About

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 HVAC/R 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, Ventilation, 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.

Students will complete a one-credit Job Shadowing course during their first semester that will allow the student the opportunity to see firsthand the daily activities of a HVAC technician. A unique practicum 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. The curriculum is competency and performance based and uses multimedia classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises.

Classroom and laboratory hours are listed in the Schedule of Classes. Whether taking classes or working on a job site, students enrolled in this program will be required to perform the same job duties and be able to meet the same physical requirements that they will as a graduate in the field.

Depending where they find employment, graduates may be required to

  • work in inclement weather,
  • lift up to 50 pounds from the ground,
  • have good eye-hand coordination,
  • work safely around electrical hazards using the appropriate safety equipment,
  • work safely using hand and power tools,
  • ascend and descend stairs and ladders, and
  • stand, squat, stoop, or kneel for long periods of time.

Licensure for journeyman gas fitters, journeyman refrigeration workers, and journeyman sheet metal workers require both a written and practical exam. Not all licensing agencies provide special testing accommodations.

 

Three students pose over an exposed HVAC unit..

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

NOTABLE COURSESFundamentals of Refrigeration,Commercial Air Conditioning and Heating Systems, Job Shadowing

REQUIREMENTS: C- or above is required in all relative courses to graduate

DURATION: 4 semesters / 2 years SEE ROADMAP >>

HVAC/R

NOTABLE COURSESFundamentals of Electricity, Heat Pump Systems, 
Practicum
REQUIREMENTS: C- or above is required in all relative courses to graduate

DURATION: 4 semesters / 2 years SEE ROADMAP >>

Residential HVAC

NOTABLE COURSESBasic Mathematics for Technicians, Job Shadowing, 

REQUIREMENTS: C- or above is required in all relative courses to graduate

DURATION: 2 semesters / 1 year SEE ROADMAP >>

So, have we caught your interest?

Don't wait too long! Next Semester begins August 21st