North
Associate of Science

This program provides the student an opportunity to learn the concepts and practices of refrigeration, air conditioning and heating equipment along with the electrical knowledge required to work in this fast-growing industry. The student will be presented with the fundamentals of refrigerant heat transfer, safe work practices, electricity and the regulations governing the use of refrigerant gases. High, medium and low temperature refrigerators, freezers, walk in coolers, and ice machines will be covered. The student will be trained in the application and troubleshooting of natural gas furnaces, air conditioning equipment and heat pumps by participating in both lecture and laboratory activities using actual live installed equipment. HVAC certification exams are given during the program to allow the student to obtain industry competencies and licenses in key areas of HVAC/R. Proper workplace communications and customer relations will be discussed. In addition, the student will receive electrical training in basic and advanced circuitry, electrical safety and basic motor controls. Advanced courses in this Associates Degree program will introduce the student to residential heat load calculations, duct design, hydronic system design, variable frequency drives, economizers, pneumatics and building automation systems such as direct digital control (DDC). Academic courses in this program will provide the student with opportunities for future workforce advancement.  

This program is offered at CCAC West Hills Center.  Many of the required courses can also be completed at the Energy Innovation Center near downtown Pittsburgh.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Apply both basic and advanced electrical and mechanical knowledge to diagnose and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems including various motor control methods
2. Design various types of duct delivery systems and hydronic heat piping systems utilizing industry standards, guidelines and computer software
3. Construct a residential heating and air conditioning split system following electric and gas code guidelines while adhering to EPA refrigerant gas laws
4. Analyze advanced digital control systems, network communication systems and integrated electronic building pneumatics in accordance with green building standards and technologies