Introduction to HVAC/Refrigeration

This course introduces basic heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration processes used in mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning systems. And prepares students for HVAC/R-related career opportunities. Topics include terminology; safety; identification and function of components; refrigeration cycle; and tools and instrumentation used in mechanical refrigeration systems.

This 130.5-hour training includes:

  • Process of system charging by weight
  • Proper usage of vacuum gauges
  • Process of Recovery, Recycle, and Reclamation of refrigerant and refrigeration handling laws per EPA Section 608 guidelines
  • Charge system per selected equipment manufacturers' specifications
  • Evacuation using pump and micron gauges per ACCA standards
  • Calculate Superheat and Subcooling on the system to verify refrigerant level per selected equipment manufacturers' specifications
  • Convert temperature pressure scales from Fahrenheit to Celsius and absolute to gauge using a calculator
  • Calculate energy requirements with the use of a Volt/Ohm meter
  • Pressure test piping connections

This course will prepare individuals for the Universal Certification exam. Students have the opportunity to take the certification exam at the end of the course. The exam is administered by GTCC. The exam cost is $25 (subject to change). The schedule will be announced during class. 

 

Current Courses

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
AHR-3131-Q17 Intro to HVAC/R 5/29/24- 8/14/24

 T, W, TH 5:30-9:30 p.m. Greensboro W3 209 Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost is:

Course registration: $213 (includes certification exam fee)
Book: about $212
Tool Kit: about $437
PPE: about $29

Total cost is about $891.

Payment for class is due at the time of registration.

Students must have:

  • Good computer skills
  • An email account
  • Access to a computer with internet

Yes. To be successful in the Quick Careers program, students need to have good computer skills. If you are a beginner on the computer, you should take a course FIRST, to strengthen your computer skills before registering for a Quick Careers course. (Contact the Quick Careers Office at 336-334-4822, ext. 53108 for more information).

As a Quick Careers student, you will need to have access to a computer outside of class to complete the required coursework. Computers used outside of class need to be connected to the internet and also have software compatible with what is used in class (e.g. Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint 2010, etc.). If you do not have a home computer, you should plan to visit a GTCC “Open Lab” to complete the required coursework.

The below checklist provides information about the minimum computer skills needed to register for a Quick Careers course. Potential students should thoroughly evaluate their computer skills using this checklist.

Good Computer Skills Self-Assessment

Checklist:

  1. You should be able to turn a computer on and off. And, you should know the difference between an operating system and an application software (i.e. Windows® 7 versus Microsoft® Office 2007).

  2. Do you know how to use the computer desktop?
    1. Do you know how to make a folder on the desktop?
    2. Do you know how to save information on the desktop?
    3. Do you know how to retrieve information from the desktop?

  3. Do you know what a flash drive is?
    1. Do you know how to make a folder on a flash drive?
    2. Do you know how to save information on a flash drive?
    3. Do you know how to retrieve information from a flash drive?

  4. Do you know how to use the internet?
    1. Can you bookmark a website?
    2. Can you “Google Search”/research information on the internet?

  5. Do you have a personal email account?
    1. Can you access your personal email from a computer other than your home computer?
    2. Can you send internet links via email?
    3. Can you send an attachment in an email?

  6. Do you know how to create, save, and use a basic Microsoft® Word document?
    1. Do you know how to use word-processing software?
    2. Can you type at least 25-30 words per minute?

  7. Are you familiar with Microsoft® Excel, a spreadsheet software?

  8. Are you familiar with Microsoft® PowerPoint, a presentation software?

You may be eligible for scholarship money. Click on the link below to learn if you might meet the applicant requirements. Scholarships have time-sensitive application deadlines.

Workforce Development Scholarships

Additionally, the NCWorks Career Center may be able to assist through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. For more information, call NCWorks Greensboro at 336-297-9444 or NCWorks High Point at 336-882-4141.

You may register online: Register

Required books and supplies are:

  • ISBN 9780357122273. "Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, ninth edition," from Cengage. About $212 at Greensboro GTCC Bookstore.
  • ID 685744792802. Intro. Tool Kit from TechSource Tools. About $437 at Greensboro GTCC Bookstore. Must buy before the third night of class.
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Must buy before the third night of class.
  • ID 674326212777. Safety Glasses. About $5 at Greensboro GTCC Bookstore
  • ID 616314121616. Maximum Safety/Work Gloves. About $24 at Greensboro GTCC Bookstore

Students who successfully complete the HVAC/Refrigeration Technician class will receive an Award of Completion.  

Requirements for successful completion:

  • Attendance: Must be in class 90% of class hours.
  • Coursework: Must achieve 80% on coursework.

If you enter after the 2nd day of class, you will not receive credit for taking the class. Additionally, time absent will be counted against you; students can only miss 13 hours of class total and pass the class. 

The college will make a 100% refund of registration fees if you officially withdraw from class before the first meeting. Also if the class is canceled or full, GTCC will make a full refund. The college will refund 75% of the registration fee (of tuition only) if you officially withdraw from the class on the first day of class or before the class reaches the census date. The census date varies from class to class. Non-attendance is not a basis for a refund.