100

In this comprehensive course, students delve into the core principles of HVAC. They gain an understanding of heat transfer mechanisms, thermodynamics laws, gas laws, BTUs, pressure, and refrigerants. Mathematical concepts are applied to practical electrical theory and the operation of series and parallel electrical circuits commonly encountered in the HVAC/R industry. The course introduces single-phase electricity and magnetism, laying the foundation for advanced topics. Focus is placed on mechanical compression refrigeration systems, where students explore the four key components in-depth, including the associated pressures and temperatures of components. Moreover, students become familiar with relevant regulations, such as RCW 19.28, WAC 296-46B, and articles of the NEC. The course also focuses on training students to use HVAC/R industry tools, following procedures, and operating equipment, all while meeting industry standards. Students will also obtain an OSHA 10 Construction Safety certification. Completion of the PTI 101 Workshop is encouraged.

This course bridges theory and practice through hands-on laboratory work. Students develop skills in using electrical and HVAC/R tools and equipment commonly found in the industry. They apply basic electrical theory on trainer boards while improving proficiency. The course introduces techniques for precision copper-to-copper tubing joining using oxyacetylene torches. Practical applications of refrigeration operations and troubleshooting are introduced on residential air conditioning systems and training boards. Recovery, evacuation, and recharging procedures are covered, aligning with industry standards. Students demonstrate their technical abilities and proficiency in various HVAC/R equipment applications while in a controlled lab environment through benchmark testing.

In this course, students explore central forced air electric heating systems and their applications. They employ Ohm's Law theory to calculate CFM by temperature rise in electric heat systems. The curriculum assists with students' understanding of mechanical compression refrigeration systems. Electric motors used in HVAC/R industry are introduced. Students learn theory of refrigeration applied to air conditioning and typical operating conditions found in industry. Automatic controls common in heating and cooling systems are introduced, alongside the basics of residential thermostats with an emphasis on internal operations for a one-heat/one-cool function. Students continue learning regulations, utilizing Chapter 19.28 RCW, Chapter 296-46B WAC, and articles of the NEC. Students continue reading and using schematic and ladder diagrams. Students have the opportunity to earn their EPA 608 Universal certification, a recognized credential in the HVAC/R field.

This hands-on laboratory course develops students' electrical troubleshooting skills, equipment wiring, and gives emphasis to the application of key performance indicators for mechanical compression refrigeration systems. Practicality is emphasized through wiring and operating relays, capacitors, motors, heaters, thermostats, compressors, and fan motors. The focus extends to equipment wiring, troubleshooting, and learning basic equipment controls while incorporating elementary hand tool utilization along with system recovery, evacuation, and recharge tools and procedures. Students test equipment, verify control functions, and analyze the operation of air conditioning and electric furnaces. Advanced copper-to-copper and copper-to-steel brazing techniques, including nitrogen brazing, are introduced with a theoretical foundation. The course culminates in students showcasing their technical abilities through benchmark testing on various HVAC/R equipment applications.

In this foundational course, students continue learning the safe handling of refrigerants and proper HVAC system charging, including recovery and applications of refrigerants. The course covers the fundamentals of humidification and air filtration, encompassing various types of air filters, from disposable options to cutting-edge electronic air cleaners. Students study both ladder and pictorial wiring diagrams and gain knowledge of single-phase motors. The course delves into residential and light commercial HVAC equipment, covering both packaged and split systems. Students also gain insight into VRF systems, mini-splits, and the proper servicing and maintenance of all equipment, ensuring a foundation in HVAC systems.

This practical laboratory course focuses on applying control strategies to wire and operate HVAC equipment. Students develop a wide range of wiring diagrams, using actual HVAC units. They gain hands-on experience with heat pumps, oil, gas, and electric forced air HVAC systems. Typical lab projects include soldering, wiring, and ensuring proper refrigerant charging of A/C units and heat pumps. The course introduces basic sheet metal fabrication concepts and involves various sheet metal projects using both hand tools and heavier shop fabrication equipment commonly used in the creation of HVAC duct systems.

In this section, students delve into heating systems, including fossil fuel units such as natural gas, LP gas, oil heating systems, electric heating, and heat pump systems. The course covers the combustion and venting process in relation to fossil fuel heating systems and introduces duct design principles. Students apply control strategies learned in the classroom to wire and operate various HVAC equipment types. They gain knowledge in air distribution and balancing residential and light commercial HVAC air delivery systems. The curriculum introduces airside components such as grilles and registers, to ensure students understand the complexities of HVAC systems.

This applied laboratory course enables students to blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills through work on operational HVAC equipment. Laboratory and shop tasks are centered on heating systems, which include natural and LP gas units, oil heating systems, electric heating, heat pump systems, and dual-fuel heat pumps. Students participate in electrical wiring, mechanical operation, and combustion analysis of oil and gas heating systems, using digital analysis tools. The course includes lab projects that involve wiring of heating systems, troubleshooting, conducting combustion analysis on fossil fuel heating systems, assessing system performance and condition, and measuring system airflow.