Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Training

Lesson 1 • The Basic Refrigeration Cycle

Traces refrigerant flow through evaporator, compressor, condenser, and metering device. Provides the conceptual framework for all subsequent system study.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerants: Types and Properties

Identifies refrigerant classifications, global warming potential, and ozone depletion ratings. Prepares technicians to select and handle refrigerants responsibly.

Lesson 3 • Safety and Regulatory Compliance Basics

Introduces refrigerant handling regulations, certification requirements, and personal protective equipment. Ensures safe practices are established before hands-on work begins.

Lesson 4 • Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Principles

Covers conduction, convection, and radiation as they apply to cooling systems. Establishes the physical basis for all refrigeration cycle analysis.

Lesson 1 • Basic Electrical Theory

Covers voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's law in the context of HVACR loads. Provides the electrical foundation required for all control and motor topics.

Lesson 2 • Motors and Motor Controls

Examines single-phase and three-phase motors, starting components, and overload protection used in compressors and fans. Motor knowledge is critical for compressor and air handler service.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Measurement and Test Instruments

Teaches proper use of multimeters, clamp meters, and megohmeters on live and de-energized circuits. Accurate measurement skills underpin safe troubleshooting throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout

Establishes arc flash awareness, grounding principles, and lockout/tagout procedures for HVACR service. Safe electrical practices protect technicians during all equipment work.

Lesson 1 • Metering Devices and Refrigerant Flow Control

Analyzes thermostatic expansion valves, electronic expansion valves, capillary tubes, and orifice devices. Metering device selection governs superheat control and system stability.

Lesson 2 • Compressor Types and Operation

Covers reciprocating, scroll, rotary, and screw compressors, including their operating principles and application ranges. Compressor knowledge is central to system performance analysis.

Lesson 3 • Evaporators and Heat Absorption

Describes dry-expansion, flooded, and direct-expansion evaporator designs and their refrigerant feed methods. Evaporator selection determines cooling capacity and defrost strategy.

Lesson 4 • Condensers and Heat Rejection

Examines air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative condensers and their heat rejection mechanisms. Proper condenser selection directly affects system efficiency and reliability.

Lesson 1 • Refrigerant Recovery Procedures

Teaches push-pull and vapor recovery methods using certified recovery equipment. Proper recovery prevents atmospheric release and meets regulatory requirements.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Charging Methods

Demonstrates weight-based, superheat-based, and subcooling-based charging for various system types. Correct charge level is the single greatest factor in system efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Leak Detection Techniques

Applies electronic detectors, UV dye, nitrogen pressure testing, and bubble solution to locate refrigerant leaks. Reliable leak detection reduces refrigerant loss and system downtime.

Lesson 4 • System Evacuation and Dehydration

Covers deep vacuum procedures, micron gauge use, and triple evacuation techniques to remove moisture and non-condensables. Thorough evacuation prevents acid formation and compressor failure.

Lesson 1 • Psychrometrics and Air Properties

Introduces dry-bulb, wet-bulb, dew point, relative humidity, and enthalpy using the psychrometric chart. These properties define comfort conditions and drive equipment selection.

Lesson 2 • Indoor Air Quality and Filtration

Covers filter ratings, ventilation standards, humidity control, and contaminant sources in conditioned spaces. IAQ knowledge enables technicians to address comfort complaints beyond temperature.

Lesson 3 • Cooling Load Estimation

Covers Manual J methodology for calculating residential and light commercial cooling loads. Accurate load calculations prevent oversizing and ensure occupant comfort.

Lesson 4 • Split System and Package Unit Operation

Describes refrigerant circuit and airside operation of split systems and rooftop package units. Understanding both configurations prepares technicians for the most common AC installations.

Lesson 1 • Refrigerant Circuit Diagnostics

Interprets pressure-temperature readings, superheat, subcooling, and sight glass conditions to diagnose refrigerant faults. Accurate circuit diagnosis prevents repeat failures.

Lesson 2 • Airside and Comfort Complaints

Resolves insufficient cooling, humidity problems, noise, and uneven temperatures through airside and refrigerant analysis. Comfort diagnostics require integrating multiple system measurements.

Lesson 3 • Electrical and Control System Faults

Diagnoses failed contactors, capacitors, sensors, thermostats, and control boards using schematic tracing. Electrical faults account for a large share of service calls.

Lesson 4 • Compressor Diagnostics

Applies electrical and mechanical tests to evaluate compressor health, valve condition, and motor integrity. Compressor replacement is costly, so accurate diagnosis is critical.

Lesson 1 • Display Case Operation and Service

Examines open and closed display case refrigerant circuits, anti-sweat heaters, and airflow patterns. Display case performance directly affects product quality and energy costs.

Lesson 2 • Multiplex Rack Refrigeration Systems

Describes parallel compressor racks, suction groups, and electronic rack controllers used in supermarkets. Rack systems require advanced pressure management and oil return strategies.

Lesson 3 • Energy Management in Commercial Refrigeration

Applies floating head pressure, night covers, LED lighting, and demand defrost to reduce energy use. Energy management skills add measurable value for commercial refrigeration clients.

Lesson 4 • Defrost Systems and Controls

Compares electric, hot gas, and off-cycle defrost methods and their control strategies. Proper defrost prevents ice buildup while minimizing energy consumption and product temperature rise.

Lesson 1 • Low-GWP and Natural Refrigerants

Introduces A2L mildly flammable refrigerants, CO2 transcritical systems, and ammonia applications. Technicians must adapt to refrigerant transitions driven by environmental regulations.

Lesson 2 • Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems

Analyzes VRF system architecture, inverter-driven compressors, and simultaneous heating and cooling capability. VRF systems require specialized commissioning and diagnostic skills.

Lesson 3 • Ground-Source and Water-Source Heat Pumps

Covers loop field configurations, antifreeze solutions, and water-to-refrigerant heat exchangers in geothermal systems. Ground-source systems offer superior efficiency in moderate climates.

Lesson 4 • Smart Controls and Building Automation Integration

Covers digital thermostats, BACnet and Modbus protocols, and remote monitoring platforms for HVACR systems. Connected systems demand technicians who can configure and troubleshoot digital controls.