Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology A.A.S.

The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology curriculum provides the basic knowledge to develop the skills necessary to work with residential and light commercial systems.

Topics include mechanical refrigeration, heating, and cooling theory, electricity, controls, and safety. The diploma program covers air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, tools, and instruments. In addition, the AAS degree covers residential building codes, residential system sizing, and advanced comfort systems.

Diploma graduates should be able to assist in the start-up, preventive maintenance, service, repair, and/or installation of residential and light commercial systems. AAS degree graduates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of system selection and balance and advanced systems.

Upon completion of the diploma, all diploma courses transfer towards the AAS degree.

Students must complete the Cooling certificate, Heating Certificate, and Diploma prior to enrolling in the AAS courses. For students on Financial Aid or using Veteran's benefits, please see an advisor.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of "C" or better: ACA, AHR, ELC, and WBL

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACA-115		1
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals. View course details for Success & Study Skills ‌‌
AHR-111		3
This course introduces electricity as it applies to HVACR equipment. Emphasis is placed on power sources, interaction of electrical components, wiring of simple circuits, and the use of electrical test equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate good wiring practices and the ability to read simple wiring diagrams. View course details for HVACR Electricity ‌‌
AHR-112		4
This course covers the fundamentals of heating including oil, gas, and electric heating systems. Topics include safety, tools and instrumentation, system operating characteristics, installation techniques, efficiency testing, electrical power, and control systems. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the basic oil, gas, and electrical heating systems and describe the major components of a heating system. View course details for Heating Technology ‌‌
AHR-170		1
This course provides a laboratory experience in heating technology. Emphasis is placed on providing practical experience in the fundamentals of heating. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of electric, oil, and gas-fueled heating systems. View course details for Heating Lab ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
AHR-130		3
This course covers the types of controls found in residential and commercial comfort systems. Topics include electrical and electronic controls, control schematics and diagrams, test instruments, and analysis and troubleshooting of electrical systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair common residential and commercial comfort systems controls. View course details for HVAC Controls ‌‌
ENG-110		3
This course is designed to develop informative and business writing skills. Emphasis is placed on the logical organization of writing, including effective introductions and conclusions, precise use of grammar, and appropriate selection and use of sources. Upon completion, students should be able to produce clear, concise, well-organized short papers. View course details for Freshman Composition ‌‌
WLD-113		2
This course covers procedures for cutting, soldering, and brazing of pipe and tubing. Topics include safety, proper equipment setup, and operation of soldering and brazing equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to solder and braze pipe, tubing, and fittings in various positions. View course details for Soldering and Brazing ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
AHR-110		5
This course introduces the basic refrigeration process used in mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Topics include terminology, safety, and identification and function of components; refrigeration cycle; and tools and instrumentation used in mechanical refrigeration systems. Emphasis will be placed on how refrigeration theory, principles, and practice are used in the refrigeration cooling trades. View course details for Introduction to Refrigeration ‌‌
COM-110		3
This course provides an overview of the basic concepts of communication and the skills necessary to communicate in various contexts. Emphasis is placed on communication theories and techniques used in interpersonal group, public, intercultural, and mass communication situations. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and illustrate the forms and purposes of human communication in a variety of contexts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Communication. View course details for Introduction to Communication ‌‌
ELC-132		2
This course introduces the technical documentation that is typically found or used in the industrial environment. Topics include interpretation of service manuals, freehand sketching of lines, orthographic views and dimensions, and blueprint reading. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret technical documents and blueprints and use basic drafting skills to prepare usable field drawings. View course details for Electrical Drawings ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
AHR -113		4
This course covers the installation procedures, system operations, and maintenance of residential and light commercial comfort cooling systems. Topics include terminology, component operation, and testing and repair of equipment used to control and produce assured comfort levels. Upon completion, students should be able to use psychometrics, manufacturer specifications, and test instruments to determine proper system operation. View course details for Comfort Cooling ‌‌
AHR-171		1
This course provides a laboratory experience in comfort cooling. Emphasis is placed on providing practical experience in the installation, operations, and maintenance of residential and light commercial comfort cooling systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of comfort cooling systems. View course details for Comfort Cooling Lab ‌‌
AHR-160		1
This course covers the requirements for the EPA certification examinations. Topics include small appliances, high-pressure systems, and low-pressure systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of refrigerants and be prepared for the EPA certification examinations. View course details for Refrigerant Certification ‌‌
AHR-213		2
This course covers the North Carolina codes that are applicable to the design and installation of HVACR systems. Topics include current North Carolina codes as applied to HVACR design, service, and installation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the correct usage of North Carolina codes that apply to specific areas of the HVACR trade. View course details for HVACR Building Code ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
AHR-114		4
This course covers the principles of air source and water source heat pumps. Emphasis is placed on safety, modes of operation, defrost systems, refrigerant charging, and system performance. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and analyze system performance and perform routine service procedures. View course details for Heat Pump Technology ‌‌
EGR-125		2
This course introduces personal computer software and teaches students how to customize the software for technical applications. Emphasis is placed on the use of common office applications software such as spreadsheets, word processing, graphics and Internet access. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency in using applications software to solve technical problems and communicate the end results in text and graphical formats. View course details for Application Software for Technicians ‌‌
WBL-111		1
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies. View course details for Work-Based Learning I ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
AHR-211		3
This course introduces the principles and concepts of conventional residential heating and cooling system design. Topics include heating and cooling load estimating, basic psychometrics, equipment selection, duct system selection, and system design. Upon completion, students should be able to design a basic residential heating and cooling system. View course details for Residential System Design ‌‌
ELC-128		3
This course introduces the programmable logic controller (PLC) and its associated applications. Topics include ladder logic diagrams, input/output modules, power supplies, surge protection, selection/installation of controllers, and interfacing of controllers with equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to install PLCs and create simple programs. View course details for Introduction to PLC ‌‌
PHY-121		4
This algebra-based course introduces fundamental physical concepts as applied to industrial and service technology fields. Topics include systems of units, problem-solving methods, graphical analyses, vectors, motion, forces, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, momentum, and properties of matter. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles studied as applied in industrial and service fields. View course details for Applied Physics I ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ELC-117		4
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of motors and motor controls. Topics include ladder diagrams, pilot devices, contactors, motor starters, motors, and other control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to properly select, connect, and troubleshoot motors and control circuits. View course details for Motors and Controls ‌‌
HUM-110		3
This course considers technological change from historical, artistic, and philosophical perspectives and its effect on human needs and concerns. Emphasis is placed on the causes and consequences of technological change. Upon completion, students should be able to critically evaluate the implications of technology. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts. View course details for Technology and Society ‌‌
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
AHR-212		4
This course covers water-cooled comfort systems, water-source/geothermal heat pumps, and high efficiency heat pump systems including variable speed drives and controls. Emphasis is placed on the application, installation, and servicing of water-source systems and the mechanical and electronic control components of advanced comfort systems. Upon completion, students should be able to test, analyze, and troubleshoot water-cooled comfort systems, water-source/geothermal heat pumps, and high efficiency heat pumps. Hydronic (hot water) and steam heating systems will also be studied. View course details for Advanced Comfort Systems ‌‌
AHR-115		2
This course introduces refrigeration systems and applications. Topics include defrosting methods, safety and operational control, refrigerant piping, refrigerant recovery and charging, and leak testing. Upon completion, students should be able to assist in installing and testing refrigeration systems and perform simple repairs. View course details for Refrigeration Systems ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.