Air Conditioning

and Refrigeration

Courses Offered

The air conditioning and refrigeration program prepares students for employment in the field and provides upgrade opportunities for currently employed personnel. By completing the degree or certificate requirements, the student will gain proficiency in service, troubleshooting, installation, and energy efficient operation of residential, commercial and industrial heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and control systems. Students will learn to read wiring diagram, diagnose control circuits, operate test equipment, and service pneumatic, electric and electronic controls. Competencies will be assessed in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency certificate criteria. Students completing the program may expect to enter industry as an advanced apprentice or entry-level heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and controls technician.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 5 Electrical Applications 4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab Recommended Preparation: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 6 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Control Systems 4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab Recommended Preparation: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU
The course focuses on basic electrical theory and training in installing, servicing, troubleshooting, and operating electrical control systems for air conditioning and refrigeration technology with the use of electrical diagrams. Single phase and three phase electrical power for air conditioning and refrigeration systems are covered in classroom discussions and laboratory assignments.	This course explores control system theory, electrical components, and complex control systems with emphasis on supervisory control systems which employ direct digital, proportional and integral control modes. Theoretical problems and practical lab experience are needed to diagnose electrical problems and safety to ensure the necessary repairs are emphasized. The course provides a foundation in the skills required to analyze and service basic circuits as well as complex analog control circuitry.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 20 Solar Energy Applications - Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal 3 units; 3 hours lecture Transfer CSU	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 Air Conditioning Fundamentals 4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU
This is an introductory course in solar thermal and Photovoltaics (PVs). Topics include solar components, passive solar systems, active solar systems, solar hot water and solar electricity. Students will learn solar history, how solar panels work, changing Direct Current (DC) voltage to Alternating Current (AC) voltage, applications of the National Electric Codes (NEC) and best solar placement locations and energy savings.	This course is designed to introduce students to air conditioning and refrigeration theory and provide an overview of the skills needed for employment in the industry. Topics introduced include safety, air conditioning system operation and components, brazing, electrical applications, service tools, and equipment.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 23 Commercial Refrigeration Applications 4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab Prerequisite: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 25 Energy Efficient Residential, Commercial and Industrial Air Conditioning 4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab Prerequisite: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU
This course explores refrigeration theory, characteristics of refrigerants, temperature and pressure, tools and equipment, soldering, brazing, commercial refrigeration systems, system components, compressors, evaporators, and metering devices. Students will learn to charge commercial systems with new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refrigerants and evaluate the proper operation of systems. Troubleshooting techniques are explained with the use of wiring diagrams and electric meters. Students will learn to service and troubleshoot commercial refrigeration ice machines, coolers, walk-ins, refrigerators, and freezers. Students will be introduced to a variety of commercial refrigeration systems and components.	This course covers energy efficient green technology (high efficiency), advanced residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning. Labs include the use of air conditioning test equipment, installation, repair and maintenance of various types of air conditioning systems. Topics include various techniques of troubleshooting electrical and mechanical problems; equipment operational efficiencies and building envelope condition; performing indoor air-quality and system efficiency testing; and system airflow and operational efficiencies.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 27 Heating Technologies 4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab Prerequisite: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 30 Electric Controls 2 units; 2 hours lecture Prerequisite: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU
This course covers the principles of gas, electric, radiant and boiler operated heating systems. Classroom discussions focus on maintenance, repair and service techniques for furnaces, steam and hot water boilers. Laboratory exercises emphasize the use of test instruments and safety controls.	This course covers the study of electrical and electronic components, motors, and circuitry for air conditioning and refrigeration controls. Students apply theoretical principles in diagnosing electrical and electronic problems and safely make necessary repairs to refrigeration, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Energy efficiency practices and process related to electronic and electronic controls is the focus of this course.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 31 HVAC Electronics 2 units; 2 hours lecture Recommended Preparation: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 34 HVAC Customer Service and Industry Certifications 1 unit; 1 hour lecture Recommended Preparation: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of Direct Digital Controls (DDC) used in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) systems. The topics covered include basic DDC system components, single and multi-function electronic controls, DDC and pneumatic Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, variable speed motors, controllers, programmable and configurable logic controller operation and application, introduction to communication protocols, and electronic diagram interpretation.	This is a course in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) customer service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 and Section 609 Technician Certifications, and North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification. Topics include communication skills, problem solving, interview skills, refrigerant recovery and recycling, laws, regulations, and energy efficiency. Students learn vital workplace skills through designed exercises as well as how employers evaluate these skills. Students can prepare for universal EPA and NATE certification.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 61 Fundamentals of Automation Systems 3 units; 3 hours lecture Recommended Preparation: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21 or Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 31 Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 62 Energy Control and Optimization Systems 4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab Prerequisite: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 61 with a minimum grade of C Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of automation, commissioning, re-commissioning, retrocommissioning, installation, service and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems for the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) industry. This course includes a review of automation system communication protocols and unit supervisory level programming.	In this course, students will apply knowledge gained to develop, plan, direct, implement, optimize, and sustain system energy efficiency and control in single and multi-site locations. Course topics include direct digital controls, programmable controls, configurable controllers, multi-zone systems, communication protocols, control system commissioning, logic circuits, object and property program structure, and interoperability.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 95 (formerly Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 95abcd) Cooperative Work Experience Education 2-4 units; hours to be arranged Enrollment Limitation: Employment or volunteer work in a position related to the student’s major or career goal by the second week of the semester. Completion of or current enrollment in one course from the major. Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU*	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 99 (formerly Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 99abc) Independent Study 1-3 units; hours to be arranged Enrollment Limitation: two courses in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration with a minimum grade of B in each and acknowledgment by the instructor with whom the student will work Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU*
Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations. *Note: Transfer limitations apply. Note: The total units earned for Cooperative Work Experience Education may not exceed 16 units.	This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Air Conditioning and Refrigeration projects (54 hours per unit). *Note: Transfer limitations apply. Note: For eligibility requirements, go to www.elcamino.edu/admissions/credit.asp