A trade school or technical college HVAC course will prepare you for employment in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning field. This industry also includes the maintenance of refrigeration systems.
Training is designed to turn you into an efficient and safety-minded HVAC technician. Read on for an outline of HVAC program requirements and objectives.
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Requirements
Applying to an HVAC school
Some requirements to begin classes include ability to read and write at a high school level. You'll need basic arithmetic skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You also typically need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. During the course you'll learn electrical calculations which may require you to achieve a higher level of competency. Learn more about applying to trade school here.
Course Outline
Refrigeration & Electrical Theory
An accredited HVAC program will cover refrigeration system theory, components operation, and HVAC applications. It will also include basic to advanced electrical theory and application, plus electromagnetic controls.
Gas, Leak Detection, & Heat Transfer
Your classes will include a section on natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas piping, and components. You'll learn about charging and leak detection, plus HVAC system evacuation. Heat transfer and refrigerant characteristics must be mastered as well.
Pipe & Sheet Metal
During your training you also will also learn about piping installation and connections. This will include basic sheet metal fabrication and modifications, duct sizing, and load calculations. An HVAC technician is expected to problem-solve in the field, and you’ll need these skills to do so.
Tools
In the lab, you'll be taught how to use and safely operate all the hand and power tools used commonly by HVAC professionals. Safety is always a main topic of discussion in class and in the lab.
The Objective Is Credentialing
Federal Law requires that anyone who works on stationary HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment must be certified. This certification consists of four parts: Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III. This certification is required of anyone working on HVAC equipment or handling refrigerants and must be obtained prior you beginning work in the field. The goal of any program is to help you achieve this and be a sought after employee in this fast-growing skilled trade.
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