Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Course

Lesson 1 • Refrigerants: Properties and Selection

Examines refrigerant classifications, thermodynamic properties, and environmental impact ratings. Guides selection decisions based on system requirements and regulatory compliance.

Lesson 2 • Pressure, Temperature, and Saturation Concepts

Defines gauge vs. absolute pressure, saturation states, superheat, and subcooling. These concepts are prerequisite for accurate system diagnosis and charging.

Lesson 3 • Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Laws

Covers conduction, convection, radiation, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Establishes the physical basis for all refrigeration cycle analysis.

Lesson 1 • Expansion Devices and Flow Control

Details thermostatic expansion valves, electronic expansion valves, capillary tubes, and orifice devices. Explains how each regulates refrigerant flow and maintains superheat.

Lesson 2 • Condensers and Evaporators

Explains air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative condensers alongside direct-expansion and flooded evaporators. Covers heat exchanger design and airflow requirements.

Lesson 3 • Auxiliary Components and Accessories

Covers filter-driers, sight glasses, accumulators, receivers, and service valves. Demonstrates how accessories protect system integrity and aid serviceability.

Lesson 4 • Compressors: Types and Operation

Surveys reciprocating, scroll, rotary, and screw compressors, detailing operating principles and application ranges. Connects compression work to cycle efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Hand Tools and Power Tools

Identifies and demonstrates proper use of wrenches, flaring tools, tube cutters, and swaging tools. Correct tool use prevents component damage and ensures leak-free connections.

Lesson 2 • Personal Safety and Hazard Awareness

Addresses PPE requirements, electrical lockout/tagout, refrigerant exposure risks, and confined space awareness. Safety compliance protects technicians and meets regulatory obligations.

Lesson 3 • Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Reclaim

Explains recovery machine operation, cylinder handling, and the distinction between recovery, recycling, and reclaim. Ensures compliance with environmental handling requirements.

Lesson 4 • Diagnostic Instruments and Meters

Trains use of digital multimeters, clamp meters, thermometers, and leak detectors. Accurate instrument use is the foundation of systematic troubleshooting.

Lesson 1 • Reading Wiring Diagrams and Schematics

Teaches ladder diagrams, pictorial wiring diagrams, and component symbols used in HVACR equipment. Enables technicians to trace control and power circuits accurately.

Lesson 2 • Motors: Types, Starting, and Protection

Covers single-phase and three-phase motor types, starting components, and thermal protection devices. Links motor selection and protection to reliable system operation.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Fundamentals for HVACR

Reviews voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's law, and power calculations as applied to HVACR loads. Provides the quantitative foundation for all electrical troubleshooting.

Lesson 4 • Electronic Controls and Smart Thermostats

Introduces microprocessor-based controls, programmable thermostats, and demand-controlled operation. Prepares students for modern digitally controlled HVACR systems.

Lesson 1 • Refrigerant Charging and System Startup

Covers charging by weight, subcooling, and superheat methods, followed by startup verification checks. Accurate charging maximises efficiency and prevents compressor damage.

Lesson 2 • Evacuation and Dehydration of Systems

Explains deep vacuum procedures, micron gauge use, and triple evacuation technique. Proper evacuation removes moisture and non-condensables that degrade system performance.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Connections and Wiring

Guides power wiring, control wiring, and grounding for split and package systems. Correct wiring prevents equipment damage and ensures safe, code-compliant installation.

Lesson 4 • Site Assessment and Equipment Placement

Covers load calculation basics, equipment clearance requirements, and structural support considerations. Proper placement prevents performance issues and simplifies future service.

Lesson 1 • Compressor and Mechanical Fault Diagnosis

Covers compressor electrical tests, valve failure indicators, bearing noise diagnosis, and oil failure analysis. Accurate compressor diagnosis prevents unnecessary replacement.

Lesson 2 • Systematic Troubleshooting Methodology

Introduces a structured diagnostic process: gather symptoms, collect data, form hypotheses, test, and verify. A consistent method reduces diagnostic time and misdiagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Diagnosing Refrigerant-Side Problems

Identifies overcharge, undercharge, non-condensables, moisture contamination, and restriction faults using gauge readings and temperature data. Refrigerant-side faults are the most common service calls.

Lesson 4 • Electrical and Control Circuit Faults

Diagnoses open circuits, short circuits, grounded components, failed capacitors, and relay faults using a multimeter. Electrical faults account for a large share of no-cooling calls.

Lesson 1 • Coil Cleaning and Airflow Maintenance

Details evaporator and condenser coil cleaning methods, fin straightening, and filter replacement procedures. Clean heat exchangers restore rated capacity and reduce energy consumption.

Lesson 2 • Electrical System Maintenance Checks

Addresses contact inspection, capacitor testing, terminal tightening, and voltage and amperage verification. Electrical maintenance prevents the most common cause of premature component failure.

Lesson 3 • Maintenance Planning and Scheduling

Explains seasonal maintenance timing, service agreement structures, and maintenance checklist development. Planned maintenance reduces emergency calls and supports customer retention.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical Component Inspection

Covers compressor oil checks, belt and pulley inspection, bearing lubrication, and vibration assessment. Mechanical inspections catch wear before it causes system failure.

Lesson 1 • Low-GWP Refrigerants and System Retrofits

Addresses A2L flammable refrigerants, HFO blends, retrofit procedures, and updated safety requirements. Technicians must be prepared for the ongoing refrigerant transition.

Lesson 2 • Variable-Speed and Inverter-Driven Systems

Explains variable-frequency drives, inverter compressor technology, and modulating capacity control. Variable-speed systems dominate the high-efficiency market and require updated service skills.

Lesson 3 • Building Automation and Remote Monitoring

Covers BAS integration, remote monitoring platforms, alarm management, and energy reporting. Connected systems require technicians to interpret data remotely and respond proactively.

Lesson 4 • Heat Pump Systems and Reversing Valves

Covers heating and cooling mode operation, reversing valve function, defrost cycles, and auxiliary heat integration. Heat pumps require understanding of bidirectional refrigerant flow.