AC Mechanical Course

Lesson 1 • Core System Components Overview

Identifies compressors, condensers, evaporators, and expansion devices. Builds component recognition skills essential for all subsequent coursework.

Lesson 2 • Airflow and Psychrometrics

Introduces humidity, dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures, and air properties. Grounds students in psychrometric concepts used throughout system design and diagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Refrigerants and Their Properties

Examines common refrigerant classifications, safety ratings, and environmental impact. Provides the chemical knowledge needed for safe handling and system selection.

Lesson 4 • Refrigeration Cycle Basics

Covers the four-stage vapor compression cycle and heat transfer principles. Connects thermodynamic theory to physical AC system operation.

Lesson 1 • Hand Tools and Specialty Tools

Identifies wrenches, flaring tools, tube cutters, and manifold gauge sets. Correct tool use prevents equipment damage and ensures accurate measurements.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Test Instruments

Teaches multimeter, clamp meter, and megohmmeter operation for AC diagnostics. Accurate meter use is foundational to all electrical troubleshooting tasks.

Lesson 3 • Personal Protective Equipment

Covers selection and proper use of gloves, goggles, respirators, and arc-flash gear. Establishes the safety baseline required before any hands-on lab work.

Lesson 4 • Worksite Organization and Housekeeping

Establishes standards for tool staging, waste disposal, and job-site cleanliness. Organized worksites reduce accidents and improve technician efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Brazing and Soldering Techniques

Teaches torch setup, flux application, and silver-alloy brazing for refrigerant joints. High-quality brazed joints prevent leaks and ensure long-term system integrity.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Line Sizing and Layout

Applies pressure drop calculations to size suction, liquid, and hot-gas lines. Proper line sizing maintains system efficiency and prevents oil return problems.

Lesson 3 • Compressor Types and Installation

Compares reciprocating, scroll, rotary, and screw compressors and their mounting requirements. Correct installation prevents vibration damage and premature compressor failure.

Lesson 4 • Valves and Mechanical Controls

Identifies service valves, solenoid valves, check valves, and filter-driers. Each component's function and installation position affects system performance and serviceability.

Lesson 1 • Leak Detection Techniques

Introduces electronic detectors, UV dye, nitrogen pressure testing, and bubble solution. Early leak detection prevents refrigerant loss and compressor damage.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Regulations and Documentation

Reviews certification requirements, refrigerant tracking logs, and safe disposal rules. Proper documentation ensures regulatory compliance and liability protection.

Lesson 3 • System Evacuation and Dehydration

Teaches deep vacuum procedures using micron gauges to remove moisture and non-condensables. Thorough evacuation is critical to long-term system reliability.

Lesson 4 • Refrigerant Recovery Procedures

Covers push-pull recovery methods, recovery machine operation, and cylinder handling. Proper recovery prevents environmental release and meets regulatory requirements.

Lesson 1 • Reading Wiring Diagrams

Teaches schematic, ladder, and pictorial diagram interpretation for AC equipment. Diagram literacy is the prerequisite skill for all electrical troubleshooting tasks.

Lesson 2 • Thermostats and Control Boards

Covers low-voltage thermostat wiring, staging logic, and control board diagnostics. Proper thermostat and board configuration ensures correct system sequencing.

Lesson 3 • Contactors, Relays, and Capacitors

Covers operation, testing, and replacement of contactors, relays, and run/start capacitors. These components are among the most frequently replaced parts in AC systems.

Lesson 4 • Safety Controls and Safeties

Identifies high-pressure, low-pressure, freeze, and overload safety devices and their settings. Safety controls protect equipment and occupants from hazardous operating conditions.

Lesson 1 • Site Assessment and Equipment Selection

Covers load calculation basics, equipment sizing, and site access evaluation. Correct sizing and placement decisions made before installation prevent costly rework.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Rough-In and Connections

Teaches disconnect sizing, wire gauge selection, and terminal connection torque specs. Correct electrical rough-in ensures safe operation and code-compliant installation.

Lesson 3 • Ductwork Connection and Sealing

Covers duct connection methods, mastic sealing, and insulation of supply and return plenums. Sealed ductwork prevents energy loss and maintains designed airflow.

Lesson 4 • System Startup and Commissioning

Walks through pre-startup checks, first-run procedures, and performance verification measurements. Commissioning confirms the system meets design specifications before handoff.

Lesson 1 • Systematic Troubleshooting Methodology

Introduces symptom-based diagnostic trees and the divide-and-conquer fault isolation strategy. A structured approach reduces diagnostic time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Documenting and Verifying Repairs

Covers repair documentation, post-repair performance testing, and customer sign-off procedures. Verified repairs reduce callbacks and support warranty and liability management.

Lesson 3 • Refrigerant-Side Fault Diagnosis

Uses manifold gauge readings, superheat, and subcooling values to identify refrigerant faults. Accurate refrigerant-side diagnosis prevents unnecessary component replacement.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Fault Diagnosis

Applies voltage, resistance, and amperage tests to locate open circuits, shorts, and grounds. Electrical fault diagnosis skills reduce equipment downtime and repair costs.

Lesson 1 • Maintenance Planning and Scheduling

Covers seasonal maintenance timing, service agreement structures, and maintenance log setup. Planned maintenance reduces emergency calls and supports customer retention.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Component Inspection

Covers contact inspection, capacitor testing, wire terminal tightening, and control board review. Proactive electrical inspection prevents in-season failures and safety hazards.

Lesson 3 • Filter, Belt, and Lubrication Service

Covers air filter replacement intervals, belt tension and alignment, and motor bearing lubrication. These routine tasks have the highest impact on airflow and mechanical longevity.

Lesson 4 • Coil Cleaning and Inspection

Details evaporator and condenser coil cleaning methods, fin straightening, and drain pan treatment. Clean coils restore heat transfer efficiency and prevent biological growth.