HVAC

Mr. Ryan Iversen, Instructor

256.352.8140

ryan.iversen@wallacestate.edu

Associate in Applied Science Degree (4 semesters)

Certificate (4 semesters)

Short-Term Certificates (1 semester)

At a Glance

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is a broad reaching industry that plays a vital role across the globe in many different industries. It is required to maintain affordable, convenient and safe food supplies; it is used in manufacturing, and is also considered to be a necessary component of most human environments. The complexity of this field allows for many opportunities. Its foundation is based in sound technical knowledge and specialized skill sets. Focusing on this foundation prepares a technician for many possibilities.

Program Description

The program offers two options. First, a certificate consisting of 60 semester hours prepares a completing student to immediately seek a position in the HVAC/R industry and/or meets the requirements of the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors to sit for the Contractors Licensing Exam. Second, an AAS in General Technology, which consist of 74 semester hours, allows a completing student to seek immediate employment within the industry, sit for the contractors exam, and/or enables the completer to transfer their credits to a four-year institution and continue their education towards a bachelor’s degree in a separate or related field.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC.

Program Expectations

Students in the HVAC/R program are expected to observe all policies that are set forth by Wallace State Community College. These policies can be found in the College Catalog. In addition, students are expected to maintain regular communications with the instructors, attend classes regularly, submit assignments as required, participate in laboratory exercises, and observe all program policies which are discussed in class and provided in a written format.

Completion Requirements

In order to successfully complete the HVAC/R program students are required to attend class meetings, study the textbook and other resources, submit assignments and receive passing scores of 70 or higher, and take examinations and receive passing scores of 70 or higher. Additionally, students are required to participate in laboratory exercise and demonstrate satisfactory levels of required skill sets. 

Career Path

A student’s career path begins here at Wallace State by acquiring technical knowledge, learning necessary skills and achieving industry certifications. Upon completion, the student is prepared to immediately become employed within the industry and continue in the advancement of their own excellence. Also, a student may choose to immediately receive a license to begin contracting HVAC/R services as a business owner or employee. Additionally, students may choose to further their education towards a higher degree at a 4 year institution in fields such as business, engineering, occupational safety and health, technical education and others. Median annual earnings of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $51,390 in 2022. Employment is expected to grow 14 percent from 2014-2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

ACR 111 : Principles of Refrigeration

This course emphasizes the fundamental principles for air conditioning and refrigeration. Instruction is provided in the theory and principles of refrigeration and heat transfer, HVAC/R system components, common, and specialty tools for HVAC/R, and application of the concepts of basic compression refrigeration. Upon completion, students should identify system components and understand their functions, identify and use common and specialty HVAC/R tools, and maintain components of a basic compression refrigeration system. CORE.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 112 : HVACR Service Procedures

This course covers system performance checks and refrigerant cycle diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on the use of refrigerant recovery/recycle units, industry codes, refrigerant coils and correct methods of charging and recovering refrigerants. Upon completion, students should be able to properly recover/recycle refrigerants and demonstrate safe, correct service procedures which comply with the no-venting laws.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 113 : Refrigeration Piping Practices

The course introduces students to the proper installation procedures of refrigerant piping and tubing for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry. This course includes various methods of working with and joining tubing. Upon completion, students should comprehend related terminology, and be able to fabricate pipe, tubing, and pipe fittings. CORE

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 119 : Fundamentals of Gas Heating Systems

This course provides instruction on general service and installation for common gas furnace system components. Upon completion, students will be able to install and service gas furnaces in a wide range of applications.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 120 : Fundamentals of Electric Heating Systems

This course covers the fundamentals of electric furnace systems. Emphasis is placed on components, general service procedures, and basic installation. Upon completion, students should be able to install and service electric furnaces, heat pumps, and solar and hydronic systems.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 121 : Principles of Electricity for HVACR

This course is designed to provide the student with the basic knowledge of electrical theory and circuitry as it pertains to air conditioning and refrigeration. This course emphasizes safety, definitions, symbols, laws, circuits, and electrical test instruments. Upon completion students should understand and be able to apply the basic principles of HVACR circuits and circuit components. CORE

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 123 : HVACR Electrical Components

This course introduces students to electrical components and controls. Emphasis is placed of the operations on motors, relays, contactors, starters, and other HVAC electrical components. Upon completion, students should be able to install electrical components and determine their proper operation. CORE.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 126 : Commercial Heating Systems

This course covers the theory and application of larger heating systems. Emphasis is placed on larger heating systems associated with commercial applications such as gas heaters, boilers, unit heaters, and duct heaters. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot and perform general maintenance on commercial heating units. As needed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 127 : HVACR Electric Motors

This course covers the basic maintenance of electric motors used in HVAC/R systems. Topics include types of motors, motor operations, motor installation, and troubleshooting motors. Upon completion student should be able to install and service HVAC/R electric motors.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 128 : Heat Load Calculations

This course focuses on heat flow into and out of building structures. Emphasis is placed on determining heat gain/heat loss of a given structure. Upon completion, students should be able to calculate heat load and determine HVAC equipment size requirements.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 132 : Residential Air Conditioning

This course introduces students to residential air conditioning systems. Emphasis is placed on the operation, service, and repair of residential air conditioning systems. Upon completion, students will be able to service and repair residential air conditioning systems.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 135 : Mechanical/Gas/Safety Codes

This course is to enhance the student knowledge of the International Fuel Gas Code, and International Mechanical Code as well as fire and job safety requirements. Emphasis is placed on code book content and compliance with installation requirements. Upon completion, students should be able to apply code requirements to all work and International Mechanical Code.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 149 : Heat Pump Systems II

This is a continuation course of the basic theory and application of heat pump systems. Topics include the electrical components of heat pumps and their function. Upon completion student should be able to install and service heat pumps.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 205 : System Sizing and Air Distribution

This course provides instruction in the load calculation of a structure and system sizing. Topics of instruction include heat loss, heat gain, equipment and air distribution sizing, and factors making acceptable indoor air quality. Upon course completion, students should be able to calculate system requirements.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

ACR 209 : Commercial Air Conditioning Systems

This course focuses on servicing and maintaining commercial and residential HVAC/R systems. Topics include system component installation and removal and service techniques. Upon completion, the student should be able to troubleshoot and perform general maintenance on commercial and residential HVAC/R systems.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by college

ACR 210 : Troubleshooting HVACR Systems

This course provides instruction in the use of various meters and gauges used in the HVAC/R industry. Emphasis is placed on general service procedures, system diagnosis, and corrective measure, methods of leak detection, and system evacuation, charging and performance checks. Upon completion students should be able to perform basic troubleshooting of HVAC/R.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As determined by program