Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Course

Lesson 1 • Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics

Covers conduction, convection, radiation, and enthalpy in refrigeration contexts. Builds the physical foundation for understanding all mechanical refrigeration processes.

Lesson 2 • Vapour Compression Cycle

Explains the four-stage vapour compression cycle using pressure-enthalpy diagrams. Connects theoretical cycle efficiency to real-world system performance.

Lesson 3 • Psychrometrics and Air Properties

Teaches humidity ratio, dew point, wet-bulb temperature, and psychrometric chart reading. Applies air property analysis to comfort cooling and dehumidification design.

Lesson 1 • Auxiliary Components and Accessories

Covers filter-driers, sight glasses, accumulators, receivers, and oil separators. Demonstrates how accessories protect system integrity and extend component life.

Lesson 2 • Compressors: Types and Operation

Covers reciprocating, scroll, screw, and centrifugal compressor designs and operating principles. Connects compressor type selection to system capacity and efficiency requirements.

Lesson 3 • Condensers and Evaporators

Examines air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative condensers alongside evaporator coil designs. Links heat exchanger selection to application load and environmental conditions.

Lesson 4 • Air Distribution and Ductwork

Explains supply, return, and exhaust duct design, airflow balancing, and static pressure. Connects duct system performance to overall system efficiency and comfort delivery.

Lesson 1 • Motors: Types, Testing, and Control

Covers PSC, ECM, three-phase, and shaded-pole motors with testing and replacement procedures. Links motor selection and condition to system airflow and energy performance.

Lesson 2 • Control Circuits and Wiring Diagrams

Teaches ladder diagram reading, schematic vs. pictorial wiring, and control circuit tracing. Enables technicians to follow electrical logic from thermostat call to component operation.

Lesson 3 • Safety Devices and Electrical Protection

Explains high-pressure, low-pressure, overload, and ground fault protection devices. Demonstrates how safety controls prevent equipment damage and protect technician safety.

Lesson 1 • Evacuation and Dehydration

Teaches deep vacuum procedures, micron gauge use, and triple evacuation technique. Removes moisture and non-condensables to prevent acid formation and system failure.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Safety and Handling

Addresses toxicity, flammability, asphyxiation risks, and PPE requirements for all refrigerant classes. Builds a safety-first mindset for working with A1, A2L, and A3 refrigerants.

Lesson 3 • Refrigerant Charging Methods

Covers weighing-in, subcooling, superheat, and sight glass charging methods for various systems. Connects accurate charging to system efficiency, reliability, and warranty compliance.

Lesson 1 • Site Assessment and Equipment Placement

Covers load calculation basics, equipment clearance, structural support, and airflow planning. Proper site assessment prevents performance issues and premature equipment failure.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Piping and Brazing

Teaches pipe sizing, line set routing, nitrogen brazing, and insulation of refrigerant lines. Correct piping ensures oil return, minimises pressure drop, and prevents contamination.

Lesson 3 • System Commissioning and Verification

Explains airflow measurement, refrigerant charge verification, and performance documentation. Commissioning confirms the system delivers design conditions and meets efficiency targets.

Lesson 1 • Airside and Comfort Complaints

Addresses insufficient cooling, humidity complaints, uneven temperatures, and noise issues. Connects airside measurements to root causes in duct, coil, or refrigerant systems.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant-Side Fault Diagnosis

Covers diagnosis of overcharge, undercharge, non-condensables, moisture, and restriction faults. Uses pressure-temperature analysis and superheat/subcooling readings as primary tools.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Fault Diagnosis

Covers open circuits, short circuits, grounded components, and intermittent faults using meters. Systematic electrical testing prevents repeat failures and misidentified components.

Lesson 4 • Compressor Fault Diagnosis

Teaches electrical and mechanical compressor testing including amp draw, megohm, and valve testing. Distinguishes compressor failure from system conditions causing compressor damage.

Lesson 1 • Chiller and Large System Maintenance

Covers tube cleaning, oil analysis, vibration monitoring, and refrigerant log compliance for chillers. Large system maintenance requires precision documentation and specialised procedures.

Lesson 2 • Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance

Addresses walk-in cooler, reach-in case, and rack system maintenance schedules. Prevents food safety violations and costly emergency repairs through consistent service.

Lesson 3 • Maintenance Documentation and Scheduling

Teaches service report writing, maintenance scheduling software, and warranty documentation. Accurate records protect technicians legally and support equipment performance trending.

Lesson 1 • Industrial Ammonia Refrigeration

Introduces ammonia system design, safety protocols, PSM requirements, and component identification. Ammonia remains the dominant industrial refrigerant requiring specialised handling knowledge.

Lesson 2 • Chiller Systems and Cooling Towers

Explains centrifugal, screw, and absorption chiller operation alongside cooling tower maintenance. Chiller systems serve large commercial buildings and require specialised commissioning skills.

Lesson 3 • Walk-In Coolers and Freezers

Addresses unit cooler selection, defrost systems, panel construction, and temperature control. Walk-in systems are the most common commercial refrigeration application for field technicians.

Lesson 4 • CO2 Transcritical Refrigeration

Covers CO2 system operating pressures, transcritical cycle, and safety requirements. CO2 systems are rapidly expanding in commercial refrigeration due to low GWP advantages.