Cooling and HVAC Course

Lesson 1 • Heat Transfer Principles

Covers conduction, convection, and radiation as mechanisms of heat movement. Establishes the physical basis for understanding how HVAC systems manage thermal energy.

Lesson 2 • Basic Thermodynamic Laws

Introduces the first and second laws of thermodynamics and their HVAC relevance. Provides the theoretical framework for analyzing energy conversion and efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Properties of Refrigerants and Air

Examines physical and chemical properties of common refrigerants and moist air. Connects fluid behavior to system performance and equipment selection.

Lesson 1 • Expansion Devices and Metering

Explains thermostatic expansion valves, electronic expansion valves, and fixed orifices. Metering device selection directly affects system efficiency and refrigerant charge balance.

Lesson 2 • Condensers and Evaporators

Examines heat exchanger design, airflow patterns, and heat rejection or absorption roles. Proper understanding enables correct selection and maintenance of these critical components.

Lesson 3 • Refrigerant Handling and Safety

Covers safe recovery, recycling, and recharging procedures for refrigerants. Compliance with environmental handling standards protects technicians and reduces atmospheric impact.

Lesson 4 • Vapor-Compression Cycle Explained

Traces refrigerant through compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation stages. Provides the core operational model referenced throughout all subsequent HVAC chapters.

Lesson 1 • Contactors, Relays, and Transformers

Explains switching and isolation devices used in HVAC power and control circuits. Proper testing of these components reduces unnecessary compressor and motor replacements.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Troubleshooting Procedures

Applies systematic diagnostic methods using multimeters and clamp meters on live circuits. Structured troubleshooting reduces diagnostic time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Fundamentals for Technicians

Reviews voltage, current, resistance, and power as applied to HVAC circuits. These fundamentals underpin every electrical measurement and diagnostic task in the field.

Lesson 4 • Reading HVAC Wiring Diagrams

Teaches schematic and ladder diagram interpretation for HVAC control circuits. Diagram literacy is the primary skill for efficient and accurate fault isolation.

Lesson 1 • Diffusers, Grilles, and Registers

Covers selection and placement of air terminals to achieve proper throw and coverage. Terminal device performance directly influences occupant comfort and noise levels.

Lesson 2 • Airflow Fundamentals and Measurement

Introduces velocity, volume flow rate, and static pressure as key airflow parameters. Measurement skills enable accurate system balancing and troubleshooting.

Lesson 3 • System Balancing and Commissioning

Teaches proportional balancing and total flow verification procedures for air systems. Balanced systems deliver design airflow to each zone and reduce energy waste.

Lesson 4 • Duct Materials and Construction

Compares sheet metal, flexible, and fiberglass duct materials for different applications. Material choice affects acoustics, hygiene, durability, and installation cost.

Lesson 1 • Gas Furnace Operation and Components

Explains combustion process, heat exchanger function, and burner controls in gas furnaces. Furnace knowledge is foundational for residential and light-commercial heating service.

Lesson 2 • Hydronic Heating Systems

Introduces boilers, pumps, piping layouts, and terminal units in hot-water heating systems. Hydronic systems offer precise zone control and high efficiency in larger buildings.

Lesson 3 • Heating System Controls and Thermostats

Covers thermostat wiring, sequencers, and safety limit controls for heating equipment. Proper control configuration ensures safe operation and accurate temperature regulation.

Lesson 4 • Combustion Analysis and Safety

Teaches flue gas analysis, CO detection, and draft measurement for safe combustion. Combustion testing ensures efficiency and protects occupants from hazardous byproducts.

Lesson 1 • System Performance and Efficiency Ratings

Explains SEER, EER, and COP ratings and their impact on operating costs and selection. Efficiency metrics guide equipment specification and help customers understand long-term value.

Lesson 2 • Packaged and Rooftop Units

Explains self-contained packaged unit configurations for commercial rooftop applications. Rooftop units consolidate components, simplifying installation but requiring specific service access.

Lesson 3 • Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Covers multi-zone mini-split architecture, refrigerant piping, and indoor unit types. Mini-splits serve spaces where ductwork is impractical and offer individual zone control.

Lesson 4 • Residential Split System Installation

Covers outdoor unit placement, line set routing, and indoor coil installation procedures. Correct installation prevents refrigerant leaks, vibration issues, and premature failures.

Lesson 1 • Programmable Thermostats and Zone Control

Covers multi-stage thermostat wiring, scheduling, and zone damper control systems. Zone control improves comfort and reduces energy use in multi-room applications.

Lesson 2 • Direct Digital Control Systems

Explains DDC controller hardware, input/output points, and programming logic for HVAC. DDC systems enable precise, data-driven control of complex commercial HVAC equipment.

Lesson 3 • Building Automation System Networks

Covers BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks communication protocols used in building systems. Network knowledge enables integration of HVAC with lighting, security, and energy management.

Lesson 4 • Control System Fundamentals

Introduces open-loop and closed-loop control, sensors, and actuators in HVAC applications. Control theory provides the conceptual basis for understanding all automated system behaviors.

Lesson 1 • Service Documentation and Customer Communication

Teaches accurate work order completion, equipment history logging, and repair reporting. Clear documentation supports warranty claims, liability protection, and repeat service scheduling.

Lesson 2 • Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Covers CO2 monitoring, humidity measurement, and filtration evaluation for IAQ service. IAQ assessment adds value to maintenance visits and addresses occupant health concerns.

Lesson 3 • Airside and Mechanical Troubleshooting

Diagnoses airflow restrictions, blower faults, and mechanical noise issues in HVAC systems. Airside problems are among the most common causes of comfort complaints and callbacks.

Lesson 4 • Refrigerant System Diagnostics

Uses manifold gauge readings, superheat, and subcooling data to diagnose refrigerant faults. Accurate refrigerant diagnosis prevents unnecessary component replacement and refrigerant waste.