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Career options 
This comprehensive, 61-credit-hour degree program gives you the technical and industrial expertise needed to begin a successful career as a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration installer and/or service technician.
Careers in the HVAC/R field are constantly in demand. Graduates of this program can explore multiple job options in the areas of service, installation/design, consulting, sales, and more. Harper’s accredited HVAC/R program has a strong reputation among employers, and many companies routinely recruit students and recent graduates for full-time jobs.
You’ll take a variety of courses in Harper’s state-of-the-art HVAC/R Open Lab, gaining hands-on experience in operation maintenance, service, and repairs of HVAC/R systems.
The courses in this curriculum are theory- designed and service-oriented. Theory courses study heat laws, gas laws, pressures and thermodynamics for energy conservation. Service courses are designed around a strong hands-on philosophy. Emphasis is placed on operation maintenance, service and repairs of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Graduates from this 61 credit-hour program may be employed as service technicians, technical consultants, equipment installers, facility operation engineers, property managers, project managers, insurance adjusters and sales personnel.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| ELT 110 | Introductory Electronics | 4 |
Description: Introduces fundamentals of electricity and magnetism. Covers basic electrical laws and principles. Presents electrical quantities, units, symbols and notation. Examines foundational electronic materials and components. Presents elementary DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current) network analysis, key semiconductor devices, and simple analog and digital circuits. Also covers electrical safety considerations, laboratory instrumentation and test and measurement techniques. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 3 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 101 | Refrigeration Fundamentals | 3 |
Description: Introduces vocabulary, concepts and scientific principles used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Studies theories on heat laws, pressures, matter and energy; examines refrigerant chemistry and the refrigeration cycle. Covers proper refrigerant management techniques and safe practices. Emphasizes practical application, troubleshooting techniques, measuring and testing the operation of the basic refrigeration cycle; includes working with ACR copper tubing, tools and instruments. Prerequisite: MTH 100, MTH 101 or higher. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 103 | Heating Principles | 3 |
Description: Introduces vocabulary, concepts and scientific principles used in the heating industry. Studies heat laws, heat transfer, and examines fundamentals of the combustion process. Covers gas, oil and electric forced-air systems for residential comfort heating. Emphasizes practical application for testing and adjusting system performance, troubleshooting electrical systems and control, working with gas pipe, preventative maintenance, service and repair. Prerequisite: MTH 100, MTH 101 or higher. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 104 | Residential Comfort Systems | 3 |
Description: Builds on concepts learned in HVA 101, HVA 103 and HVA 105. Incorporates additional system accessories and controls used to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Examines psychrometrics principles, air flow measurements and basic residential air distribution systems. Emphasizes installation of residential HVAC systems, accessories and controls; includes basic concepts of duct design, sheet metal fabrication and installation. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in HVA 103 (Heating Principles) with a grade of C or better, or consent of coordinator. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MTH 100 | Applied Math for Technical Careers | 3 |
Description: Reviews arithmetic, introduces basic algebraic and right triangle trigonometric techniques. Includes arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, ratio and proportions, measurements, right triangle trigonometry and their application to solve a variety of career and technical problems. Draws practical problems from the student’s career area, including emergency services, graphic communications, building trades, culinary arts and information technology. Intended for students pursuing Harper degrees and certificates in career program fields. This mathematics course is intended for AAS degree students only. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
Second Semester | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 102 | Refrigeration Systems | 3 |
Description: Builds on concepts learned in HVA 101. Introduces specialized system controls and accessories found in commercial refrigeration systems. Covers pressure and temperature controls, water-cooled condensers, commercial defrosting, and piping practices. Emphasizes practical application to develop diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques, interpret wiring diagrams, service, and repair including working with zero ODP refrigerants used in cmmercial systems application. Prerequisite: HVA 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 105 | Heating and Cooling Controls | 3 |
Description: Introduces electrical principles and concepts, electrical safety, electrical controls and electrical wiring diagrams utilized in residential and light commercial HVAC systems. Covers electrical symbols, Ohms' Law, series and parallel circuits, power distribution, magnetism, transformers, switches, relays, contactors, AC motors, motor starters and capacitors. Emphasizes the practical application for electrical system diagnosing; measuring volts, ohms and amps; troubleshooting testing and adjusting electrical controls; interpreting wiring schematics; and wiring electrical circuits. Prerequisite: MTH 100, MTH 101 or higher. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 108 | Domestic Refrigeration Appliances | 3 |
Description: Builds on concepts learned in HVA 101 and HVA 105. Introduces the application of the refrigeration cycle in respect to small appliances. Covers refrigerators, air conditioning and fundamentals of heat pump operations. Reviews work-safe practices, electrical systems diagnostics, proper refrigerant handline and charging techniques, brazing and soldering copper tubing. Emphasizes practical application, operation, installation, maintenance, service and repair. Prerequisite: HVA 101 with a grade of C or better, and concurrent or prior enrollment in HVA 105 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Natural Science 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| ELT 144 | AC and DC Motors | 2 |
Description: Introduces students to fractional horsepower motors for residential and commercial applications. A safety review followed by terminology, principles, and test measurement equipment use associated with motors and motor controls are examined. Emphasis is placed on the practical application, operation, installation and maintenance of direct current (DC) motors and controls, and single three-phase alternating current (AC) motors and controls. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ENG 103 | Technical and Report Writing | 3 |
Description: Introduces the various types of writing and communication used in business and technology. Includes instructions, procedures, abstracts, proposals, visuals and reports. Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 106 | Pneumatic Controls Systems | 3 |
Description: Builds on concepts learned in HVA 105. Introduces pneumatic system controls and accessories found in commercial heating and air conditioning systems, and variable/constant air volume air handling units. Covers pneumatic relays, dampers, valve actuators, controller receivers, temperature and humidity controls, and air compressors. Emphasizes practical application to develop diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques, focusing on interpreting pneumatic diagrams, testing and measuring system components, service, repair and installation; and introduces commercial heating and cooling systems. Prerequisite: HVA 105 with a grade of c or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 107 | Commercial Air Conditioning Systems | 3 |
Description: Builds on concepts learned in HVA 101, HVA 105 and HVA 106. Focuses on air conditioning systems used in commercial buildings and their applications. Studies direct expansion systems, package units, and chilled-water systems. Covers rooftop units, variable refrigerant flow systems, air handling units, chillers and cooling towers. Emphasizes practical application to develop troubleshooting techniques, perform system diagnostic/installation/preventive maintenance service and repairs. Includes fundamentals of air conditioning absorbers. Prerequisite: HVA 101, HVA 105 and HVA 108 with grades of C or better, and prior or concurrent enrollment in HVA 106 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 109 | Commercial Heating Systems | 3 |
Description: Builds on concepts learned in HVA 103, HVA 105 and HVA 106. Introduces low pressure steam and hot water boilers used in commercial heating. Studies heat laws, heat transfer theories, and examines the combustion process of gas, oil and coal. Covers boiler construction, boiler safe operating practices, pressure controls, and steam systems' accessories. Includes hydronic piping systems, circulating pumps and water treatment. Emphasizes practical application for boiler operation, preventive maintenance and service. Prerequisite: HVA 103, HVA 105 and HVA 106 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 110 | Blueprints and Plans for HVAC | 2 |
Description: Provides an introduction to architectural blueprints and mechanical drawings specific to HVAC systems. Examines types of construction, construction materials and working drawings. Emphasizes reading and interpreting architectural prints and mechanical drawings used in residential and commercial building. Covers mechanical, air distribution, electrical and plumbing systems. Includes an introduction to load calculations. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in HVA 107 and HVA 109 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 1 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| ELT 145 | Variable Frequency Drives | 2 |
Description: Introduces students to variable frequency drives (VFD's) as they pertain to residential and commercial motor control applications. A safety review followed by terminology, principles, test and measurement equipment use associated with VFD's and typical applications are examined. Emphasis is placed on the practical application, operation, installation and maintenance of VFD's. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Humanities or Social and Behavioral Science + | 3 | |
| HVA 200 | HVAC/R Mechanical Codes and Standards | 2 |
Description: Examines HVAC systems code requirements for residential and light commercial buildings. Includes application of energy conservation standards, principles of building inspections, and proper equipment installation practices to discern code violations. Emphasizes practical application of safe practices, equipment layout, minimum installation requirements and legal ramifications for code violations. Prerequisite: HVA 110 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 1 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 201 | Refrigeration System Design | 2 |
Description: Builds on concepts learned in HVA 101, HVA 102 and HVA 108. Examines the thermodynamic properties of refrigerants and their application for refrigeration system design. Covers factors in the selection of systems components including compressors, evaporators, condensers, metering devices and accessories used in commercial refrigeration systems. Studies the application of refrigerant line sizing selection. Prerequisite: HVA 102 and HVA 108 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 203 | Load Calculations | 2 |
Description: Studies methods used to calculate heat loss and heat gain for residential and light commercial structures to use to determine heating and cooling loads. Examines outdoor design temperature conditions, location, infiltration loads, composite material U-values and R-values. Emphasizes practical application for calculating building loads for equipment selection by performing load calculation using charts and data analysis from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual J, abridged edition. Prerequisite: HVA 110 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 1 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 204 | Air Distribution | 2 |
Description: Studies priorities of air flow for residential and light commercial structures to design HVAC duct systems for efficient air distribution. Covers duct sizing principles, air distribution systems, duct materials, system performance, blower performance, and grill selection. Emphasizes practical application for residential duct sizing by using charts and data analysis from the Air Conditioning Contractors of Americia Manual D. Includes performing duct testing and air balancing procedures. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in HVA 203 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HVA 205 | Customer Service and Support | 1 |
Description: Examines strategies to improve communication skills to make a positive first impression, and to provide customer service excellence with urgency and empathy in every customer interaction. Focuses on the importance of displaying good manners, maintaining a positive attitude and professional appearance. Emphasizes the development of strong communication skills to address customer inquiries by listening, answering questions and providing explanations in non-technical terms. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 1 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
Students may take MTH 100, MTH 101 or higher.
See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
The Humanities or Social and Behavioral Science course must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
Students interested in HVAC/R may also be interested in:
For more information about the HVAC degree program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.