Air Conditioning Maintenance and Installation Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to HVAC and AC Systems

Covers the role of AC in HVAC, system classifications, and industry terminology. Provides the vocabulary and context needed for all subsequent technical content.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerants: Properties and Handling

Covers common refrigerant types, their thermodynamic properties, and safe handling requirements. Proper refrigerant knowledge prevents equipment damage and safety incidents.

Lesson 3 • Core AC System Components

Identifies compressors, condensers, evaporators, and expansion devices and explains each component's role. Builds component recognition skills critical for installation and maintenance tasks.

Lesson 4 • Thermodynamics for AC Technicians

Introduces heat transfer, pressure-temperature relationships, and psychrometrics at a practical level. These principles underpin every diagnostic and performance evaluation task.

Lesson 1 • Workplace Organization and Code Compliance

Addresses job-site organization, material handling, and adherence to safety and building codes. A compliant, organized workspace reduces errors and supports professional standards.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Test Instruments

Covers multimeters, clamp meters, and capacitor testers used in AC electrical diagnostics. Correct instrument use enables accurate fault identification in electrical circuits.

Lesson 3 • Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Rules

Covers required PPE, lockout/tagout procedures, and electrical safety fundamentals. Safety compliance is the non-negotiable foundation of all hands-on AC work.

Lesson 4 • Hand Tools and Power Tools for AC Work

Identifies and demonstrates correct use of wrenches, tube cutters, flaring tools, and drills. Proper tool selection and technique prevent damage and ensure quality workmanship.

Lesson 1 • Reading Wiring Diagrams and Schematics

Teaches interpretation of ladder diagrams, pictorial wiring diagrams, and schematic symbols. Diagram literacy is essential for tracing faults and verifying correct wiring during installation.

Lesson 2 • Motors: Types, Operation, and Testing

Covers single-phase and three-phase motors, capacitor roles, and motor testing procedures. Motors are the most common electrical failure point in AC systems.

Lesson 3 • Control Components and Circuits

Examines thermostats, contactors, relays, and control boards and their roles in system operation. Understanding control logic enables systematic troubleshooting of non-starting or cycling faults.

Lesson 4 • AC Electrical Fundamentals

Reviews voltage, current, resistance, and power as applied to AC equipment circuits. This electrical foundation is required before interpreting wiring diagrams or testing components.

Lesson 1 • Leak Detection and Repair

Covers electronic leak detectors, UV dye methods, and nitrogen pressure testing for locating refrigerant leaks. Leak repair restores system integrity and prevents refrigerant loss.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Recovery Procedures

Covers recovery machine operation, cylinder handling, and regulatory recovery requirements. Proper recovery prevents refrigerant release and ensures regulatory compliance.

Lesson 3 • Superheat and Subcooling Measurement

Teaches calculation and measurement of superheat and subcooling to verify correct refrigerant charge. These measurements are the industry-standard method for charge verification.

Lesson 4 • System Evacuation and Dehydration

Teaches vacuum pump operation, deep vacuum procedures, and moisture removal from refrigerant circuits. Thorough evacuation prevents acid formation and compressor failure.

Lesson 1 • Site Assessment and Load Calculation

Covers Manual J load calculation principles, site surveys, and equipment sizing decisions. Correct sizing prevents comfort complaints, high energy bills, and premature equipment failure.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Line Set Installation

Teaches copper line sizing, bending, insulation, and connection to indoor and outdoor units. Properly installed line sets prevent refrigerant leaks and maintain system efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Outdoor Unit Placement and Mounting

Covers pad and bracket mounting, clearance requirements, and vibration isolation for outdoor condensing units. Correct outdoor unit placement protects performance and reduces noise.

Lesson 4 • Indoor Unit Mounting and Placement

Teaches location selection, mounting bracket installation, and leveling for indoor air handlers and mini-split heads. Proper placement ensures airflow distribution and condensate drainage.

Lesson 1 • Airflow and Duct System Inspection

Teaches static pressure measurement, duct leakage identification, and register and grille inspection. Airflow problems are a leading cause of comfort complaints and efficiency loss.

Lesson 2 • Maintenance Planning and Scheduling

Covers maintenance intervals, service agreement structures, and building a preventive maintenance checklist. Planned maintenance reduces emergency calls and supports customer retention.

Lesson 3 • Indoor Unit Maintenance Tasks

Teaches filter replacement, coil cleaning, blower inspection, and condensate drain servicing. Indoor unit maintenance directly affects air quality, airflow, and system efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Outdoor Unit Maintenance Tasks

Covers condenser coil cleaning, fan blade inspection, refrigerant pressure checks, and electrical component testing. Outdoor unit maintenance prevents high-head-pressure faults and compressor damage.

Lesson 1 • Diagnosing Electrical and Control Faults

Applies electrical testing to diagnose failed capacitors, contactors, motors, and control boards. Electrical faults are the most frequent cause of AC system no-start and short-cycling complaints.

Lesson 2 • Diagnosing Airflow and Mechanical Faults

Covers diagnosis of dirty coils, blocked filters, failed blower motors, and duct restrictions affecting system performance. Airflow faults often mimic refrigerant problems and must be ruled out first.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Fault Scenarios and Case Studies

Presents complex, multi-fault scenarios requiring integrated diagnostic skills across electrical, refrigerant, and airflow systems. Case study practice builds the confidence needed for independent field diagnosis.

Lesson 4 • Diagnosing Refrigerant Circuit Faults

Covers diagnosis of low charge, overcharge, restriction, and non-condensable gas using gauge readings and temperature data. Refrigerant circuit faults account for a large share of AC service calls.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Zone and VRF System Basics

Introduces variable refrigerant flow systems, multi-zone piping, and branch controller operation. VRF systems are increasingly specified in commercial projects and require specialized knowledge.

Lesson 2 • Smart Thermostats and Building Controls

Covers smart thermostat installation, Wi-Fi configuration, and integration with building automation systems. Smart controls are now standard in new construction and retrofit projects.

Lesson 3 • Heat Pump Systems: Operation and Service

Teaches reversing valve operation, defrost cycle logic, and heat pump-specific charging and diagnostic procedures. Heat pumps require distinct service knowledge beyond standard cooling-only AC systems.

Lesson 4 • Variable-Speed and Inverter-Driven Systems

Covers inverter compressor operation, variable-speed fan motors, and their diagnostic differences from fixed-speed systems. Inverter systems dominate new installations and require updated service techniques.