My Academic Plans (MAPs) are designed by faculty and displayed in a semester format showing the fastest path to finishing your certificate or degree. While this is the ideal, you can take courses as your schedule permits. Contact an academic advisor regarding your scheduling needs.
In most cases, the courses you need are available on your selected campus. However, there may be times to complete courses online or travel to another FRCC campus. Location availability is indicated at the time of registration.
My Academic Plan
Program Description
The mission of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program is to prepare students for entry-level positions. Students will demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed recognized industry standards.
HVAC/R AAS Degree
What You Will Learn
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate compliance with HVAC/R safety guidelines established by OSHA
- Demonstrate knowledge of common tools used in the HVAC/R trade, including their function and safe/proper use
- Safely handle and work with refrigerants
- Demonstrate proper and safe use of HVAC/R electrical measurement meters in energized and un-energized circuits
- Demonstrate how to troubleshoot common HVAC/R electrical devices/components in HVAC/R systems
- Demonstrate how to identify the correct part replacement needed for an HVAC/R system using equipment model/serial numbers, distributor catalogs and useful websites
- Demonstrate safe and proficient operation of a gas fuel torch used in soft soldering and brazing
- Demonstrate the ability to read and apply the information on a pressure/temperature chart to determine superheat, sub cooling, and proper system pressures
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret what the superheat and sub cooling readings are telling them about the states of the refrigerant in the system
- Demonstrate the ability to perform general maintenance/service on HVAC/R systems
- Demonstrate professionalism, including excellent communication skills
Career Opportunities
What do HVAC/R Mechanics and Installers do?
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.
A person in the Refrigeration Mechanic career path:
- Observes and tests system operation, using gauges and instruments.
- Adjusts valves according to specifications and charges system with proper type of refrigerant by pumping the specified gas or fluid into the system.
- Tests lines, components, and connections for leaks.
- Dismantles malfunctioning systems and tests components, using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment.
- Adjusts or replaces worn or defective mechanisms and parts, and reassembles repaired systems.
- Brazes or solders parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
- Performs mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
- Keeps records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
- Installs expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
- Installs wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
A person in the Heating & Air-Conditioning Mechanic career path:
- Tests pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution.
- Tests electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Repairs or replaces defective equipment, components, or wiring.
- Discusses heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- Repairs or services heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, or refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
- Installs, connects, or adjusts thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
- Connects heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
- Studies blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
- Complies with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Installs auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
SPECIALTY AND SIMILAR CAREERS
HVAC/R Mechanics: Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:
- Residential Air-Conditioning & Heating
- Light Commercial Air-Conditioning & Heating
- Commercial Refrigeration
- HVAC/R Sales
- Energy Management
- Sheet Metal
- Owner of a Company
AAS in Heating, Ventilation, AC and Refrigeration
First Semester
Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.
| HVA 101 | Introduction to Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | 4 |
| HVA 103 | Basic Electricity | 3 |
| HVA 102 | Basic Refrigeration | 4 |
| HVA 104 | Electrical Components for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Semester
Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.
| HVA 200 | International Residential Codes - Mechanical and Fuel Gas | 2 |
| HVA 247 | Hot Water Heating Systems | 4 |
| HVA 201 | Heating for Commercial Applications | 3 |
| HVA 203 | Industrial Controls | 3 |
| COM- GEN | Communication:___________ | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Third Semester
Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.
| HVA 122 | Commercial Refrigeration | 4 |
| HVA 123 | Air Conditioning | 4 |
| HVA 124 | Advanced Air Conditioning | 4 |
| HVA 202 | Troubleshooting and Customer Service | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Fourth Semester
Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows. Students must complete the Industry Competency Exams (ICE) Residential Air Conditioning and Heating, Light Commercial Air Conditioning and Heating, and Commercial Refrigeration as a requirement for this AAS degree. Contact the HVAC/R department for current pricing and to schedule the ICE Exam.