HVAC Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Refrigerant Safety and Regulations

Explains refrigerant classifications, environmental impact, and regulatory handling requirements. Prepares students for compliant refrigerant work in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Overview of the HVAC Trade

Covers the scope of HVAC work, industry segments, and career pathways. Establishes context for all technical content that follows in the course.

Lesson 3 • Tools and Test Instruments

Identifies hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic instruments used daily in HVAC work. Proper tool selection and care underpin quality in every subsequent skill area.

Lesson 1 • Psychrometrics and Air Properties

Introduces dry-bulb, wet-bulb, dew point, and relative humidity using a psychrometric chart. These measurements drive accurate load calculations and comfort system design.

Lesson 2 • Modes of Heat Transfer

Covers conduction, convection, and radiation and how each affects building thermal loads. Understanding transfer modes guides insulation and equipment sizing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Fundamentals of Heat and Energy

Explains sensible heat, latent heat, and the laws of thermodynamics as they apply to HVAC. These concepts are the scientific basis for all refrigeration and heating analysis.

Lesson 1 • The Mechanical Refrigeration Cycle

Traces refrigerant through compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation stages. Understanding the full cycle is prerequisite to all refrigerant system service tasks.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerants: Types, Handling, and Recovery

Covers common refrigerant blends, global warming potential, and certified recovery procedures. Proper handling protects the environment and ensures regulatory compliance.

Lesson 3 • Condensers and Evaporators

Covers air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative condensers alongside evaporator coil designs. Proper coil maintenance and airflow management are linked to system efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Metering Devices and Refrigerant Flow Control

Explains thermostatic expansion valves, electronic expansion valves, and fixed orifice devices. Correct metering device selection and adjustment directly control system superheat.

Lesson 1 • Reading Wiring Diagrams and Schematics

Teaches ladder diagrams, pictorial wiring diagrams, and component symbols used in HVAC. Schematic literacy is required for every electrical diagnostic task in the field.

Lesson 2 • Controls, Contactors, and Relays

Explains thermostats, contactors, relays, and sequencers that govern HVAC equipment operation. Proper control wiring and testing prevent nuisance shutdowns and equipment damage.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Safety and Code Compliance

Addresses grounding, overcurrent protection, disconnect requirements, and wiring standards. Compliance with electrical safety standards protects technicians and building occupants.

Lesson 4 • Motors: Types, Testing, and Replacement

Covers single-phase, three-phase, and ECM motors along with testing and replacement procedures. Motor faults are among the most frequent HVAC service calls technicians encounter.

Lesson 1 • Oil Heating Systems

Explains oil burner components, fuel delivery, nozzle sizing, and annual tune-up procedures. Oil system service requires specialised tools and combustion testing skills.

Lesson 2 • Electric Heating Systems

Covers electric furnaces, heat strips, baseboard heaters, and radiant systems and their controls. Electric heating diagnosis relies heavily on the electrical skills from Chapter 4.

Lesson 3 • Combustion Analysis and Efficiency

Teaches flue gas analysis, CO measurement, and combustion efficiency calculations. Accurate combustion testing ensures safe operation and maximum fuel efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Venting, Combustion Air, and Safety

Addresses natural draft, induced draft, and direct vent systems along with combustion air requirements. Improper venting causes carbon monoxide hazards and equipment failure.

Lesson 1 • Split System Air Conditioning

Covers condensing unit, air handler, and refrigerant line set installation and startup procedures. Split systems represent the majority of residential cooling equipment in service.

Lesson 2 • Packaged and Rooftop Units

Explains self-contained packaged units used in light commercial applications and their service needs. Rooftop unit service requires additional safety and access skills beyond split systems.

Lesson 3 • System Troubleshooting and Performance Testing

Applies diagnostic logic to identify refrigerant, airflow, and electrical faults in cooling systems. Systematic troubleshooting reduces callback rates and improves customer satisfaction.

Lesson 4 • Mini-Split and Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems

Covers ductless mini-split installation, multi-zone systems, and variable refrigerant flow technology. These systems are rapidly growing in both residential and commercial markets.

Lesson 1 • Indoor Air Quality and Filtration

Addresses filter ratings, UV systems, bipolar ionisation, and humidity control for healthy indoor environments. IAQ solutions are increasingly requested by residential and commercial clients.

Lesson 2 • Ventilation Standards and Equipment

Covers minimum ventilation requirements, energy recovery ventilators, and exhaust fan systems. Adequate ventilation maintains indoor air quality and meets building performance standards.

Lesson 3 • Airflow Measurement and System Balancing

Explains how to use anemometers, flow hoods, and manometers to measure and balance airflow. Balanced systems deliver design airflow to every zone for consistent comfort.

Lesson 4 • Duct Fabrication and Installation

Teaches sheet metal, flexible duct, and duct board fabrication and sealing techniques. Airtight, well-supported ductwork prevents energy loss and moisture problems.

Lesson 1 • System Commissioning and Startup

Guides students through pre-startup checklists, startup procedures, and performance verification testing. Proper commissioning confirms the installed system meets design intent before handoff.

Lesson 2 • Equipment Selection and Sizing

Covers matching calculated loads to equipment capacity, efficiency ratings, and application requirements. Correct equipment selection maximises comfort, efficiency, and equipment lifespan.

Lesson 3 • Customer Handoff and System Documentation

Covers owner training, warranty registration, maintenance agreements, and as-built documentation. Professional handoff builds customer trust and supports long-term service relationships.

Lesson 4 • System Design Integration

Integrates equipment selection, duct design, and controls into a complete system design package. Holistic design ensures all subsystems work together for optimal building performance.