant to move through the metering device and through the condenser and evaporator coils where heat is exchanged. Because the compressor is the most expensive component in most HVAC systems, it is important that technicians be able to correctly diagnose and correct problems that can affect compressor operation to avoid a costly compressor replacement.
Refrigerants and Oils Discusses the refrigerants and oils used in modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Today, new technologies and stringent environmental laws are driving changes in the HVAC industry. Older refrigerants that damage the environment are being phased out and replaced with more environmentally-friendly refrigerants. These new refrigerants often require new compressor lubricating oils. These modern refrigerants and oils also have new handling and service requirements with which technicians must be familiar.
Leak Detection, Evacuation, Recovery, and Charging Provides trainees with guidance related to servicing the refrigerant circuit of HVAC systems. The four essential service tasks—leak detection, evacuation, recovery, and charging—are covered in detail. In addition, information related to the US EPA’s requirements for providing these services in an environmentally sound manner are also provided. Developing the necessary skills to provide these services are vital to the future success of trainees in the HVAC/R trade. To that end, a significant amount of this module is devoted to hands-on practice and the successful completion of its required performance tasks.
Metering Devices Introduces metering devices used in the mechanical refrigeration cycle. The primary function of metering devices is presented, along with related components such as the distributor. The operation of capillary tube, fixed-orifice, and expansion-type metering devices is explored in detail. In addition, the process of selecting and installing thermal expansion valves specifically is covered.
Heat Pumps Introduces heat pumps, a very efficient form of electric heat. Compared to straight electric heat, heat pumps can consistently operate at higher energy efficiency. This module presents the operation of heat pump systems in detail with additional emphasis on the most common form of supplemental heat, electric resistance heating elements. The installation considerations of both split and packaged heat pumps systems are also reviewed.
Basic Maintenance An introduction to common tasks associated with the basic maintenance of HVACR systems. Specific tasks, such as lubrication and belt installation, are discussed in detail. In addition, the module describes the general procedures for performing inspections and periodic maintenance of gas furnaces and common cooling/heat pump systems, including how to complete the required documentation.
Troubleshooting Heat Pumps Provides a thorough review of heat pump systems, operating cycle and troubleshooting procedures for components.
Troubleshooting Gas Heating Covers information and skills needed to troubleshoot gas-fired furnaces and boilers.
Troubleshooting Oil Heating Describes the construction and operation of oil-fired heating systems and their components. Includes servicing and testing of oil furnaces and procedures for isolating and correcting oil furnace malfunctions.
Zoning, Ductless, and Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems Introduces the information and skills needed to troubleshoot and repair zoned, ductless, and variable refrigerant flow systems.
Universal EPA Certification (Section 608)
Students earn their EPA Universal Certification, required by federal law for technicians handling refrigerants. This certification enables students to legally work on all types of HVAC systems and is critical for employment.
NATE Certified HVAC Professional (CHP) – Students prepare for the NATE Certified HVAC Professional (CHP) exam. This advanced certification allows them to demonstrate expertise in a specialty area such as air conditioning, heat pumps, or gas furnaces. CHP status sets students apart as highly qualified technicians ready for the workforce.
