Job Outlook | FAQs | Course Objectives | Curriculum | Instructor

Start Your Career in HVAC/R

HVAC/R is one of the most constant industries for new jobs, so there’s no better time to join. This course will prepare you for an entry-level role in the HVAC/R field. You’ll understand the basic requirements needed to earn a “work ready” certificate and start an apprenticeship.

Job Outlook for HVAC/R Technicians

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a HVAC/R technician is just over $57,000 per year. However, the median salary for HVAC/R technicians in California is just over $62,000 a year.
• The BLS also indicates that California ranks second in the US with the highest employment level in this occupation.

HVAC/R Technician FAQs

What does an HVAC/R Technician do?

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians, also called installers or mechanics, work on the systems that control the temperature, humidity, and quality of the air in our homes, workplaces, and all other types of buildings.

How do I become an HVAC/R Technician?

To become an HVAC/R technician, you will first have to work as an apprentice under a licensed technician for up to 2,000 hours. However, apprenticeships are competitive, so having formal training and a “work ready” certificate significantly improve your chances of success.

Does this course prepare me for work ready certificates?

Yes. This HVAC/R Technician Certification course will prepare you for entry-level work ready certificates:

• HVAC Excellence “Employment Ready” Certificate
• NATE “Ready to Work” Certificate

Are work ready certificates worth it?

Yes. For job seekers just entering the HVAC/R field, a work ready certificates show prospective employers that you have a fundamental understanding of HVAC/R systems, maintenance and troubleshooting.

About the Online Training Course

Course Objectives

• Understand basic components of the vapor-compression and refrigeration cycles, functions and characteristics of system refrigerants, piping operations
• Learn proper installation and operation of HVAC systems
• Understand EPA laws related to safe handling and transport of refrigerants
• Proper recovery, recycling, and retrofitting of refrigerants

Prerequisites & Requirements

This course is designed for students with little-to-no background in HVAC/R, so are no prerequisites to take this course. However, we recommend having a high school diploma or GED.

Curriculum

1. Safety, Tools and Equipment, and Shop Practices
   Learn general safety practices as well as how to care for and use all the tools you will come across on the job.
2.  Automatic Controls
   Understand automatic control components and applications including troubleshooting for basic through more advanced systems.
3. Electric Motors
   Gain a full understanding of electric motors including types, applications, controls, and troubleshooting techniques.
4. Commercial Refrigeration
   Learn the ins and outs of commercial refrigeration components including evaporators, condensers, compressors, expansion devices, ice machines, special applications and systems, and more.
5. Air-Conditioning (Cooling)
   Understand comfort and psychometrics, air distribution and balance, installation, energy auditing, common conditions, troubleshooting techniques, and more.
6. All-Weather Systems
   Learn about the heat gains and losses that occur in various structures as well as detailed information on both air source and geothermal heat pumps.
7. Domestic Appliances
   Get detailed information on domestic appliances including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners.
8. Commercial Air-Conditioning and Chilled-Water Systems
   Learn the ins and out of cooling towers, pumps, and chilled-water systems including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for commercial, packaged rooftop, variable refrigerant flow, and variable air volume systems.
9. Simulation Challenge Mode I: Virtual, hands-on simulation of troubleshooting an HVAC/R system.
10. Simulation Challenge Mode II: Hands-on virtual simulation of routing electricity to an HVAC/R system.

Instructor

Mike Baker

Mike Baker has been an instructor since 2011. He was previously an HVAC Program Director at both Virginia College and Vista College. Baker was a HVAC technician for several decades and has experience hiring, training, and managing HVAC Technicians. He holds numerous HVAC Excellence certifications, several Green Mechanical Council certifications, an EPA 608 Universal certification, and Emerson Climate Technology certifications. He has served as both an HVAC Excellence Instructor and Exam Proctor.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.