HVAC Tech Course

Lesson 1 • Regulatory and Code Compliance Basics

Introduces mechanical and electrical codes, permits, and inspection processes relevant to HVAC work. Compliance knowledge prevents costly rework and legal liability.

Lesson 2 • Reading Technical Documents

Teaches interpretation of wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and specification sheets. Document literacy is essential for accurate installation and troubleshooting.

Lesson 3 • Workplace Safety Fundamentals

Covers personal protective equipment, hazard identification, and lockout/tagout procedures. Safety compliance underpins every hands-on task in the HVAC field.

Lesson 4 • Tools and Test Instruments

Identifies hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic instruments used in HVAC work. Proper tool selection and care directly affect job quality and technician safety.

Lesson 1 • Laws of Thermodynamics Applied to HVAC

Connects the first and second laws of thermodynamics to refrigeration and heating cycles. These laws explain why systems work and set limits on efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Properties and Behavior

Examines refrigerant states, pressure-temperature relationships, and phase changes. Refrigerant behavior governs every aspect of mechanical cooling system operation.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Heat Transfer

Explains conduction, convection, and radiation as mechanisms of heat movement. Understanding heat transfer is the basis for sizing and evaluating HVAC equipment.

Lesson 4 • Heat Load Calculations

Applies thermodynamic and psychrometric data to calculate building heating and cooling loads. Accurate load calculations prevent oversizing and undersizing of equipment.

Lesson 1 • Compressors: Types and Operation

Covers reciprocating, scroll, rotary, and screw compressor designs and their operating characteristics. Compressor knowledge is critical for selection, maintenance, and diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Condensers and Heat Rejection

Examines air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative condenser designs and performance factors. Proper condenser operation ensures efficient heat rejection and system longevity.

Lesson 3 • Metering Devices and Expansion

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

Lesson 4 • The Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle

Traces refrigerant through compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation stages. Cycle comprehension is the foundation for all refrigeration and air conditioning work.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Fundamentals Review

Reviews voltage, current, resistance, and power relationships as applied to HVAC loads. Electrical fundamentals underpin every diagnostic and wiring task in the trade.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Troubleshooting Methodology

Applies systematic diagnostic strategies using voltmeters, ammeters, and ohmmeters. A structured approach reduces diagnostic time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Motors: Types, Testing, and Replacement

Covers single-phase and three-phase motor types, capacitor functions, and motor testing procedures. Motor faults are among the most frequent HVAC service calls.

Lesson 4 • Contactors, Relays, and Switches

Explains the operation and testing of contactors, relays, pressure switches, and limit switches. These components form the switching logic of every HVAC control system.

Lesson 1 • Airflow Principles and Measurements

Covers static pressure, velocity pressure, and airflow measurement techniques. Airflow data drives duct design decisions and system performance verification.

Lesson 2 • Duct Testing and Air Balancing

Applies duct leakage testing and air balancing procedures to verify system performance. Testing confirms that installed systems meet design specifications and energy standards.

Lesson 3 • Duct Materials and Fabrication

Identifies sheet metal, flexible duct, and duct board materials and their appropriate applications. Material selection affects durability, efficiency, and indoor air quality.

Lesson 4 • Registers, Grilles, and Diffusers

Covers selection, placement, and adjustment of air distribution terminals for comfort and efficiency. Terminal device placement determines room air circulation patterns.

Lesson 1 • Oil Heating Systems

Covers oil burner components, nozzle selection, and annual tune-up procedures. Oil system service requires specific skills distinct from gas heating work.

Lesson 2 • Gas Furnace Operation and Components

Explains heat exchanger, burner, ignition, and venting components of gas furnaces. Furnace component knowledge is prerequisite to safe service and accurate diagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Combustion Analysis and Efficiency

Teaches use of combustion analyzers to measure flue gas composition and calculate efficiency. Combustion tuning maximizes fuel savings and reduces carbon monoxide risk.

Lesson 4 • Electric Heating Systems

Examines electric furnaces, heat strips, and radiant heating element operation and wiring. Electric heating systems require precise electrical diagnosis and sequencer testing.

Lesson 1 • Refrigerant Charging Methods

Teaches superheat, subcooling, and manufacturer charging chart methods for accurate refrigerant charge. Correct charge is the single largest factor in system efficiency and reliability.

Lesson 2 • Split-System Air Conditioner Installation

Covers line set sizing, refrigerant piping, electrical connections, and startup procedures. Correct installation prevents premature failures and warranty issues.

Lesson 3 • Heat Pump Principles and Components

Explains reversing valve operation, check valves, and dual-fuel configurations unique to heat pumps. Heat pump knowledge extends technician capability to year-round comfort systems.

Lesson 4 • System Performance Verification

Applies temperature split, airflow, and refrigerant measurements to verify system performance. Performance verification confirms that systems meet rated capacity and efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Energy Auditing and Efficiency Upgrades

Applies energy audit techniques to identify efficiency losses and recommend targeted upgrades. Energy auditing adds value to service calls and supports customer retention.

Lesson 2 • Indoor Air Quality Diagnostics

Covers CO2 monitoring, humidity control, and filtration assessment as part of system optimization. IAQ issues often present as comfort complaints misattributed to equipment faults.

Lesson 3 • Variable-Speed and Inverter Technology

Explains variable-frequency drives, inverter compressors, and ECM blower motor control strategies. Variable-speed systems require different diagnostic approaches than single-speed equipment.

Lesson 4 • Preventive Maintenance Programs

Designs and executes structured preventive maintenance plans for residential and commercial systems. Preventive maintenance reduces emergency calls and extends equipment service life.