The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology curriculum provides the basic knowledge to develop 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.
Diploma graduates will be able to assist in the startup, preventive maintenance, service, repair, and/or installation of residential and light commercial systems.
Upon completion of the diploma, all diploma courses transfer towards the AAS degree.
Specific Requirements
Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: AHR, ELC, and WBL
Courses in this program
| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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| AHR-111 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| AHR-112 | 4 | ||
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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. |
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| AHR-130 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| AHR-170 | 1 | ||
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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. |
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| ELC-132 | 2 | ||
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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. |
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| PHY-121 | 4 | ||
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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. |
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| WLD-113 | 2 | ||
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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. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-110 | 5 | ||
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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. |
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| AHR -113 | 4 | ||
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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. |
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| AHR-160 | 1 | ||
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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. |
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| AHR-171 | 1 | ||
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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. |
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| AHR-213 | 2 | ||
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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. |
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| COM-120 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-114 | 4 | ||
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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. |
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| WBL-111 | 1 | ||
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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. |
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See your advisor for General Education substitutes.
Curriculum is based on the 2023-24 catalog.
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