Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
Department Chair: Larry Penar, 847-635-1955 or lpenar@oakton.edu
The goal of the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology A.A.S. curriculum is to develop the skills needed for employment and certification in several areas. Students learn to evaluate the performance of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, to assess energy consumption, and to apply principles and methods of energy conservation.
Graduates can seek employment with consulting engineering companies as engineering assistants capable of designing and laying out mechanical systems.
Students can earn a certificate in Residential Comfort Control, Residential Comfort Systems Installer, or Commercial Buildings Energy Systems. Upon completion of these programs, students may choose to work with contractors to install and service HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) systems for residential and light commercial buildings. Students who earn a Stationary Engineer’s License Preparation Certificate will develop skills to continue studies toward a Stationary Engineer’s License.
Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Courses
Course present theories, demonstrations and lab experiences in area of basic vapor compression cycle in refrigeration. Content includes functioning and operating characteristics of mechanical refrigeration system: condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant control devices, refrigerants, test equipment, and special service procedures connected with basic refrigeration cycle. The Clean Air Act set by EPA for proper use of refrigerants explained.
Fee: $45
Course covers basic principles of residential heating systems. Content includes proper installation, service and safety procedures. Focus is on combustion process and consumer safety.
Fee: $45
Course covers methods of fabrication. Content includes laying out and fabricating sheet metal ducts and fittings used in heating and air conditioning installations.
Fee: $50
Course introduces electricity and automatic controls. Content includes basic wiring skills, electrical components, household wiring, wire sizing, conduct sizing, series and parallel circuits. Hands-on experience with electrical tools and meters.
Fee: $45
Course designed to prepare for “EPA Section 608” certification exam. Certification in proper refrigerant use required by law for work on refrigeration systems. Examination fees required.
Fee: $50
Course designed to prepare students to take R-410a safe use certification test. Content includes chemicals: HCFC-22, commonly known as R-22, used generally in air conditioning equipment; and R410a refrigerant, which replaces HCFC-22. Focus is on safe use of R-410a. Prepares for Certification in safe use of R-410a and associated oil.
Course covers how to evaluate buildings that may have a high level of carbon monoxide due to being tightly sealed to reduce air infiltration. HVACR technicians and first responders will gain knowledge to analyze building structures and eliminate hazards associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. Course is designed to prepare students to take the ESCO Institute Carbon Monoxide Certification test and gain certification.
Course covers entire refrigeration cycle, from compressor discharge to compressor suction, for low, medium, and high pressure refrigeration systems. Content includes various types of refrigeration systems; medium and low pressure temperature and their proper installations; product to be cooled, desired temperature to be maintained, humidity conditions, problems involving system balance and component capacity, and use of heat load charts. Students required to provide own basic tools.
Fee: $45
Course covers principles of residential air conditioning systems. Content includes evaluation and classroom hands-on experience in use of psychrometrics, residential and light commercial air conditioning equipment types and installation. Lab focus on systems performance problems and diagnostics.
Fee: $45
Course covers calculation of heating and cooling loads to determine appropriate selection of equipment in new construction. Content includes construction and heat transfer through structure, and computations for heat gains and heat losses for various building structures.
Course covers air moving and treating equipment, and distribution of air using appropriate devices. Content includes blower performance; static and dynamic pressures and pressure drop due to friction; sizing and selection of ductwork and blowers, diffusers, registers and grilles; and evaluation of system performance.
Course covers conventional and modern residential hydronics systems. Topic focus on “Near boiler” piping, accessories and zoning operations; proper sizing of heat emitting components, baseboards and piping.
Course covers advanced automatic controls used presently in high-efficiency furnaces. Content includes electronic ignition systems, generic sequence of automatic controls, and ladder type wiring diagrams.
Fee: $45
Course covers low pressure steam boilers and principles of boiler operation. Content includes complete boiler setup from feedwater systems to boiler and piping layout and assembly; combustion accessories, steam accessories, and draft control. Focus is on boiler room operation and safety. Workbook used in conjunction with chapter information and exercises.
Course covers high pressure steam boilers as per ASME code standards. Content includes basic boiler room systems, fittings and accessories, feedwater heaters, desuperheating and pressure reducing stations, fuel combustion and draft, and combustion controls. Focus is on proper practices of boiler requirements to function properly and safely. Classroom course only.
Course covers sources of pollutants, methods of control, and management techniques to maintain acceptable indoor air quality.
Course covers various types of HVAC systems used in commercial buildings. Topics include all-air, air-hydronic, all-hydronic and unitary systems and their layouts for air filtration, odor removal, heating, cooling, and air distribution.
Course covers conducting energy audit, surveying and evaluation procedures for energy using systems, and establishing energy management procedures and schedule.
Fee: $45