HEATING,
VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
EXPLORATORY
AND INTRODUCTION TO HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (3
credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program. Please
see page 7 for more detail. Students deciding to enter the
field of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
will be exposed to the basics of safety and sanitation, as
well as the use and care of hand tools, power tools, electrical,
storage cylinders and stationary equipment. They are provided
with information on entry-level employment opportunities
in the HVAC trade. The students will demonstrate their skill
in basic copper tubing practices like cut, swage, bend, flare
and solder. Students will be introduced to the safe use of
sheet metal tools and will construct basic sheet metal fittings
commonly needed to install HVAC duct systems. Technology-related
reading, writing, vocabulary, mathematics, blueprint reading
and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
BASIC
REFRIGERATION/SHEET METAL (3 credits)
In Grade 10, the HVAC program is designed to provide students
with theoretical information covering the sciences of matter,
heat, fluids and pressure. Theory information also includes
the components of a basic refrigeration system and how they
operate to move heat from where it is not wanted to where it
is desirable. The students will demonstrate electrical fundamentals
including electrical circuits, Ohm’s law and meter use.
Laboratory skills practiced include servicing and testing refrigeration
equipment and basic electrical circuits including identifying
electrical motors. Skills needed for installation of HVAC systems
including piping materials, threading of black pipe and duct
installation are also practiced. Students continue to receive
instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety
practices. Technology-related reading, writing, vocabulary,
mathematics, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout
the curriculum.
INTRODUCTION
TO HEATING AND COOLING (3 credits)
In Grade 11, students will demonstrate theoretical competency
in HVAC electrical controls, refrigeration systems, such as
air conditioning, and refrigeration, both domestic and commercial.
The students will have an understanding of Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) certification requirements with refrigeration
systems and will be able to calculate building heating and
cooling loads. Skills practiced in lab and on in-school and
outside work projects for customers include installation
and service of refrigeration and heating systems and startup
and checkout procedures. Students continue to receive instruction
in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices.
Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be
eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related
reading, writing, vocabulary, mathematics, blueprint reading,
and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
ADVANCED
HEATING AND COOLING (3 credits)
In Grade 12, students will explain and identify heating fuels
(natural gas, propane and heating oil); how they burn and how
to control the burn safely; and EPA certification requirements
in order to pass certification exams. Instruction in different
types of air conditioning systems, heat pumps, unitary, central
station and split systems is provided in dividing needs and
trouble-shooting service. Students will demonstrate their ability
to use code books and apply code requirements at apprentice
entry-level. Skills practiced in lab and on in-school and outside
production work for customers include installation of the different
systems and testing operation and airflow. The proper handling
of refrigerants, including recovery, recycling and reclaiming,
are studied and practiced. Students continue to receive instruction
in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students
will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application
and interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and
trade skills. Each student will take the National Occupational
Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based
test. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency
may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related
reading, writing, vocabulary, mathematics, blueprint reading
and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Students
successfully completing this course of study will be able
to pursue a two year or a four year engineering degree
at any college or university. Students can obtain
immediate employment in the heating, ventilation and air
conditioning field, which include: residential and commercial
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning apprenticeship
in installation and service; refrigeration mechanic; sheet
metal apprentice; sheet metal design; gas system technician;
oil burner technician; heating, ventilation and air conditioning
sales representative; wholesale supply representative;
and, appliance repair technician.
