Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Certificates of Completion

• HVAC/R
• Residential HVAC

(575) 527-7596

The climate in New Mexico creates a demand for skilled technicians in both heating and cooling because people prefer to live and work in comfort. Every new home, hospital, university building, shopping mall, or office complex requires installation mechanics, service technicians, operating engineers, maintenance foremen, and trained crews to keep complex environmental systems operating efficiently.

The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry is one of the country’s most stable. The supply of qualified, trained people has not kept pace with the demand, and new opportunities are constantly developing. The demand for trained HACR graduates is also increasing due to Environmental Protection Agency requirements that refrigerants be handled by a certified technician.

Technicians knowledgeable in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration are also needed in defense, space exploration, and manufacturing. Because climate control is important wherever microprocessors are used in manufacturing or scientific research, skilled technicians are in demand in these fields. Many experienced technicians own and manage their own businesses.

The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program at DACC uses training facilities equipped with the most modern test equipment and tools available. As a student, you will learn to—

• service, repair, and maintain heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems;
• read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and symbols to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in a system;
• evaluate, diagnose, and service various mechanical and electrical controls;
• apply the mathematics related to the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration trade;
• handle customer relations, shop management procedures, and record keeping relative to the trade;
• properly use special tools and testing equipment; and
• become certified in Section 608, EPA certification.

A unique cooperative training program is offered during the final semester to provide students with field experiences. Working side by side with journeymen technicians, students are offered an opportunity to practice and refine their new skills.

After the first semester, full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration students must purchase a personal set of technician’s tools (approximate cost, $850). The tool set includes the basic tools that most employers require on the job. Part-time students will purchase only those tools required by the specific course(s) in which they are enrolled.

Students will also provide their own medical/accident insurance. They need to be in good physical condition and possess the ability and desire to work with their minds and hands.

The curriculum is competency based and uses multimedia classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises. Classroom and laboratory hours are listed in the Schedule of Classes.

All heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration students are eligible to join SkillsUSA. Membership provides students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to become proficient in public speaking and parliamentary procedure. SkillsUSA also offers students a chance to demonstrate their occupational skills. Skill competitions are conducted each year in New Mexico for all postsecondary students.

During the last semester prior to graduation, students will be required to take the Industry Competency Examination (ICE) or other approved national competency examinations. There will be an additional testing fee.

Associate Degree (67 credits)

NOTE: In order to remain in the program, students must attain a final average of 79% or better in each course attempted. Related requirements must be completed prior to starting nursing coursework. Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.

Certificate in HVAC/R (41 credits)

The following curriculum is designed for students who choose the certificate option in HVAC/R. The certificate program requires approximately
a year and a half to complete.
NOTE: A final grade of C or better is required in all required OEAR courses.

Certificate in Residential HVAC (29 credits)

The following curriculum, which requires approximately one year to complete, is designed to prepare a student to install, service, and maintain residential heating and air conditioning systems.