Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

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.