North
Certificate

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. 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 equipment and training simulators.  EPA certification exams are administered during the program to allow the student to purchase and safely handle refrigerants. Proper workplace communications and customer relations will be discussed. In addition, the student will receive electrical training in basic circuitry, electrical safety and basic motor controls.

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 basic electrical and mechanical knowledge to diagnose and repair heating and air conditioning equipment.
2. Analyze pressure and temperature readings to justify changes to system refrigerant control devices and/or system refrigerant charge.
3. Construct a residential heating and air conditioning split system following electric and gas code guidelines while adhering to EPA refrigerant gas laws. 
4. Interpret ladder and pictorial wiring diagrams prior to making final wiring connections on heating and air conditioning equipment.