Online HVAC and Refrigeration Training

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87 instructional hours
Ron Auvil

The HVAC Controls / Building Automation Systems Program is an advanced program totaling 87 instructional hours. Students will take one course at a time in a systematic progression through courses that lay a good foundation, then move into commercial HVAC systems and through the specific technologies of controls systems. Students are enrolled as online asynchronous independent study. This access allows students to login at their convenience 24/7/365. The courses were written by Ron Auvil who is the Author of HVAC Control Systems, American Technical Publishers. Along with the courses described below, Ron also teaches these topics in a series of recorded video lecture presentations included with each learning module. This program is NATE recognized for 87 hours of continuing education (CEHs) which are applicable to NATE re-certification, and BPI recognized for 43.5 continuing education units (CEUs).Each course purchase allows 60 days enrollment to complete. Must obtain a 70% or higher to obtain CEU recognition. Course provides you with a Subject Matter Expert (mentor) to assist with questions and all course materials for the duration of the course.

The courses making up the program are:

  • 153 HVACR Control Systems Fundamentals
  • 154 HVACR Control Systems Types and BAS Basics
  • 155 HVACR BAS Installation and Strategies
  • 156 HVACR BAS System Management and Advanced Technologies
  • 157 HVACR Troubleshooting DDC Systems & Components Course

Required Textbooks
HVAC Control Systems (4th edition) shipped upon program enrollment, included with Program Enrollment.

For course descriptions, find the corresponding course number earlier in this catalog.

Prerequisites

This program is designed for HVAC technicians, facilities managers, and commercial maintenance technicians who have already completed an educational program for HVAC and/or have current industry work experience in the field. The program will build on your existing knowledge of HVAC fundamentals and equipment and help you learn HVACR Controls and Building Automation Systems.

Grades

Students who complete a course with a grade of 70% or higher will receive a certificate of completion for that course. Further, at the end of the program, if all six courses are passed with a score of 75% or higher, students will receive a Certificate of Completion for the HVAC Controls / Building Automation Systems Program. All courses in the program also carry NATE and BPI continuing education credit for technicians maintaining industry certifications.

Jobs

A quick check revealed that Indeed.com shows 1,044 job listings for Building Automation Controls Technician; Monster.com shows over 1,000, Career Builder shows 504, and GlassDoor.com shows 4,457. This skill set is much in demand right now and will continue to increase!

153 HVACR Control Systems Fundamentals
18 Instructional Hours

This course is designed to introduce HVACR Technicians, and others involved in the HVACR industry, to the Fundamentals of HVACR Control Systems. This course will prepare students with a strong understanding of typical HVAC mechanical systems in a commercial building environment. In turn, the student will gain an understanding of the different types of control systems and concepts used in these commercial buildings. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards. Recommended Prerequisites: you will need a strong working knowledge of HVACR Fundamentals prior to enrollment into this course. This course is NATE recognized for 18 hours of continuing education (CEHs) which are applicable to NATE re-certification, and BPI recognized for 9 continuing education units (CEUs).

The main topics for the course are identified below

  • HVAC Fundamentals
  • Commercial Building Heating Systems
  • Commercial Building Cooling Systems
  • IAQ and Commercial Air Handling Units
  • HVAC System Energy Sources
  • Control Principles

154 HVACR Control System Types and BAS Basics

18 Instructional Hours

This course is designed to introduce HVACR Technicians, and others involved in the HVACR industry, to Electrical and electronic control systems as used in commercial buildings and HVAC systems. Building Automation systems will then be discussed in detail, starting with older systems and proceeding to today’s modern web-based systems. The student will understand types and methods of operator interfaces in commercial buildings, as well as the different types of BAS inputs and outputs in detail. Instruction aligns with ANSI/ACCA Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards. Recommended Prerequisites: you will need a strong working knowledge of HVACR Fundamentals and completion of “153 Controls Systems Fundamentals” prior to enrollment into this course. This course is NATE recognized for 18 hours of continuing education (CEHs) which are applicable to NATE re-certification, and BPI recognized for 9 continuing education units (CEUs).

The main topics for the course are identified below

  • Control Systems
  • Electrical Control Systems
  • Electronic Control Systems
  • Building Automation Systems and Controllers
  • Operator Interfaces
  • Building Automation System Inputs and Outputs

155 HVACR BAS Installation and Strategies

15 Instructional Hours

This course is designed to equip HVACR Technicians, and others involved in the HVACR industry, with the skills and understanding needed to install and program typical modern BAS equipment. This will be done in a vendor-independent manner. VAV terminal box, Air Handling Unit, and Central Boiler/Chiller Plant Programming will be used as examples. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards. Recommended Prerequisites: completion of 153 Controls Systems Fundamentals, and 154 Control Systems Types and BAS Basics prior to enrollment into this advanced course. This course is NATE recognized for 15 hours of continuing education (CEHs) which are applicable to NATE re-certification, and BPI recognized for 7.5 continuing education units (CEUs).

The main topics for the course are identified below

  • Building Automation System Installation, Wiring, and Testing
  • Computer Networks and Web Based Control
  • Direct Digital Control Strategies
  • Supervisory Control Strategies
  • Building Automation Retrofit of Existing Systems

156 HVACR BAS System Management and Advanced Technologies

15 Instructional Hours

This course is designed to equip HVACR Technicians, and others involved in the HVACR industry, with the knowledge needed to implement advanced strategies in BAS regarding alarms trends and energy saving features. This course will also equip the technician to perform basic service troubleshooting of BAS and understand the role and structure of interoperable systems including BACNET and LON. The student will then be able to work with commissioning agents to ensure proper BAS operation and implementation. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards. Recommended Prerequisites: completion of 153 Controls Systems Fundamentals, and 154 Control Systems Types and BAS Basics, and 155 BAS Installation and Strategies prior to enrollment into this advanced course. This course is NATE recognized for 15 hours of continuing education (CEHs) which are applicable to NATE re-certification, and BPI recognized for 7.5 continuing education units (CEUs).

The main topics for the course are identified below

  • Building System Management
  • Energy Audits and Utility Structures
  • Building Automation System Troubleshooting
  • Building Automation System Interoperability-Advanced Technologies
  • Building Commissioning

157 Troubleshooting DDC Systems & Components Course

21 Instructional Hours

Tap into the experience of a Pro! This class is designed for advanced level technicians who want to learn and enhance their BAS/DDC Troubleshooting skills. Dozens of In-depth multiple field troubleshooting scenarios are covered in detail in a ‘ride-along in the service van’ format. All scenarios are derived from actual service calls. Upon completion of this course the technician will have covered a minimum 75% of the most common service calls on BAS/DDC. Videos and hands-on access to a control system will be used to enhance the learning experience as well! Prerequisite: Successful completion of BAS Program 153-156 or Equivalent Field experience. Required Text: HVAC Control Systems’ by Ronnie J Auvil 4th Edition. This course is NATE recognized for 21 hours of continuing education (CEHs) which are applicable to NATE re-certification, and BPI recognized for 10.5 continuing education units (CEUs).

The main topics for the course are identified below

  • Troubleshooting Tools & Safety; Overview of ‘Typical’ DDC System Today
  • Input Troubleshooting with Multiple, Typical Field Scenarios
  • Output Troubleshooting with Multiple, Typical Field Scenarios
  • Field Controller Level Troubleshooting Part 1
  • Field Controller Level Troubleshooting Part 2 with Multiple, Typical Field Scenarios
  • Basic Web-Based Control Systems Troubleshooting Part 1
  • Web-Based Control Systems Troubleshooting Part 2 with Multiple, Typical, Field Scenarios

441 Commercial Refrigeration I

24  Instructional Hours

We will compare things you’re already familiar with like space temperatures and common components of basic AC systems to those of commercial refrigeration systems.  We will examine evaporators, condensers, compressors, metering devices, controls and accessories, and the refrigerants commonly used in commercial refrigeration.  We will review the important terminology.  At the end of this course, we will cover some system troubleshooting, giving you a chance to put your knowledge to work on the 9 most common system problems.  And you will understand when to apply TROT in the absence of a manufacturer’s recommendation. 

This course is divided into these learning modules

  • Refrigeration Principles
  • Evaporators
  • Condensers
  • Compressors
  • Metering Devices
  • Controls and Accessories
  • Refrigeration System Troubleshooting Part 1
  • Refrigeration System Troubleshooting Part 2
442 HVACR Commercial Refrigeration II

18 Instructional Hours

This course is a continuation of 441 HVACR Commercial Refrigeration I.  Again, we will compare things you’re already familiar with like basic AC systems to those of commercial refrigeration systems.  We will examine compressor motor controls, retrofitting, recovery, evacuation, and charging; various supermarket refrigeration systems, walk-in refrigerators and freezers, and commercial ice machines so you can identify the components, their functions, and the refrigerants belonging with each application.  After you’ve got a good understanding of the equipment, we’ll explore appropriate temperatures for products kept in that equipment.  And finally, you will understand when to apply TROT in the absence of a manufacturer’s recommendation. 

This course is divided into these learning modules

  • Compressor Motor Controls
  • Retrofitting, Recovery, Evacuation, and Charging
  • Supermarket Refrigeration
  • Walk-in Refrigerators and Freezers
  • Ice Machines
  • Product Temperatures for Preservation and Health – Refrigeration Business Tips
The NATE Certified HVAC Technician Program (NCT) is a comprehensive online HVAC education program encompassing a well-rounded set of skills used by installers and technicians who are seeking NATE Certification. It covers all the NATE Core areas with a rich selection of foundational courses, and then focuses on Air Conditioning specialty at the Service Level. The content presented in each course homes in on learning objectives that have been identified by HVAC industry groups (HVAC Excellence, AHRI, NATE, RSES, HARDI, PAHRA, and ACCA) as critical knowledge areas for an HVAC technician.

About NATE

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the nation’s largest and most recognized non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. NATE certification tests represent real-world working knowledge of HVACR systems. Developed by a committee of industry experts nationwide, all the NATE tests are rigorous, knowledge-based, multiple-choice tests designed to validate a technician’s knowledge. You can read more about NATE at: www.natex.org. HVACRedu.net’s NCT Program is specifically structured to teach foundational skills to individuals who are new-to-the-industry and non-certified installers and technicians who want formal education to upskill their knowledge and prepare for licensing or certification exams.

What’s Included

The current edition of the Delmar Cengage Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology textbook is included in the tuition for this program and is shipped shortly after enrollment.

Four HVAC Industry Exam fees are included. Reimbursement for these fees is issued when a student submits proof of passing each exam and copy of each paid invoice or receipt.

Online Training – The online program is a Career Technical Education (CTE) model. Courses are entirely online with access 24/7/365. Class is always open. Student support is provided by our student services crew and faculty instructors through email, chat, our campus messaging system, and phone.

For the Employer (if the employer purchases the program for the technician)

Regular reports on student progress

Notification of less than satisfactory performance

For the Student

Registration into each course in the program sequence one at a time

Certificate of Completion upon successfully passing each course

Online Faculty- mentoring and technical topic assistance

Business hour communications with faculty and student services via email, chat, and phone

Many commercial buildings utilize chilled water systems for comfort cooling. These chillers come in many different configurations. Small and mid-size chillers are used in buildings such as schools and medical office buildings. Large facilities such as colleges, hospitals, and military bases have central chiller plants that supply chilled water to multiple buildings. This program is designed for advanced level technicians and building maintenance personnel who are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of chiller systems in commercial buildings. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ASHRAE Standard 180.This program is made up of four courses for a total of 12 learning modules that are recognized for 36 total hours of continuing education (CEHs), applicable to NATE re-certification.

Program Prerequisites:  This advanced program is designed for HVACR technicians and contractors, facilities managers, and commercial maintenance technicians who have already completed an educational program for HVACR and/or have current working knowledge of HVACR Fundamentals.  It will build on your existing knowledge.

Grades:  Students who complete the program with a score of 70% or higher will receive a Certificate of Completion for the HVACR Chiller Mechanic Program.  Both courses in the program also carry NATE continuing education credit for technicians maintaining industry certifications.

202 High-Efficiency HVAC System Maintenance – Central Chillers 

6 Instructional Hours

This course intends to give maintenance staff a feel for the equipment present in their buildings.  With this understanding, you will be better able to perform and handle service issues when required.  The course focuses upon Commercial Central Chiller Systems, with a basic introduction as to the layout of the various components utilized in large and small commercial facilities.  Then the modules expand into the specifics of chilled water systems and the required maintenance and record keeping to ensure efficient operation of the Chiller Systems.  This course is recognized for 6 hours of continuing education (CEHs) applicable to NATE re-certification, and BPI recognized for three continuing education units (CEUs). 

Module topics covered:

  • Central Chiller Maintenance – Daily and Weekly
  • Central Chiller Maintenance – Monthly and Annual

402 HVACR Packaged Chillers: 25 – 150 Tons

6 Instructional Hours

This course is designed for advanced level technicians and building maintenance personnel who are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of chiller systems in commercial buildings.

Packaged chillers such as those used in small and medium tonnage applications will be covered in this course. Emphasis will be given to operating characteristics, main components, maintenance, control, and troubleshooting. This course is recognized for 9 hours on continuing education, (CEHs), applicable to NATE re-certification.

Module topics covered:

  • Introduction; AHU and Chilled Water System Overview
  • Packaged Air-Cooled Chillers
  • Packaged Chiller Control, Operation, and Maintenance

203 High-Efficiency HVAC System Maintenance – Cooling Towers 

6 hours

The intent of this course is to give maintenance staff a feel for the equipment present in their buildings.  With this understanding, you will be better able to perform and handle service issues when required.  The course focuses upon Commercial Cooling Tower Systems, with a basic introduction as to the layout of the various components utilized in large and small commercial facilities.  Then the modules expand into the specifics of cooling towers and the required maintenance to ensure efficient operation of the cooling tower systems.  This course is recognized for 6 hours of continuing education (CEHs) applicable to NATE re-certification, and BPI recognized for three continuing education units (CEUs). 

Module topics covered:

  • Cooling Tower Overview – Daily and Monthly Maintenance
  • Cooling Tower Overview – Annual and Seasonal Maintenance

403 HVACR Water Cooled Mid & Large Tonnage Chillers 150+ Tons 

15 Instructional Hours

This course is designed for advanced level technicians and building maintenance personnel who are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of chiller systems in commercial buildings.  We will cover larger chiller systems, to include screw and centrifugal chillers, as well as cooling towers. Emphasis will be given to operating characteristics, main components, maintenance, control, and troubleshooting. The vast majority of chiller types are thoroughly covered, as well as components and control sequences. The course will finish up with detailed, in-depth multiple field troubleshooting scenarios. All scenarios are derived from actual service calls. Upon completion of this course, the technician will have been exposed to a minimum 75% of the most common service calls on commercial chiller systems.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of the 402 HVACR Packaged Chillers 25 – 150 Tons Course or equivalent field experience. This course is recognized for 15 hours of continuing education, (CEHs), applicable to NATE re-certification. 

Module topics covered:

  • Centrifugal Chillers
  • Screw Chillers
  • Cooling Towers
  • Typical Chiller Plant Layout
  • Mid and Large Tonnage Chiller Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

This apprenticeship related training program is an entirely online and convenient quality education.  HVACRedu.net is a US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Training Provider because our online courses align with the US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Guidelines.  HVACRedu.net is also accredited by HVAC Excellence. 

This online program is the related training/educational component of registered apprenticeship programs; or many employers find it a valuable structured way to provide on-the-job training to new employees.  [Note: Employment and on-the-job-training are not included.]   All courses are written and supported by qualified industry experts.  Courses are open entry: open exit, available 24/7/365 so students may begin the program at any time.  Students have 8 months from the date of enrollment to access their online program and complete the year’s curriculum, but they may complete in less time without restriction.  We are happy to offer assistance registering your apprenticeship program with our online training in your state, please contact us. 

Textbooks:  Although a number of e-books are included in the courses, The required textbooks are not included.  Please check out the REQUIRED textbooks and the recommended Tool List at the back of our Master Catalog.  You are encouraged to purchase your books from any book seller you choose.  You may purchase new or used books, or you may borrow or share them.  If you already have any of the textbooks, you may use those.  If you plan to purchase books, we suggest a reputable online bookseller.

To get you started on the right foot, we provide a live program orientation and a campus navigation video to help students succeed.  You will read, explore the online course resources, and take online exams at the end of each learning module.  We estimate study time is at least 6 hours a week – try to complete 2 modules each week.  That will keep you on track to complete within your 8 month schedule.  Apprentices can view only the first topic module, and open the following module by earning a minimum score of 65% on each exam. . . one module at a time however, an overall averaged grade of 70% is required to successfully pass the program and receive a certificate of completion.  At the mid-point of each year’s study, students will take a mid-term exam that covers all the material in the first half of the program.  At the end of the year’s study, students will take a final exam that covers all the material in the second half of the program.  Review of the completed modules prior to mid-term and final exams are encouraged.  You should refer to the Student Program Handbook for specifics. 

This program qualifies for pay-as-you-go in-house financing when purchased through the store.

Online Courses Include:

  • Online reading (similar to lecture notes)
  • Online course discussions led by the instructors
  • Textbook reading assignments
  • Online quizzes and exams
  • Streaming video, animations, web presentationsCompetency check-off sheets

If you are new to HVACRedu.net, but have completed some Apprentice Related Training elsewhere, we can transfer-in your program. 

Online Courses Include:

  • Online reading (similar to lecture notes)
  • Online course discussions led by the instructors
  • Textbook reading assignments
  • Online quizzes and exams
  • Streaming video, animations, web presentationsCompetency check-off sheets

Year 1 (155 hours) includes all of these learning topics:

•.  Basic Construction Math (12 hrs)
•.  Basic Hand and Power Tools (6 hrs)
•.  Intro to Applied Science (21 hrs)
•.  Energy Sources (18 hrs)
•.  Basic Sheet Metal (21 hrs)
•.  Building Systems (6 hrs)
•.  Employability Skills (9 hrs)
•.  Copper Works (6 hrs)
•.  Refrigeration Cycle I (18 hrs)
•.  EPA 608 Prep (8 hrs)
•.  OSHA 30 Hour •.  Construction Safety (30 hrs)

Program Learning Objectives for Year 1

The apprentice will demonstrate new knowledge in the subjects of Basic Construction Math, Basic Hand & Power Tools, Introduction to Applied Science, Energy Sources, Basic Sheet Metal, Building Systems, Employability Skills, Copper Works, Refrigeration Cycle I, EPA 608, and OSHA Construction Safety, by earning an overall average score of 70% or higher in the combined year’s curriculum.

Year 2 (149 hours) includes all of these learning topics:

•.  Everything About Belts (3 hrs)
•.  Intro to Blueprints (12 hrs)
•.  Construction Technology (20 hrs)
•.  Customer Service (15 hrs)
•.  Indoor Air Quality Basics (18 hrs)
•.  Refrigeration Cycle II (18 hours)
•.  Refrigeration Cycle Service (9 hrs)
•.  Electrical DC I (18 hrs)
•.  Electrical AC II (18 hrs)
•.  Air Properties & Measurement (18 hrs)

Program Learning Objectives for Year 2

The apprentice will demonstrate new knowledge in the subjects of:  Everything About Belts, Intro to Blueprints, Construction Technology, Customer Service, Indoor Air Quality Basics, Refrigeration Cycle II, Refrigeration Cycle Service, Electrical DC I, Electrical AC II, and Air Properties & Measurement; by earning an overall average score of 75% or higher in the combined year’s curriculum.

Year 3 (150 hours) includes all of these learning topics:

•.  Electrical Common Components (18 hrs)
•.  Electrical Motors (21 hrs)
•.  Heat Loads – Manual J (18 hrs)
•.  R-410A Refrigerant Technology (18 hrs)
•.  Air Distribution – Manual D (18 hrs)
•.  Gas Heat I (18 hrs)
•.  Fuel Gas Pipe Sizing (12 hrs)
•.  Intro to Cooling System •.  Troubleshooting (18 hrs)
•.  High Efficiency Ventilation (9 hrs)

Program Learning Objectives for Year 3

The apprentice will demonstrate new knowledge in the subjects of:  Electrical Common Components, Electrical Motors, Heat Loads – Manual J, R-410A Refrigerant Technology, Air Distribution – Manual D, Gas Heat I, Fuel Gas Pipe Sizing, Intro to Cooling System Troubleshooting, and High Efficiency Ventilation; by earning an overall average score of 70% or higher in the combined year’s curriculum.

Year 4 (153 hours) includes all of these learning topics:

•.  Fuel Gas Venting Systems (16 hrs)
•.  Code IFGC (20 hrs)
•.  Hydronics I (18 hrs)
•.  Advanced Troubleshooting (21 hrs)
•.  Commercial Boiler Fundamentals (6 hrs)
•.  High Efficiency Commercial Boilers (6 hrs)
•.  Air Handlers & Roof Top Units (6 hrs)
•.  Building Automation Systems I (18 hrs)
•.  High Efficiency HVAC (12 hrs)
•.  Central Chillers (6 hrs)
•.  Cooling Towers (6 hrs)
•.  Operations Management (18 hrs)

Program Learning Objectives for Year 4

The apprentice will demonstrate new knowledge in the subjects of: Fuel Gas Venting Systems, Code IFGC, Hydronics I, Advanced Troubleshooting, Commercial Boiler Fundamentals, High Efficiency Commercial Boilers, Air Handlers & Roof Top Units, Building Automation Systems I, High Efficiency HVAC, Central Chillers, Cooling Towers, and Operations Management; by earning an overall average score of 70% or higher in the combined year’s curriculum.