HVAC Technician Certificate

355 hours / Self-paced / book included

3 Part Program

HVAC Technician Fundamentals (80 hours)
HVAC Systems and Controls Fundamentals (150 Hours)
Boiler Study Package (125 hours)

HVAC Technician Fundamentals

Learn the basics of HVAC Electrical, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration with this entry level training. Developed by leading HVACR experts that truly develops your core technical skills and advances your industry knowledge. Topics include Safety, Electrical fundamentals, Air Conditioning fundamentals and Refrigerant Usage.

Curriculum:

Safety for HVACR Technicians

A comprehensive module explaining numerous safety facts, guidelines, and recommendations for the HVACR service technician.

NATE CEHs: 16
CEUs: 1.6
Course length: Approximately 20 hours

Designed For:

Service technicians

After Completing This Course, You Will Understand:

The different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by OSHA standards
The basic precautions and safety tips while using tools and text instruments
The electric hazards, their effect on human body and precautions related to such hazards
The safe installation and maintenance of air-moving equipment and precautions for some of the hazards associated with this equipment.
The hazards during soldering, brazing, and welding and precautions against these hazards
Fire safety and related precautions
The guidelines for the safe use of ladders prescribed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The correct methods of moving materials manually and moving materials using machinery

Course Description:

On-demand, interactive course of 8 modules (short courses)
Online course reader with easy-to-print PDFs
Online self-assessment
End-of-module exam and certificate of completion

Modules: Also sold individually as short courses.

Personal Protective Equipment
Tools and Test Instruments
Electrical Safety
Fan Safety
Soldering, Brazing and Welding
Fire Safety
Ladders, Scaffolds, and Lifts
Material Handling

Every Module Includes:

Module introduction
Topic introduction
Check-point questions
Topic summary
Assessment

Outcomes: The 8 online modules help you to understand:

The types of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by OSHA standards
The safety tips for using tools and text instruments
Electric hazards and related precautions
Installation, maintenance, and precautions for air-moving equipments
Hazards during soldering, brazing, and welding and related precautions
Fire safety and related precautions
Guidelines for safe use of ladders
Correct methods of handling of materials

Recommended text but not required:

RSES - Safety for the HVACR Technician

Electricity for HVACR Technicians

A thorough introduction to the concepts of electricity and magnetism, description of basic electrical devices that use these concepts, the concepts of alternating current and related devices, and the basic explanation of electrical schematics.

NATE CEHs: 36
CEUs: 3.6
Course length: Approximately 40 hours

Designed For:

Service technicians

After Completing This Course, You Will Understand:

The concepts of electricity and magnetism
The fundamentals of alternating currents
The functioning of basic electrical devices and circuit protection devices
The electrical schematics

Course Description:

On-demand, interactive course of 12 modules (short courses)
Online course reader with easy-to-print PDFs
Online self-assessment

Modules: Also sold individually as short courses

Terminology and Units of Measurement
Electronics - History and Concepts
Series Circuits, Parallel Circuits, and Power
Magnetism and Transformers
Magnetic Attraction, Repulsion, and Shielding
Transformers
Relays, Contactors and Starters
Fundamentals of Alternating Current
Alternating Current: Reactance, Impedance & Power Factor
Circuit Protection Devices: Fuses
Circuit Protection Devices: Circuit Breakers & Overload Protection
Understanding Electrical Schematics

Every Module Includes:

Reading assignment
Learning activities
Lesson summary
Module exam

Outcomes: The 12 online modules help you to understand:

Introduction to the various terminologies and the units of measurement used in the study of electricity.
The basic concepts of electronics, especially as used in the HVACR industry.
The two basic ways in which two circuit components can be connected and the concept of power, its calculations and how the power consumed by the two types of circuits is different.
The principles that define magnetism, the various types of magnets available today, the methods used to produce magnets, and the various theories on the nature of magnetism.
The concepts of magnetic fields and lines of force.
The components that make up a transformer, how transformers are rated, and the different types of transformers in use today.
Troubleshooting techniques for relays, contactors, and starters used in the HVACR field.
The fundamentals of alternating current and the reason why it can be used in the power distribution system.
Calculation of the different resistance introduced in an ac circuit by capacitors, inductors, and resistors and the concept of power factor.
The different types of fuses, their usage and rating, and how they are tested.
The circuit-breakers as circuit-protection devices and the concepts of internal and external overloads.
The symbols and conventions commonly used in schematic diagrams.

Recommended text but not required:

Electricity for HVACR Technicians from RSES

Air Conditioning Fundamentals

A thorough introduction to the concepts, laws, and processes related to air conditioning systems.

NATE CEHs: 20
CEUs: 2.0
Course length: Approximately 24 hours

Designed For:

Service technicians

After Completing This Course, You Will Understand:

The functioning and components of a basic vapor compression system
The basic structure of matter and the fundamental laws related to the behavior of different states of matter
The air conditioning compression cycle
Use of the refrigerant tables and the refrigerant properties

Course Description:

On-demand, interactive course of 10 modules (short courses)
Online course reader with easy-to-print PDFs
Online self-assessment

Modules: Also sold individually as short courses.

Introduction to Basic System Operation
Basic Structure of Matter
Heat Energy
Gas Laws I
Gas Laws II
Pressure-Temperature Relationships
Compression Cycle I
Compression Cycle II
Refrigerant Tables
Refrigerant Properties

Every Module Includes:

Reading assignment
Learning activities
Lesson summary
Module exam

Outcomes: The 10 online modules help you to understand:

The operation of the vapor compressor system and the components and fluids associated with it, the basic principles of thermodynamics.
The basic structure of matter, the various states of matter and the concept of chemical compounds, the behavior of matter under different conditions.
The processes that take place when heat is added to a material (solid, liquid, or gas) or removed from it, the concepts of measuring temperature changes and amounts of heat.
The description of gas laws that govern the behavior of the refrigerant used in an air conditioning system.
The behavior of various gases under different circumstances, the concept of density and temperature change, the specific volume and specific gravity of a material, the behavior of gases with respect to changes in weight and density.
The key terms - saturation, superheat, and subcooling, and how they relate to the functioning of an air conditioning system, the various temperature and pressure scales used in the HVAC industry and the concept of a pressure-temperature chart.
The principles of cooling, the concept of vapour to liquid conversion, and the air conditioning compression cycle.
The concept of volumetric efficiency and the factors that affect it, transformation of energy, and mechanical energy.
The concept of refrigerant tables and how they help to set controls and compute head pressure, the use of refrigerant tables to calculate liquid and vapor density and net refrigeration effect and estimate discharge temperatures.
The various properties of refrigerants, an explanation of the terms zeotropes, azeotropes, and near-azeotropes and the difference between them, the thermodynamic, physical and safety properties of common refrigerants.

Refrigeration Usage Certificate (EPA)

A thorough introduction to the concepts, laws, and processes related to air conditioning systems.

NATE CEHs: 10
CEUs: 1.0
Course length: Approximately 10 hours

Designed For:

Service technicians

After Completing This Course, You Will Understand:

Ozone-depletion
The characteristics of refrigerants and the laws related to refrigerant usage
The concepts of recover, recycle, and reclaim
The procedures used to recover, recycle, and reclaim refrigerants
The safety considerations and guidelines for using and handling refrigerants and refrigerant cylinders
The process and techniques for repairing small appliances refrigeration systems
The process and techniques for repairing high-pressure and very high-pressure systems
The process and techniques for repairing low-pressure systems

Course Description:

On-demand, interactive course of 4 modules (short courses)
Online course reader with easy-to-print PDFs
Online self-assessment
End-of-module exam and certificate of completion

Modules: Also sold individually as short courses.

Refrigerant Usage Certification
Type I: Small Appliances
Type II: High-Pressure Systems
Type III: Low-Pressure Systems

Every Module Includes:

Module introduction
Topic introduction
Check-point questions
Topic summary
Assessment

Outcomes: The 4 online modules help you to understand:

The understanding necessary to pass Core group
The understanding necessary to obtain Type I certification
The understanding necessary to obtain Type II certification
The understanding necessary to obtain Type III certification

Recommended text but not required:

Preparing For the NATE Exam: Core Essentials

HVAC Systems and Controls Fundamentals

Take the basics of Heating and Air Conditioning one step further. This 150 hour program is developed by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Topics include: Fundamentals of HVAC Systems, HVAC Control Systems, DDC Controls, Refrigeration, Energy Efficient Design and Indoor Air Quality.

Fundamentals of HVAC Systems

Course Length: 35 hours — 3.5 CEU

Ideal for:

 Recent engineering graduates working in the HVAC&R industry

 Experienced engineers entering HVAC&R from another engineering area

 Architects, technicians, construction or building management professionals wanting to increase their knowledge of HVAC systems

After completing this course, you will understand:

 The objectives to be achieved by an HVAC system in terms of environmental control.

 The description of a system - including primary equipment, means of distribution, space and load determination, and operating strategy.

 The basic function of components that form HVAC systems.

 The layout and functioning of common HVAC systems, including all-air systems, air-water systems, and all-water systems.

 The strategies for operating systems and their basic means of control.

 Identifying the most suitable type of system for different types of applications.

The Fundamentals of HVAC Systems elearning System includes:

- On-demand, interactive course of 13 online modules

- Online course reader

- Online self-assessment

- Completion certificate for 35 PDHs or 3.5 CEUs

These 13 short courses:

1. Introduction to HVAC Design
Introduction to air-conditioning, the environmental factors influencing comfort, and how to determine and priorities system design objectives

2. Introduction to HVAC Systems
How to understand and use simple psychrometric charts, description of basic system components and operation of the economizer cycle

3. Thermal Comfort
Understanding the factors determining thermal comfort and the comfort envelope to design systems that operate within acceptable ranges

4. Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Understanding the types, sources and effects of air contaminants and how to control them, and the basic concepts of ASHRAE Standard 62.1

5. Zones
How to define zones and place thermostats effectively

6. Single Zone Air Handlers and Unitary Equipment
Calculating and maintaining mixed air temperature with single-zone air handlers and refrigeration equipment

7. Multiple Zone Air Systems
How to describe and sketch the common all-air systems, and discriminate between the advantages and disadvantages of each

8. Hydronic Systems
Components, strengths and weaknesses of hydronic systems, the effects of varying water flow and considerations for effective ventilation

9. Hydronic System Architecture
General operation and layout of Steam Systems and Hot Water, Chilled Water and Condenser Water Systems

10. Central Plants
The value of Central versus Distributed Plants, the significance of pressure in boilers, the operation of chillers and cooling tower performance

11. Controls
Introduction to types of controls and control loops, DDC point types and protocol to ensure communication between DDC systems

12. Energy Conservation Measures
How to save energy in the operation and design of HVAC systems, overview of ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Heat Recovery and Control of Building Pressure

13. Special Applications
Radiant Heating and Cooling, Thermal Storage, Room Air Distribution and Humidity Control

Advanced Energy Design Guide - Small Retail Buildings

The Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings is a thorough study of the design concepts, strategies, and recommendations suited to the energy requirements of small retail buildings.

Course length: Approximately 18 hours

Designed for:

 Contractors and designers who create retail buildings up to 20,000 square feet

After completing this course, you will understand:

 Design strategies and recommendations made by the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings.

 Techniques and how-to tips for the implementation of the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings principles.

Modules:


1) Design Strategies and Recommendations
2) Quality Assurance
3) Building Envelope
4) Lighting
5) HVAC Equipment and Systems
6) Service Water Heating and Bonus Savings
7) Examples and Case Studies

Every module includes:

 Reading assignment

 Learning activities

 Lesson summary

 Module exam

Outcomes: The 7 online modules help you to understand:

 Different stages and benefits of the AEDG design process

 Activities that constitute each AEDG design stage

 Responsibilities of various personnel in each AEDG design stage

 Energy goals and strategies for designing small retail buildings

 Eight climate zones defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the design recommendations for each of the zones

 Importance of quality assurance in meeting the performance goals established for small retail buildings

 Good design practices for the quality assurance process

 Suggested commissioning scope for small retail buildings Good design practices, available options, and cautions for:

o Opaque and vertical glazing envelope

o Daylighting

o Interior and exterior lighting

o HVAC equipment and systems

o Service water heating systems

o Plug Load equipment

Advanced Energy Design Guide - Small Office Buildings

The Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings course explains the design concepts, strategies, and recommendations for constructing energy efficient small office buildings.

Course length: Approximately 10 hours

Designed for:

 Contractors, designers, and owners who are building and maintaining office buildings that are up to 20,000 square feet

After completing this course, you will understand:

 Design strategies and recommendations made by the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings.

 Techniques and how-to tips for the implementation of the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings principles.

Modules:

1. Design Strategies and Recommendations

2. Quality Assurance

3. Building Envelope

4. Lighting

5. HVAC Equipment and Systems

6. Service Water Heating

7. Bonus Savings

Every module includes:

 Reading assignment

 Learning activities

 Lesson summary

 Module exam

Outcomes: The 7 online modules help you to understand:

 Purpose and scope of AEDG

 Different stages and advantages of the AEDG design process

 Activities that constitute each AEDG design stage

 Responsibilities of various personnel in each AEDG design stage

 Energy goals and strategies for designing small office buildings

 Eight climate zones defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the design recommendations for each of the zones

 Importance of quality assurance in meeting the performance goals established for small office buildings

 Good design practices for the quality assurance process

 Suggested commissioning scope for small office buildings

 Good design practices, available options, and cautions for:

o Opaque and vertical glazing envelope

o Daylighting and daylighting controls

o Interior and exterior lighting

o HVAC equipment and systems

o Service water heating systems

o Plug load equipment

Air-Conditioning System Design Manual

The Air-Conditioning System Design Manual is a thorough study of the different types of local and central air-conditioning systems. It provides information on the design considerations, applications, functioning, advantages, and disadvantages of these systems.

Course length: Approximately 30 hours

Designed for:

Engineers and contractors who are involved in the designing and installation of air-conditioning systems

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Describe the phases of the commissioning process and the responsibilities of the HVAC engineer during each phase
Define the conditions that govern equipment location and space requirements
Compare the noise-levels of different terminal equipment and list their potential solutions
Differentiate between central and local systems
Define comfort and health criteria that influence design
Describe humidity control, indoor air quality control, and air contaminant reduction
Describe the heating and cooling load calculation procedures
Explain the importance of manual and computerized load calculation procedures
Describe the following equipment and components used in air-conditioning systems, along with their types, benefits, and design considerations:
Source equipment
Heat transfer equipment
Distribution components
Describe the design considerations, functioning, advantages, and disadvantages of all-air HVAC systems
Interpret the effects of heating and cooling loads using a psychrometric chart
State five commonly used versions of the fan laws and describe their applications
Describe single-zone and variable-air-volume all-air systems
Describe the psychometric considerations that influence the VAV system design
State the design considerations that make it possible for VAV systems to enable energy savings
Describe the energy and economical viability of reheat systems and their design considerations
Describe dual-duct systems and their variations
Analyze the design considerations made for dual-path systems
Describe multizone systems and explain their design considerations, advantages, and disadvantages
Describe simple rooftop systems and list their advantages and disadvantages
Define air-and-water systems and list their design considerations, advantages, and disadvantages
Describe alternative air-and-water system arrangements
Describe the key attributes on the basis of which all-water systems are selected as a project solution
Describe the three types of all-water systems and discuss their benefits and design considerations
Describe the all-water terminals
Explain the shortcomings of ventilation in all-water systems
Compare all-water fan-coil systems with other HVAC systems
Explain the design sequence for all-water systems
Describe the workings of desiccant dehumidifiers
Describe parallel and series desiccant systems and discuss their benefits and applications
Describe the various energy-efficient subsystems
Identify the components of a control system and the symbols used for them in schematic diagrams
Describe the three types of control hardware used in HVAC&R systems and list their advantages and disadvantages
Describe the VAV, single-zone, and dual-duct control systems

Module

The Design Process
HVAC System Selection Issues
Occupant Comfort and Health
Load Calculations
AC System Components - Source Equipment
AC System Components - Heat Transfer Equipment
AC System Components - Pumps, Valves, Piping & Ductwork
Introduction to All-Air Systems
Single-Zone and Variable-Air-Volume All-Air Systems
All-Air Reheat Systems
Dual-Duct and Multizone All-Air Systems
Simple Rooftop All-Air Systems
Air-and-Water Systems
All-Water Systems
Special HVAC Systems
HVAC&R Controls

Every module includes:

Reading assignment
Learning activities
Lesson summary
Module exam

Fundamentals of Sustainable Buildings and High Performance Systems Design (GREENGUIDE)

A thorough introduction to green design practices, benefits, new green building ideas, and an overview of the architectural decisions and their impact on sustainable and green project goals.

Course length: Approximately 35 hours

Designed for:

Recent engineering graduates working in HVACR
Engineers entering HVACR from another area
Technicians
Architects

After completing this course, you will understand:

The key concepts of green design
The source, phases and importance of commissioning
The various ways in which the various LEED credits affect the HVAC engineer
The impacts some architectural decisions have and how these decisions affect sustainable/green project goals
The importance of maintaining thermal conditions and generating new building design ideas.
Environmental benefits of green design
The concepts related to water-conservation, water heating and the different water systems
How building control increases efficiencies and help in achieving LEED credit points

Modules

1) The Basics of Sustainable Design

2) Commissioning

3) LEED Guidance

4) Integrated Design

5) Indoor Environmental Quality

6) Energy Conservation

7) Plumbing and Fire Protection Systems

8) Building Controls

Every module includes:

Reading assignment
Learning activities
Lesson summary
Module exam

Outcomes: The 8 online modules help you to understand:

The differences between green and sustainable design, the components of a successful green project, the green building rating systems available and the pros and cons of each system and the justification of the system.

The five main phases of commissioning, the importance of documentation to commissioning, the interaction of the commissioning agent with the normal site supervision during construction, and the engineer's role in construction quality.

The five main program areas that LEED summarizes, the key points in each program area, particularly as they apply to ASHRAE members, the various EA credits, and the ASHRAE standard for thermal and lighting control.

The cost implications when choosing a site, the impact site orientation has on the use of natural resources, the basis of integrated design and how it affects project costs, and the concept of night precooling.

The five main areas that comprise indoor environmental quality (IEQ), the relationship between indoor air quality (IAQ) and the outdoor air quality, and how HVAC designs influence this interaction, and the new ideas on design of healthy buildings.

The environmental benefits of using renewable energy sources, passive versus active renewable energy, and the types of solar energy utilization.

Where sustainable design can be implemented into plumbing systems, the effect that other disciplines can have on green design, and the importance of conserving water and the positive affects it can have on our planet.

How building controls may benefit the environment, the importance of building controls in providing good building IEQ, and help a project achieve LEED credit points and help in continued efficient operation of the building after occupancy.

Fundamentals of HVAC Control Systems

Ideal for: System owners and operators, mechanical engineers, mechanical contractors, and facility engineers

Course Length: 47 hours

Fundamentals of HVAC Control Systems includes:

On-demand, interactive course of 12 online short courses
Online course reader
Online assessment
Completion certificate for 35 PDHs or 3.5 CEUs

These 12 short courses, which make up the full course, are also available separately:

Introductions to HVAC Control Systems
Introduction to control theory and how to evaluate, select, position and sequence the appropriate type of control
Basics of Electricity
Introduction to the electrical knowledge needed to understand controls and the use of electrical circuit drawings
Control valves and dampers
Understanding the various types of valves and dampers, and their selection, installation and operation
Sensors and Auxiliary devices
Terminology and attributes of sensors, the selection of moisture sensors, pressure, flow, and auxiliary devices
Self- and System-Powered Controls
The characteristics, pros and cons of common self-powered and system-powered controls
Electric Controls
Introduction to electric controls, bridge circuits, control diagrams and control logic
HVAC Controls: Pneumatic Controls
The components of pneumatic systems, control application diagrams and calculating pressure to temperature
Analog Electronic Controls
Understanding wiring conventions, application-specific electronic controllers and how to use them in HVAC applications
Control diagrams and Sequences
The use of written specifications, schedules, and drawings to clearly identify what is to be installed, how it is to be installed, and how it is expected to operate
DDC Introduction to Hardware and Software
Introduction to Direct Digital Control (DDC) components, their inputs and outputs, and the programming of DDC routines
DDC Networks and Protocols
Understanding interoperability of controllers, network and data protocols with an introduction to BACnet and LonWorks
DDC Specification, Installation and Commissioning
How to specify and design DDC systems to match client requirements and a demonstration of energy performance for heating and cooling

Introduction to DDC Controls for HVAC

Ideal for: System operators, Mechanical engineers, architects, mechanical contractors, and system owners and operators

Course Length: 12.5 hours

After completing this course, you will understand:

Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems components, their inputs and outputs, and the programming of simple DDC routines
Interoperability of controllers, network and data protocols and the foundations of BACnet® and LonWorks®
How to specify and design DDC systems to match client requirements, and energy performance for heating and cooling

Introduction to DDC Controls includes:

On-demand, interactive course of 3 online short course modules
Online course reader
Online assessment
Completion certificate for 12.5 PDHs or 1.25 CEUs

This course is made up of these 3 modules:

DDC Introduction to Hardware and Software
Introduction to Direct Digital Control (DDC) components, their inputs and outputs, and the programming of DDC routines
DDC Networks and Protocols
Understanding interoperability of controllers, network and data protocols with an introduction to BACnet® and LonWorks®
DDC Specification, Installation and Commissioning
How to specify and design DDC systems to match client requirements and a demonstration of energy performance for heating and cooling

Fundamentals of Standard 90.1 for Architects

Standard 90.1 for Architects is a concise online course to help architects understand, apply and comply with the standard. It provides the information essential to architects, with a brief overview of engineering that avoids the complex details. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 is the minimum energy efficiency standard for all non-residential buildings, and all residential buildings greater than three stories in height in the USA.

Course Length: 18 hours

Standard 90.1 for Architects includes:
• On-demand, interactive course of 8 online modules
• Essential electronic extracts of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004
• Essential electronic extracts of Standard 90.1-2004 User's Manual
• Online Assessment
• Completion certificate

This course has been submitted to become a registered American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System Provider Program and US Green Building Council Approved Education Provider Program.

Ideal for: Architects

This course is made up of 8 modules

- Standard 90.1: Scope, Application, and Administration

- Building Envelope - General and Mandatory Provisions

- Building Envelope - Prescriptive Requirements

- Overview of Mechanical Systems

- Lighting – General and Mandatory Provisions

- Lighting - Interior Power

- Energy Cost Budget Method

- Building Performance Rating Method

Fundamentals of ASHRAE Standard 62.1

Properly designed ventilation systems are essential for the well-being of building occupants, to minimize adverse health effects and improve productivity of workers and students. Standard 62.1, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, is the industry standard for the design and operation of ventilation systems to provide acceptable indoor air quality.

Course Length: 29 hours

This course is a practical guide to applying the standard's ventilation rates and demonstrates the regulatory application to new buildings, and additions and changes to existing buildings.

It demonstrates the interaction of ventilation with heating and air-conditioning systems and how various parts of a building affect indoor air quality. This understanding will help you design, construct, operate and maintain buildings with acceptable indoor air quality.

Ideal for:

Architects, HVAC Designers, HVAC Facility Managers and Operating Staff
Equipment Design, Application and Sales Engineers
Mechanical Contractors
Code Officials

After completing this course, you will understand:

The requirements of ASHRAE 62.1-2004 for design, construction, building operation and maintenance
How to apply the requirements in a hypothetical new building and an existing building being retrofitted
The different approaches to HVAC design that result in different quantities of outside air at the outside air intake
The requirements for ventilation and air-cleaning system design, installation, commissioning, and operation and maintenance
The mandatory language of ventilation standards

Based on the newly released 2007 edition of Standard 62.1

Fundamentals of Refrigeration

Course Length: 9 hours

The course is ideal for:

Recent engineering graduates working in the HVAC&R industry
Experienced engineers who need an introduction to refrigeration
Architects, technicians, construction, or building management professionals who need to improve their knowledge of refrigeration systems

The course includes:

6 online modules or short courses
Online course reader with printable PDFs
Online self-assessment and exams
Completion certificate for 9 PDHs or 0.9 CEUs

The course contains 6 modules Course Orientation

Module 1: Heat Transfer and the Basic Refrigeration Cycle
Module 2: Thermodynamic States, Properties, and Laws
Module 3: Psychrometrics
Module 4: Multi-Stage and Cascade Refrigeration Cycles
Module 5: Refrigeration System Parameters and Performance
Module 6: Refrigerants

Refrigeration Equipment

An introduction to the configurations and operation of air cooling and liquid cooling evaporators, positive displacement and aerodynamic compressors and the different heat transfer processes.

Course length: Approximately 12 hours

Designed for:

Recent engineering graduates working in HVACR
Engineers entering HVACR from another area
Technicians

After completing this course, you will understand:

The configuration and operation of air cooling and liquid cooling evaporators.
The operating principles of positive displacement and aerodynamic compressors.
The basic convection heat transfer processes involved in the condensation of the refrigerant vapor discharged from the compressor.
The two modes of fluid flow in a pipe: laminar and turbulent. The Darcy–Weisbach equation and the Moody chart.
The information concerning various expansion devices.
The functions of vessels that may be included in a refrigeration system that store liquid refrigerant and to separate liquid from vapor.

Modules:

1) Evaporators

2) Compressors

3) Condensers

4) Pipes, Valves and Pumps

5) Expansion Devices

6) Pressure Vessels

Every module includes:

Reading assignment
Learning activities
Lesson summary
Module exam

Outcomes: The 6 online modules help you to understand:

The heat transfer methods, overall heat transfer coefficient, purpose of fins on an evaporator, and the basic configurations of air cooling evaporators and liquid cooling evaporators.
The basic operation of a compressor, the two efficiencies for reciprocating compressors, basic operation of different types of compressors.
The condensation process, the operation of the air-cooled and water-cooled condenser, the air side processes on the psychometric chart and the need for purging the non-condensable gases from the refrigeration system.
The laminar and turbulent flow, the Darcy–Weisbach equation and the Moody chart, operation of positive-displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps, and give a suitable application for each, and the term net positive-displacement pumps.
The operation of capillary tubes, short tube restrictors, pressure control valves, thermostatic expansion valves, low- and high-side level control valves, and the application of a turbo expander in a Brayton refrigeration cycle.
The four classifications and function of vessels in a refrigeration system, and the refrigerant charge in a system.

Recommended text but not required:

Fundamentals of HVAC Systems

Textbooks included:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 6th Edition

About NATE Certification

There is not a single NATE test--there are 22 NATE tests. The knowledge areas of technician expertise are divided into tests for installation, service and senior technicians. Click Here to view the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs). The KATEs are outlines of the information covered in each exam. They should be used as reference material while preparing for the NATE exams as they represent the knowledge, skills and abilities a technician should possess to pass.

How do I become NATE-Certified?

To become NATE-certified, you must pass both a CORE and a SPECIALTY test of your choice, the specialty certification would be in either the INSTALLATION or SERVICE path. Note, this is not a requirement for Ground Source Heat Pump certification.

The Core test covers the candidates general knowledge, construction knowledge and HVACR specific knowledge in the areas of safety/tools/soft skills, heat transfer/comfort, and electrical systems. Specialty exams cover the candidates knowledge of the installation, service maintenance and or repair of HVAC/R systems. Please review each KATE for specific requirements. Click here to review KATEs.

The exams cover information that eight out of ten technicians have an 80 percent chance of encountering at least once in a 12-month period.

Boiler Study Package

Boilers-Power Generation Technology Package (125-hours): Select this discounted package consisting of approximately 125-hours of Boiler, Steam, Power Generation, and related systems technology. These courses form a cohesive package that will expand the personal knowledge and skills in preparation for Operator Certification or Licensing.

Boilers are typically designated by their operating pressures. (Low – High – Superheated). Boiler installations can be found in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Process Steam, and Power-Generation types of installations.

Curriculum is presented in One-hour Lessons.

Lesson Content Includes the Following Areas of Importance:

273 Boiler Repair (7)

501 Power Generation (5)

505 Turbine Auxiliaries System and Control (3)

507 Generator and Auxiliary Systems and Control (6)

511 Combustion Turbine Fundamentals (1)

521 Combustion Air and Flue Gas System (6)

523 Boiler Fuel Systems (5)

531 Hydrocarbon Fired Boilers (8)

533 Boiler Firing Controls and Components (2)

535 Fundamental Aspects of Emission Control (4)

551 Circulating Water System (7)

553 Condensate and Feed-water Systems (7)

555 Boiler Feed Pumps (5)

557 Boiler Water and Steam Systems (6)

559 Water Treatment (7)

561 Unit Start-up and Shutdown (4)

563 Efficiency, Reliability, and Environmentally Sensitive Operations (15)

565 Plant Control System (4)

581 Diesel Power Plant Operations (6)

583 Hydroelectric Power Plant Operations (7)

Different States or Localities have different Operator Certification and/or Licensing requirements. Most often they are based upon the Boiler Type, Fuels Used, Operating Pressure, and/or capacity ratings. Boiler Capacity is typically stated in Btu's (British-Thermal- Units) or Boiler HP (Horse-power).