HVAC Controls Training Course

Lesson 1 • Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Principles

Explains conduction, convection, and radiation as they apply to HVAC loads. Provides the physical basis for understanding why controls respond to temperature changes.

Lesson 2 • Refrigeration Cycle Fundamentals

Describes the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle and key refrigerant properties. Grounds students in the mechanical process that controls must manage.

Lesson 3 • HVAC System Overview and Purpose

Introduces the function of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in buildings. Establishes context for why controls are essential to system performance.

Lesson 4 • Airflow and Fluid Mechanics Basics

Introduces pressure, flow rate, and velocity concepts in air and water systems. Supports later understanding of damper and valve control behavior.

Lesson 1 • Control Signal Types and Wiring

Distinguishes analog, digital, and pulse-width modulation signals used in HVAC controls. Proper wiring practices prevent signal errors and equipment damage.

Lesson 2 • Sensors and Measurement Devices

Covers temperature, humidity, pressure, CO2, and flow sensors used in HVAC. Accurate measurement is the foundation of reliable control.

Lesson 3 • Control Modes: On/Off, P, PI, and PID

Compares two-position, proportional, integral, and derivative control actions. Students select the appropriate mode for common HVAC applications.

Lesson 4 • Actuators and Final Control Elements

Explains how controllers drive dampers, valves, and variable-speed drives. Connects control signals to physical changes in airflow and fluid flow.

Lesson 1 • Pneumatic Sensors and Transmitters

Covers bimetal, bellows, and bulb-type pneumatic sensors and their calibration ranges. Accurate sensor output is critical to correct pneumatic control response.

Lesson 2 • Electric Low-Voltage Control Circuits

Introduces 24 VAC control circuits, transformers, and relay logic used in residential and light commercial HVAC. Builds wiring and ladder-diagram reading skills.

Lesson 3 • Troubleshooting Pneumatic and Electric Systems

Applies systematic diagnostic methods to common pneumatic and electric control faults. Students use pressure gauges and multimeters to isolate failures.

Lesson 4 • Pneumatic Actuators and Dampers

Explains spring-range, normally open, and normally closed pneumatic actuators. Students match actuator selection to fail-safe requirements.

Lesson 1 • DDC Architecture and Components

Describes field controllers, supervisory controllers, and workstations in a DDC hierarchy. Establishes the system structure students will configure and maintain.

Lesson 2 • Trending, Alarming, and Reporting

Explains how DDC systems log data, generate alarms, and produce performance reports. These tools are essential for diagnostics and energy management.

Lesson 3 • Control Logic and Programming Basics

Introduces graphical and text-based programming methods for DDC controllers. Students implement simple control sequences using standard logic blocks.

Lesson 4 • DDC System Commissioning

Covers point-to-point checkout, functional testing, and documentation for DDC systems. Proper commissioning ensures the system operates as designed from day one.

Lesson 1 • Variable Air Volume System Control

Explains VAV box control, duct static pressure reset, and zone coordination. Students configure sequences that maintain comfort while minimizing fan energy.

Lesson 2 • Chiller Plant Control Sequences

Describes chiller staging, chilled water temperature reset, and pump control. Proper sequencing maximizes chiller efficiency and system reliability.

Lesson 3 • Terminal Unit and Zone Control

Addresses fan coil units, unit ventilators, and radiant systems at the zone level. Students write sequences that respond to occupancy and local comfort demands.

Lesson 4 • Boiler Plant and Heating Control

Covers boiler staging, hot water reset, and heating system sequencing. Students apply outdoor air reset to improve efficiency in heating plants.

Lesson 1 • System Integration Testing and Validation

Applies functional testing methods to verify BAS integration across all subsystems. Students document integration results and resolve interoperability issues.

Lesson 2 • Gateways and Protocol Translation

Explains how gateways bridge incompatible protocols and legacy systems. Students configure gateway mappings to expose data across the BAS.

Lesson 3 • BAS Architecture and Network Topology

Describes the three-tier BAS hierarchy and common network topologies. Understanding the architecture guides correct device placement and network design.

Lesson 4 • Open Communication Protocols

Covers BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks protocols used in HVAC integration. Protocol knowledge enables interoperability between multi-vendor devices.

Lesson 1 • Measurement and Verification of Savings

Applies accepted M&V protocols to quantify energy savings from control improvements. Students produce savings reports that support investment decisions.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Reset and Optimization Strategies

Explains supply air temperature, chilled water, and hot water reset based on load. Proper reset reduces energy while maintaining comfort across all zones.

Lesson 3 • Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking

Introduces energy metering, key performance indicators, and baseline establishment. Measurement is the prerequisite for any meaningful optimization effort.

Lesson 4 • Demand Control and Load Shedding

Covers peak demand management, load shedding sequences, and demand response programs. Students configure controls to reduce peak electrical demand automatically.

Lesson 1 • Control Loop Performance Issues

Diagnoses hunting, offset, and slow response in PID control loops. Students retune loops and correct mechanical causes of poor control performance.

Lesson 2 • Structured Diagnostic Methodology

Presents a repeatable fault isolation process applicable to any HVAC control system. A structured approach reduces diagnostic time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Diagnostic Tools and Instrumentation

Covers multimeters, clamp meters, data loggers, and BAS diagnostic software. Selecting the right tool accelerates fault isolation and reduces guesswork.

Lesson 4 • Network and Communication Faults

Addresses BACnet, Modbus, and physical layer communication failures in BAS networks. Students use protocol analyzers to isolate and resolve network issues.