Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) Program

Program Overview

The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) program at Madison College equips students with the skills and knowledge to build, install, maintain, and repair HVAC/R equipment. The two-year associate degree program covers a wide range of topics, including safety, metal repair, refrigeration fundamentals, and building automation systems. Graduates are prepared for careers as HVAC/R service technicians, systems designers, and installers, as well as building automation technicians and managers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) program at Madison College prepares students for valuable work in the field of HVAC/R. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to build, install, maintain, and fix HVAC/R equipment.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Program, assemble, install, troubleshoot, repair, and modify machinery.
• Receive hands-on training on residential and commercial HVAC/R systems.
• Train in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Size and design HVAC/R systems used in residential and commercial applications.
• Understand the applications of building automation systems.
• Use a variety of computer and electronically controlled systems in both manufacturing and facilities environments.

Outline:

Program Content:

The HVAC/R program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Safety for Industry
• Metal Repair Techniques
• Introduction to Logic & Troubleshooting
• DCAC Theory I & II
• AC Theory
• Refrigeration Fundamentals
• Forced Air Heating Systems
• Interpreting Engineering Drawings
• Print Reading for HVAC
• College Mathematics
• Mechanisms for Industry
• Controls 1 & 2
• Industrial Fluid Distribution Systems
• HVAC Installation Basics
• Heating and Air Conditioning Advanced
• EPA 608 Training & Certification
• Hydronic and Steam Systems
• Commercial Refrigeration Systems
• Building Automations 1 & 2
• Load Calculations, Sizing, and Layout for HVAC
• Written Communication
• Intro to Ethics: Theory & App

Program Structure:

The HVAC/R program is a two-year associate degree program. Students can attend full or part-time. Classes are offered at the Madison Truax campus.

Course Schedule:

The program's course schedule is as follows:

First Semester:

• Safety for Industry
• Metal Repair Techniques
• Introduction to Logic & Troubleshooting
• DCAC Theory I
• Controls 1
• DCAC Theory II
• Refrigeration Fundamentals
• Forced Air Heating Systems
• Interpreting Engineering Drawings
• Print Reading for HVAC

Second Semester:

• Mechanisms for Industry
• Controls 2
• DCAC Theory III
• Industrial Fluid Distribution Systems
• HVAC Installation Basics
• Heating and Air Conditioning Advanced
• EPA 608 Training & Certification
• Hydronic and Steam Systems

Third Semester:

• Commercial Refrigeration Systems
• Building Automations 1
• Load Calculations, Sizing, and Layout for HVAC
• Written Communication
• Intro to Ethics: Theory & App

Fourth Semester:

• Maintenance Operations 1
• Maintenance Operations 2
• Building Automations 2
• HVAC Systems Design
• Oral/Interpersonal Communication

Careers:

Graduates of the HVAC/R program are prepared for careers as:

• HVAC/R Service Technician
• HVAC/R Systems Designer
• HVAC/R Systems Installer
• Building Automation / Controls Technician
• Building Automations System Designer
• Building Automations System Installer
• Lead Facilities Mechanic
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
• Facilities / Maintenance Manager
• Mechanical Systems Engineer
• HVAC/R Project Coordinator