Introduction to HVACR (Module 03101) – provides a broad introduction to the world of the HVACR technician. The most basic operating principles of HVACR systems are presented along with a review of technician licensing and trade-governing regulations. The final portion of the module describes potential career paths for the well-trained HVACR technician.

Trade Mathematics (Module 03102) - Math is an essential skill required to advance in the HVACR profession. Math is used when cutting and fitting pipe, when sizing and installing ductwork, and when calculating electrical values such as current flow.

Basic Copper and Plastic Piping Practices (03103) – Copper tubing is used extensively in HVACR work. Copper is the base material for virtually all common refrigerant piping. Plastic piping is also used in heating and cooling systems for a variety of purposes. Plastic piping may be used to carry chilled water for large cooling systems, condenser water for water-cooled mechanical systems, or even to vent high-efficiency gas furnaces. The module will introduce copper and plastic piping materials and explain how these piping systems are applied and assembled.

Soldering and Brazing (Module 03104) – Soldering is used primarily to join copper water lines and condensate lines in the HVACR craft. Brazing is used when mechanically strong, pressure-resistant joints are needed for refrigerant lines. Both soldering and brazing demand careful attention to safety due to the hazards associated with flammable gases and open flames. With some practice, HVACR technicians quickly master soldering and brazing techniques.

Basic Carbon Steel Piping Practices (Module 03105) – Iron and steel pipe are used in many HVACR systems. Steel pipe is used to carry water in hydronic systems and supply gas to furnaces. The ability to properly cut, thread, and join steel pipe is an important skill for an HVACR installer as well as service technicians.

Basic Electricity (Module 03106) – An HVACR system needs an electrical power source to operate. Most of the problems an HVACR technician encounters when faced with a service call involve the electrical system, so an understanding of electrical theory, power and control components, and circuits is essential. Technicians must have a firm foundation in these topics to get started in the crafts, allowing them to understand the circuits of complex systems and troubleshoot them when problems arise.

Introduction to Cooling (Module 03107) - To service cooling and heat pump systems, you must have a clear understanding of the refrigeration cycle and the function of its primary components. Technicians can apply this knowledge to all refrigerant circuits. Despite the differences in the many possible refrigerants and applications, the basic principles presented here apply to all direct-expansion refrigerant circuits.

Introduction to Heating (Module 03108) – Most homes and businesses need some type of heating system. Installing and servicing furnaces is a big responsibility. Because flames and combustible fuels are often involved, there is always the potential for fire or explosion. A well-trained technician minimizes those hazards, and fossil fuels are consistently used to heat many thousands of buildings safely and reliably. There are practical reasons for choosing one heating system over another. When most heating systems are properly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and serviced by qualified technicians, they will operate satisfactorily for many years.

Air Distribution Systems (Module 03109) – HVAC systems use ductwork to deliver conditioned air to the spaces being cooled or heated. The ductwork is made of sheet metal, fiberglass ductboard, or fabric. The performance of any HVAC system is closely related to the performance of the air distribution system. The ductwork must be of the proper size and type, and it must be correctly installed and sealed. It is important for an HVAC technician to understand how deficiencies in an air distribution system affect performance and how to recognize these deficiencies as the source of a problem.

Chimneys, Vents, and Flues (03202) – To operate safely and efficiently , furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances must have an adequate supply of air to support combustion. The proper venting of the combustion byproducts is equally important to both safety and performance.
There are well-defined standards covering the materials and methods used to vent furnaces. These standards are reflected in the furnace manufacturer’s installation instructions along with various codes and standards. These codes and standards must be applied to avoid the creation of hazardous environment for building occupants that also affects the operation of fossil-fuel equipment.

Air Quality Equipment (03204) – Many accessories can be added to an HVAC system to improve indoor air quality. The quality of the air in buildings is affected by dust, mold, viruses, and other contaminants. While some accessories are designed to dilute or eliminate these contaminants, others, such as humidifiers, modify the characteristics of the air to improve comfort. Because these accessories are very common and the demand is growing, it is essential that HVAC technicians understand these systems and how they are applied.

Leak Detection, Evacuation Recovery and Charging (03205) – The proper handling of refrigerants in accordance with EPA guidelines is one the most important responsibilities of HVACR technicians. Technicians consistently perform the critical tasks of refrigerant circuit leak detection, evacuation, recovery, and charging. Work related to the refrigerant circuit is expensive and time-consuming and must be done with attention to detail to ensure users have an efficient, reliable system at their disposal.

Alternating Current (03206) – The electrical power used to operate HVACR equipment is alternating current (AC). Compressor motors, fan motors, and transformers, along with many of the low-voltage control circuits used in managing HVACR systems, depend on AC to function. As an HVACR service technician, you’ll work with and troubleshoot AC circuits and devices daily. For that reason, it is important to understand the fundamental characteristics of AC and begin learning how to test Motors and similar components.

Heat Pumps (03211) – Heat pumps provide both cooling and heating use the mechanical refrigeration cycle. The secret to this capability is the even cold air contains some heat. The heat pump can extract that heat by reversing the refrigeration cycle. Not only are heat pumps capable of transferring heat from what seems to be very cold air, but heat pumps can provide heat using far less energy than conventional electric heating systems.

Basic Maintenance (03215) – HVACR equipment maintenance requires technicians to make intelligent decisions regarding equipment performance and condition. Technicians must also choose to correct materials to use in each situation. Common maintenance items such as air filters, drive belts, and lubricants must be chosen and applied correctly. This module provides guidance in periodic maintenance procedures and the selection of appropriate maintenance materials.

Refrigerants and Oils (03301) – HVACR technicians must be thoroughly familiar with the refrigerants and oils used in today’s systems. Laws originally adopted years ago mandated the elimination of many poplar refrigerants and replacement with products that were considered more environmentally friendly. Today, new refrigerants continue to enter the market and new mandates regarding use are the norm rather than the exception.

Compressors (03302) – The compressor is the heart of the HVACR system, providing the pressure differential that moves refrigerant through the system and taking advantage of the refrigerant’s thermodynamic properties. It is essential to understand how compressors work. Allowing technicians to service and troubleshoot as necessary. Although today’s compressors are durable, external factors such as the state of the refrigerant circuit and the quality of the power supply typically contribute to their failure. This module will help you recognize whether a compressor is the source of a problem or merely a symptom of a problem located elsewhere in the system.

Metering Devices (03303) – The metering device controls refrigerant flow and provides the needed reduction in pressure to cause a change of state as the refrigerant enters the evaporator coil. Different approaches exist to create the pressure drop, but all metering devices provide a similar function. HVACR technicians must be able to identify various metering devices and understand how they affect the refrigeration cycle. Different material devices require different service procedures and significantly affect how refrigerant is added.

Fasteners and Hardware (03313) – During the installation and maintenance of HVACR equipment, technicians work with a variety of fasteners and hardware. These components must be carefully selected for the specific application and installed according to accepted practices. Using the correct components ensures that the assembled system will perform properly and will not fail because of the wrong choice of component or its incorrect installation.

Customer Relations (03316) – To a customer, the HVACR service technician is the face of a company. The customer’s attitude toward the company and the likelihood of that customer doing future business with the company are determined largely by the customer’s impressions of and interactions with that technician. For those reasons, a service technician must learn how to deal effectively with customers.

Indoor Air Quality (03403) – Indoor air quality is one of the foremost concerns for HVAC engineers, installers, and technicians. Airborne contaminants circulating in a building significantly affect the health and comfort of the occupants. Local and national government agencies require strict compliance with established IAQ codes and standards. To meet and maintain the standards, HVAC technicians must be aware of the problem and its causes to properly service and install the equipment needed to monitor and manage indoor air quality.

Introduction to Hydronic Systems (03203) - A hydronic system uses water as a medium to provide heating and cooling for comfort or processes. In hydronic comfort-heating systems, water travels from the boiler through pipes to terminal devices where the heat is transferred to the air. This module introduces the basic principles, components, and configurations of hydronic heating systems.

Troubleshooting Gas Heating (03209) - Gas furnaces have advanced a great deal in the last 25 years in the pursuit of safety and higher efficiency. Today’s furnaces are controlled by printed circuit boards that integrate the various safety controls with the operating and ignition controls. HVACR service technicians must understand how to test the various inputs and outputs to identify problems. Technicians must also learn to recognize combustion and venting problems and conduct a combustion analysis to ensure a furnace is operating efficiently.

Troubleshooting Cooling (03210) - The refrigerant circuit is a closed-loop system, so identifying the source of a problem is not always easy. Because the operation of a refrigerant circuit is affected by external conditions, it can also be challenging to determine if a problem is inside the system or the result of an external influence. Being able to see through the tubing would certainly help. An experienced technician, though, can visualize the activity inside. A thorough understanding of the refrigerant circuit provides the basis for matching specific symptoms to probable causes. With a little practice, your gauges and thermometer can help you see through the tubing and know precisely what is happening on the other side.

Sheet Metal Duct Systems (03213) - HVAC ductwork can be made of sheet metal or fiberglass ductboard. Because the interior surfaces of sheet metal ducts are smooth, metal offers less resistance to airflow than fiberglass ductboard. However, in most cases, metal duct must be insulated to reduce noise transmission, minimize heat transfer, and prevent condensation. Working with sheet metal ductwork requires a familiarity with various metals as well as with the unique methods used to join, support, and insulate the duct.

Fiberglass and Fabric Duct Systems (03214) - Fiberglass ductboard has been applied successfully in both residential and commercial installations for many years. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and creates a very quiet air distribution system. Fiberglass ductboard provides its own insulation, so it is not necessary to add liner or exterior insulation as it is with sheet metal duct. Fabric duct systems continue to gain popularity in commercial, industrial, and institutional applications. Fabric duct systems are affordable, require limited labor to install, and excel in a variety of applications.

Retail Refrigeration Systems (03304) - Retail refrigeration systems are found everywhere. Various refrigerated coolers, freezers, cases, and dispensers are used wherever food and beverages are served. Out of public view, much larger refrigeration systems protect stored products used to replenish the retail systems. The specialized field of retail refrigeration offers many career opportunities for HVACR service technicians.

Steam Systems (03306) - To a customer, the HVACR service technician is the face of a company. The customer’s attitude toward the company and the likelihood of that customer doing future business with the company are determined largely by the customer’s impressions of and interactions with that technician. For those reasons, a service technician must learn how to deal effectively with customers.

Troubleshooting Oil Heating (03310) - Oil-fired furnaces and boilers are often used in homes in northern sections of the United States that have limited access to other reliable fuels. Oil-fired heating systems have provided reliable comfort to homes and businesses for many years, and are relatively simple to maintain and repair. To ensure reliability, oil furnaces do require annual maintenance, so it is important to know how to service these furnaces if that is within your scope of work.

Troubleshooting Heat Pumps (03311) - This module reviews the operation of heat pumps and presents methods and procedures for their troubleshooting and repair. Heat pumps contain more controls and have more complex circuits than a cooling-only system. Understanding how they differ from cooling-only systems and what to expect during the heating mode is essential to successful troubleshooting and repair.

Troubleshooting Accessories (03312) - HVAC systems, especially in cold, dry climates, are often equipped with humidifiers to maintain a healthy moisture level indoors. Electronic air cleaners may also be installed in both residential and commercial environments. Economizers, which take advantage of cool outside air to provide free cooling indoors, are common in commercial rooftop systems. Energy and heat recovery ventilators are another important indoor air quality (IAQ) accessory that are applied in both residential and commercial systems. Servicing HVAC accessories requires an understanding of how the devices affect the indoor environment and are integrated with the primary system.

Zoning, Ductless, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (03315) - Installing a zoning system that distributes air throughout a conditioned space in a more controlled manner makes a standard HVAC system more effective. The popularity of zoning systems has dramatically increased over the years as a result. Ductless systems may be single zone or multizone, with both cooling-only and heat pump systems available. Thus, ductless systems offer a different approach to zoning and represent some of the most efficient HVAC systems on the market. Advanced variable refrigerant flow systems take this approach a step further with increased capacity and the ability to handle much larger loads. This module describes innovative approaches to comfort and prepares you to install and service the related systems.

Control Circuit Troubleshooting (03317) - Many problems that occur in HVACR systems are caused by a failure in the control circuits or in the electrical loads they serve. Technicians must understand how various control components function and interpret equipment schematics, wiring diagrams, and other service literature. Competent service technicians combine this knowledge and their troubleshooting skills every day to consistently solve simple and complex problems in the field.

Motor Testing and Troubleshooting (03318) - Motors are the workhorses in HVACR systems. Motors also represent the most significant electrical loads in most systems. As a technician, your ability to test and troubleshoot motors will play a significant role in your success. New technologies such as variable-frequency speed control and electronically commutated motors have improved system performance and efficiency, but these products also require a different approach to testing and troubleshooting. This module will build on what you have learned previously and ensure that you are well prepared to service commonly encountered motors.

Water Treatment (03308) - Focuses on the methods and devices that are used to treat water in HVAC systems. It introduces the main characteristics of water and explains how they affect HVAC system performance, pointing out the problems that could occur if improperly treated water were used. It presents various types of filtration devices and water treatment equipment. It also covers how to use water analysis test kits and emphasizes the importance of following safety precautions when working with water treatment chemicals. It explores in detail how to identify and address specific water-related problems in various types of recirculating water systems.

Construction Drawings and Specifications (03401) - Focuses on the interpretation of construction drawings and specifications associated with HVAC installations in new construction. It explores the many different types of drawings that HVAC technicians and installers work with. It covers the use of specifications and submittals for HVAC equipment installation. It also covers the performance of the takeoff process for HVAC equipment and materials.

System Air Balancing (03402) - Provides trainees with information and skills needed to balance air systems. Developing air-balancing skills is vital to the future success of trainees in the HVACR trade. To that end, a portion of this module is devoted to hands-on practice and the successful completion of its required performance tasks.

Indoor Air Quality (03403) - Emphasizes the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality in compliance with established IAQ standards. It describes how the health and comfort of building occupants are affected by contaminants circulating in the air, and how control of ventilation, temperature, humidity, and chemical and microbial contaminants is vital for maintaining good IAQ. Methods used to detect sources of building air contaminants are discussed, as well as HVAC devices and equipment used to achieve acceptable IAQ. A brief discussion of liability issues associated with servicing HVAC systems is included.

Energy Conservation (03404) - Describes energy conservation technologies and devices used in residential and commercial HVAC systems. The operation of several innovative devices used for energy recycling and reclamation is described. It also discusses methods being implemented for electric energy-demand reduction and the practical use of ice storage systems.

Building Management Systems (03405) - Provides trainees with guidance related to building management systems. Developing the necessary skills to understand the applications, principles, and troubleshooting of building management systems are vital to the future success of trainees in the HVAC trade.

System Startup and Shutdown (03406) - Provides trainees with information and skills needed to start up and shut down commercial HVAC equipment, including boilers and chillers. Developing these skills is vital to the future success of trainees in the HVACR trade. To that end, a portion of this module is devoted to hands-on practice and the successful completion of its required Performance Tasks.

Heating and Cooling System Design (03407) - Focuses on the selection of proper heating and cooling equipment along with proper design of air distribution and refrigerant piping systems. It emphasizes how a good understanding of the many factors that influence HVAC system design enables HVAC contractors to select the most effective equipment while minimizing installation costs.

Commercial / Industrial Refrigeration (03408) - Focuses on commercial and industrial applications of refrigeration. It covers the equipment, control systems, and refrigerants used for these purposes. It compares and contrasts the methods and components used in commercial and industrial applications with those used in comfort cooling systems.

Alternative and Specialized Heating and Cooling Systems (03409) - Provides trainees with guidance related to alternative and specialized heating and cooling systems. Developing the necessary skills to understand the applications, principles, and troubleshooting of these systems are vital to the future success of trainees in the HVACR trade.

Fundamentals of Crew Leadership (46101) - Teaches skills needed to become an effective crew leader, as well as knowledge and abilities required to transition from craftworker to crew leader. The module also covers workforce diversity and organization, basic leadership skills, safety, and project control.

Managing Electrical Hazards (26501) - Working around electrical power presents shock, arc blast, and arc flash hazards. These hazards must be identified and eliminated wherever possible. Where it is not possible to eliminate a hazard, workers must protect themselves using the appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE). NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, provides practical, safe working requirements relating to the use of electricity.