Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology
Topics of study in the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration program include refrigeration theory, heating theory, mechanical system applications, installations, service, safety, mechanical and fuel gas codes, tools and instruments, and general maintenance practices.
What You Will Learn
Coursework emphasizes developing and improving critical thinking, articulation, and technical skills. Advanced topics include residential and light commercial system load design coupled with efficient, balanced, and effective air side designs for ductwork, ventilation, and filtration. You will explore through lectures and hands-on experience, advanced control systems for refrigeration and other mechanical equipment, and Direct Digital Controls (DDC). You will also explore how modern residential and light commercial systems improve efficiency and reliability through an integration with today’s building automation systems and wireless technologies. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- safely and efficiently, diagnose and in a cost effective manner, repair HVAC systems
- relate theory of heat transfer and electro-mechanical component control to problem solve issues in HVAC systems allowing comfort to be maintained in all types of commercial and residential buildings
- accurately size basic residential and commercial HVAC equipment and appropriately size ductwork to effectively heat and cool a structure
Program graduates can look forward to careers in many areas of the HVAC profession. Graduates can assist in load design, equipment selection, installation, start-up, service, and maintenance of residential and light commercial mechanical systems.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
Our program is also approved for workplace learning opportunities while you are in school — Central Piedmont has an entire department dedicated to connecting students with applicable work-based learning opportunities such as internships, and/or apprenticeships. Instead of attending “class” in a traditional classroom, during a workplace learning course you work with an employer in a position directly related to HVAC for a semester. You will also have the opportunity to join the HVAC/R student club. The HVAC/R club's main goal is assisting members in their pursuit of educational and professional goals. The club promotes ideals of honesty, community service, leadership, critical thinking, and technical skills development in addition to providing many opportunities for networking, skills enhancement, and life-long learning.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Careers and Average Salaries
In order to become proficient in HVAC and "certified" for employment, you will need to enroll in a degree (associate, diploma, or certificate) program; there is no one course you can take to prepare to change careers to enter the HVAC field. If you want to break into the HVAC field in as little time as possible, we recommend starting with completing an HVAC certificate. Certificates help prepare you for an entry level position with a residential contractor. Keep in mind that, for the best advancement opportunities within any company, the two-year associate degree is the best option. The associate degree helps you to gain the necessary skills for residential work, as well as industrial, commercial, plant facilities, and office building maintenance contractors. The associate degree also introduces you to the highly specialized field of Direct Digital Controls (DDC), opening more opportunities and making you a much more marketable employee. Visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach for detailed air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology career opportunities, salary information, and job openings.
Career CoachThe Details
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Program Options
Choose from an Associate in Applied Science, a diploma, or several air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology certificates. The college catalog lists the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements currently available at Central Piedmont. If you would like information on opportunities to transfer associate degree credit to a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Resource Center.
Visiting Students
If you wish to transfer air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology course credit back to your home institution, explore how to enroll at Central Piedmont as a visiting student.
Continuing Education
Central Piedmont's continuing education provides non-degree courses and programs, including job skills, industry-focused career training, certificates, certifications, professional licensure, and personal enrichment. Day, evening, weekend, and online opportunities are available.
College and Career Readiness
If you are looking for programs to gain the knowledge or skills necessary to finish a high school degree or to get a job, visit Central Piedmont's College and Career Readiness.
College Credit for High School Students
Visit Career and College Promise to learn about opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at Central Piedmont.
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Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Program Requirements and Suggested Course Sequences
For detailed information on air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements, visit the Central Piedmont Community College catalog.
If you wish to take the two-year degree program full time, it is really important for you to follow the suggested degree progression. If you are planning on taking classes part-time, we recommend starting with one of our certificate programs. Some certificates can be completed in as little as two semesters. Set your schedule to take foundation courses in the first semester so that you are prepared to take other courses within all certificate programs. If you can only take one course per semester, start with AHR 110.
Contact your advisor for help planning your courses.
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Locations and Course Delivery Methods
Classes for the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology program are delivered in several ways:
- In-person classes and labs are held on the Harper Campus.
- online
Courses available and their schedules can change each semester. Check the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements each semester.
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Trade Organizations
- North American Technician Excellence Training
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America
- Air Movement and Control Association International
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association
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Costs and Aid
Central Piedmont provides real-world, affordable, hands-on education and career training. Learn how much it costs to attend Central Piedmont. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Scholarships
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Related Programs
- Architectural Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Computer Integrated Machining
- Construction Management Technology
- Construction (Non-degree)
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electrical Systems Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Geomatics Technology
- Interior Design
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Nondestructive Examination Technology
- Sustainability Technologies
- Welding Technology
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Admitted Students: Find Your Advisor
If you are currently enrolled and taking classes, log in to MyConnect to find your assigned academic advisor.
If you do not have an advisor, you can:
- visit the advising office at the campus nearest you, or
- send an email to the advising office