Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition (HVAC)

Program Description

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Program prepares the student with entry-level skills required by employers in this industry.

It is industry-focused, with the student having the opportunity to earn their EPA section 608 certification, NATE (North American Technical Excellence) certification, plus many specialized certifications from ESCO (Energy Service Company). ESCO exams are supported by the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Gas Appliance Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA), Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).  

The Heating focus of the program consists of education in job safety, soldering and brazing, basic electricity, forced air gas furnace service, hydronic service, airflow problems, duct sizing, and troubleshooting gas-fired equipment. Performance testing after repairs is emphasized. State-of-the-art Simutech computer simulation programs are used along with live equipment in the lab.

The Air Conditioning focus of the program consists of basic refrigeration, refrigerant recovery training, principles of A/C operation, heat pumps, further airflow problems, analysis, and troubleshooting of the total system. Performance testing after repairs is emphasized. State-of-the-art Simutech computer simulation programs are used along with live equipment in the lab.

The Plumbing Service I Technical Certificate complements the HVAC program and prepares the student with entry-level residential skills required by employers in the plumbing industry. This initial certificate concentrates on plumbing fundamentals and allows the student to begin working in the plumbing industry as an apprentice as well as scaffolding into the HVAC AAS Degree option. This option can be completed in one semester and is offered in the spring only.

Important information about this program:

  • EPA certification is part of this program and students will be required to pay the examination fee.
  • NATE and ESCO certifications are optional and will have additional examination costs.

For more information on what you can do with this major, visit CMU Tech's Programs of Study page.

All CMU/CMU Tech technical certificate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in communication fluency, quantitative fluency, specialized knowledge/applied learning, and critical thinking. In addition to these campus‐wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills including listening, speaking, and writing specifically to the HVAC industry. (Communication Fluency)
  2. Demonstrate safe work habits in the performance of tasks in the HVAC industry. (Specialized Knowledge, Applied Learning)
  3. Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior, and workplace responsibility as a HVAC repair technician. (Personal and Social Responsibility)
  4. Demonstrate basic troubleshooting skills and repair skills to fulfill the requirements of HVAC service and repair technicians. (Critical Thinking)
  5. Utilize mathematical concepts to analyze and implement troubleshooting systems including systems containing hardware and software components of HVAC systems. (Quantitative Fluency)

Contact Information

Office of Student Services
CMU Tech, Bishop B102
2508 Blichmann Avenue
970.255.2670

HVAC 102 Basic Refrigeration4 Credits

Introduction to the theory of refrigeration, components, charging, recycling, and evacuation of refrigeration units.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 103 Basic Electricity3 Credits

Introduction to the basic electrical AC theory, including the study of Ohm’s Law to explain the operation of electrical devices.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 106 Introduction to Service Technician Training1 Credit

Introduction to basic HVAC service from which the student will build their knowledge and understanding of this great career. Studies include class and school policies, safety for the service tech, first aid, and basic physics as it applies to heat, matter, and energy.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

HVAC 110 Fundamentals of Gas Heating4 Credits

Introduction to the fundamentals of gas heating. Students work in a classroom and shop environment. Topics include the basics of gas heating systems, operation of gas valves and burners, gas pipe system design, gas piping system code requirements, and basic code requirements for heating systems.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 111 Piping Skills for HVAC4 Credits

Introduction to the different types of tubing and piping materials used in HVAC applications, including, the proper tubing and piping installation methods, proper cutting and bending procedures, pipe math, and piping offsets. Common piping joints will be discussed, including swaging, flaring, soldering, brazing, cutting, and threading of steel pipe and other alternatives. Shop projects include bench projects and mock-up installations.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 113 Refrigerant Recovery Training1 Credit

Introduction to the laws regarding refrigerant recovery. The course includes hands-on use of recovery equipment. Environmental Protection Agency certification is included in this course and required nationally. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared for successful completion of the certification exam. The student will be required to pay approximately $40.00 to sit for the EPA exam.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 117 OSHA Ten-Hour Voluntary Compliance1 Credit

Introduction to a 10-Hour OSHA certification course for general industry. Participants will review the current OSHA standards contained in 29 CFR 1910. Participants that complete the course will receive a certificate of completion from the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The course is taught by instructors certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

HVAC 122 Commercial Refrigeration4 Credits

Introduction to commercial ice makers, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, and self-contained refrigeration units.

Prerequisites: HVAC 102.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 146 Residential Duct Design2 Credits

Introduction to the importance of equipment sizing. Focus on properly performing heating and cooling load calculations on residential houses. After determining proper equipment sizing, participants will demonstrate how to design the duct-work system sizing for proper airflow throughout the house.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 195 Independent Study1-4 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

HVAC 202 Troubleshooting and Customer Service3 Credits

Introduction to field analysis of malfunctions on actual, in-house, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning equipment. Customer interaction and diagnosis efficiency stressed.

Prerequisites: HVAC 103, HVAC 110, HVAC 117, and HVAC 240.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 204 Direct Digital Controls4 Credits

Introduction to the field of direct digital controls in HVAC systems.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

HVAC 222 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Systems Troubleshooting5 Credits

Introduction to troubleshooting industrial and commercial heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

Prerequisites: HVAC 202.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 240 Servicing Forced Air Systems4 Credits

Operation, repair, and maintenance of forced air heating systems. Introduction to the different types of furnaces, code requirements, common controls, and mechanical problems. This course also explores the A.G.A. (American Gas Association) approved method of testing furnace heat exchangers. Customer relations and workplace behavior are discussed.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 261 Air Conditioning Systems Service and Repair4 Credits

Introduction to the service and repair of HVAC systems. Troubleshooting techniques and equipment repair will be practiced.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

HVAC 295 Independent Study1-4 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

HVAC 296 Topics1-4 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

HVAC 299 Internship1-4 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.