HVAC and Refrigeration Course

Lesson 1 • Heat Transfer Mechanisms

Examines conduction, convection, and radiation as they occur in HVAC equipment. Understanding these modes enables accurate load calculations and equipment selection.

Lesson 2 • Psychrometrics and Air Properties

Teaches dry-bulb, wet-bulb, dew point, and humidity ratio using the psychrometric chart. These properties drive air-side system design and comfort analysis.

Lesson 3 • Thermodynamics Principles for HVAC

Covers laws of thermodynamics, enthalpy, and energy transfer as applied to HVAC systems. Establishes the physical framework needed for all subsequent system analysis.

Lesson 4 • Refrigerants: Types and Properties

Surveys refrigerant classifications, global warming potential, and safety groups. Proper refrigerant selection is foundational to compliant and efficient system design.

Lesson 1 • Expansion Devices and Metering

Covers thermostatic expansion valves, electronic expansion valves, and fixed orifice devices. Proper metering maintains correct superheat and system balance.

Lesson 2 • Hydronic and Chilled Water Systems

Introduces pumps, piping, chillers, and terminal units in hydronic systems. These systems are common in commercial buildings and require distinct design logic.

Lesson 3 • Compressors: Types and Function

Covers reciprocating, scroll, screw, and centrifugal compressors and their operating characteristics. Compressor selection directly affects system capacity and efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Condensers and Evaporators

Explains air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative condensers alongside direct-expansion and flooded evaporators. Heat exchanger performance determines overall system efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Reading Wiring Diagrams

Teaches schematic and ladder diagram interpretation for HVAC control circuits. Diagram literacy is essential for efficient troubleshooting and installation.

Lesson 2 • Thermostats and Control Wiring

Explains low-voltage control wiring, thermostat terminals, and heat/cool staging. Correct control wiring ensures reliable system operation and comfort.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Testing and Measurement

Covers multimeter, clamp meter, and megohmmeter use for HVAC electrical diagnostics. Accurate measurement skills reduce diagnostic time and prevent equipment damage.

Lesson 4 • Motors and Motor Controls

Covers PSC, ECM, and three-phase induction motors along with starters and variable frequency drives. Motor selection and control affect energy use and equipment life.

Lesson 1 • Manifold Gauge Set Operation

Teaches proper connection, reading, and use of manifold gauge sets on refrigeration systems. Gauge proficiency is prerequisite to all charging and diagnostic work.

Lesson 2 • System Evacuation and Dehydration

Covers deep vacuum procedures, micron gauge use, and triple evacuation methods. Thorough evacuation removes moisture that causes acid formation and compressor failure.

Lesson 3 • Refrigerant Safety and Regulations

Covers refrigerant safety classifications, personal protective equipment, and regulatory certification requirements. Compliance protects technicians and the environment.

Lesson 4 • System Charging Techniques

Explains vapour and liquid charging methods, superheat and subcooling targets, and refrigerant charge verification. Correct refrigerant charge is critical to efficiency and equipment longevity.

Lesson 1 • Duct System Design and Sizing

Teaches equal friction and static regain duct sizing methods for balanced airflow. Properly sized ducts minimise noise, energy waste, and comfort complaints.

Lesson 2 • Commercial Load Calculation Methods

Covers the heat balance and radiant time series methods for commercial buildings. Commercial loads include internal gains and ventilation that residential methods omit.

Lesson 3 • Residential Load Calculation Methods

Applies the industry-standard residential load calculation procedure to determine heating and cooling loads. Accurate residential sizing prevents oversizing and comfort complaints.

Lesson 4 • Building Envelope Heat Transfer

Analyses conductive losses through walls, roofs, windows, and floors using U-values and R-values. Envelope analysis forms the basis of any accurate load calculation.

Lesson 1 • System Startup and Commissioning

Guides technicians through pre-startup checks, first-run procedures, and performance verification. Commissioning confirms the system meets design specifications before handover.

Lesson 2 • Equipment Placement and Mounting

Covers site selection, clearance requirements, vibration isolation, and structural support for HVAC units. Correct placement prevents noise, maintenance access issues, and premature failure.

Lesson 3 • Ductwork Installation and Sealing

Teaches duct assembly, support spacing, sealing with mastic or tape, and insulation wrapping. Sealed and insulated ducts prevent energy loss and moisture problems.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Connections and Wiring

Covers disconnect sizing, wire gauge selection, and control wiring termination for HVAC units. Correct electrical installation ensures safety and code compliance.

Lesson 1 • Refrigerant System Fault Diagnosis

Covers diagnosis of low refrigerant charge, overcharge, restriction, and non-condensable gas using gauge readings and temperature data. Refrigerant faults are amongst the most common service calls.

Lesson 2 • Control and Electrical Fault Diagnosis

Covers diagnosis of failed contactors, control boards, sensors, and thermostats using wiring diagrams. Electrical faults require systematic circuit tracing to avoid component misidentification.

Lesson 3 • Systematic Troubleshooting Methodology

Introduces a structured fault-isolation process using symptom analysis, measurement, and elimination. A repeatable method reduces diagnostic time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Lesson 4 • Airside and Duct System Faults

Diagnoses low airflow, dirty coils, duct leakage, and blower motor failures affecting system performance. Airside faults often mimic refrigerant problems and must be ruled out first.

Lesson 1 • Energy Efficiency Auditing

Teaches measurement of EER, SEER, and COP in the field and identification of efficiency improvement opportunities. Energy audits justify upgrades and reduce operating costs.

Lesson 2 • Preventive Maintenance Planning

Covers maintenance scheduling, task prioritisation, and service agreement structures for HVAC systems. A proactive maintenance plan reduces emergency calls and extends equipment life.

Lesson 3 • System Upgrades and Retrofits

Evaluates options for upgrading controls, refrigerants, and equipment to improve efficiency and compliance. Retrofit decisions require cost-benefit analysis and compatibility assessment.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical Maintenance Procedures

Details coil cleaning, belt and bearing inspection, lubrication, and drain pan maintenance. Mechanical upkeep prevents efficiency degradation and unplanned breakdowns.