Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning And Refrigeration (HVAC-R)

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning And Refrigeration 1 - Standard or Dual Enrollment

Grades: 10, 11, 12 | Credit: 1 | 1.0 weight for DE | Prerequisite: none

Students will learn to use a variety of hand tools as well as specially tools of the HVAC trade which include digital multi-meters, thermometers, scales, vacuum pumps and refrigerant recovery equipment. Students will complete projects utilizing copper tubing, PVC and black iron pipe with ACR tubing cutters, flaring, swaging and threading tools. Students will also master the use of various types of torches for soldering and brazing and build a basic mechanical refrigeration cycle. In the second semester students will learn the concepts of electricity, complete a series of electrical projects and also be introduced to the sheet metal arts.

Dual Enrollment course through Northern Virginia Community College - AIR 121 - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration - 4 Credits - Studies refrigeration theory, characteristics of refrigerants, temperature and pressure, tools and equipment, soldering, brazing, refrigeration systems, system components, compressors, evaporators, and metering devices. Presents charging and evaluation of systems and leak detection. Explores servicing the basic system. Explains use and care of oils and additives and troubleshooting of small commercial systems.
For Dual Enrollment - Students must meet the college admission criteria. For more information about dual enrollment courses, visit this site.

Professional Certification Opportunity: HVAC Apprenticeship Exam; Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning And Refrigeration 2 - Standard or Dual Enrollment

Grades: 11, 12 | Credit: 2 | 1.0 weight for DE | Prerequisite: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning And Refrigeration 1

Students can continue their education of the HVAC program in the second year which focuses is on the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting service and repair of a central air conditioning system as well as a gas furnace, oil furnace and heat pump systems. Students will also learn about weatherization and energy efficiency of HVAC equipment and ductwork as well as understanding various types of motors used in HVAC equipment. Focus is also given to the Environmental Protection Agency's Section 608 refrigerant handling certification. Students will also complete ten hours of the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) Construction Industry training. Internships are available with local companies.

Dual Enrollment course through Northern Virginia Community College - AIR 111 - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Controls - 3 credits - Presents electron theory, magnetism, Ohm’s Law, resistance, current flow, instruments for electrical measurement, A.C. motors, power distribution controls, and their application.
For Dual Enrollment - Students must meet the college admission criteria. For more information about dual enrollment courses, visit this site.

Professional Certification Opportunity: HVAC Excellence/ESCO Institute: EPA Technician; OSHA Construction Industry 10 hour training program

Class Features

Energy Management Computers
Remote Control Technology
Heat Pump Trainers
Air Conditioner Trainers
Refrigeration Trainers
Gas, Oil & Electric Furnaces
Refrigerant Recovery
Refrigerant Recycle
Charging Equipment
Sheet Metal Arts
Opportunities to participate in Youth Registered Apprenticeships such as the FCPS Trades for Tomorrow program

Industry Partners

Trible’s
Cropp-Metcalfe
Commercial Express
Sheet Metal Union – Local 100

Mentor Firms

National Association of Power Engineers
Trademasters
John J. Kirlin
Shapiro & Duncan
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Service Works
Johnstone Supply
Mann-In

Have questions about these courses? Please contact:

Robert Stringham

HVAC Teacher, HS

Career Connections

Career Pathway Examples for HVAC & Refrigeration Students

Mechanical Engineer *Bright Outlook*
Automated Controls Specialist
Design Engineer
Building Engineer (classified as a General Maintenance and Repair Worker) *Bright Outlook*
Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter
Construction and Building Inspector
Sheet Metal Worker
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager *Bright Outlook*

Some BLS Info - Check it Out!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 42,500 openings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $57,300 in May 2023.

Employment of general maintenance and repair workers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, with median earnings of $46,700 per year in May 2023. About 157,200 openings for general maintenance and repair workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, with median pay in 2023 of $99,510. About 19,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Administrative services and facilities managers jobs are projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033 with median pay in 2023 of $104,900 per year.

Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

SkillsUSA Student Organization

SkillsUSA is the recognized student organization for trade and industrial programs in the Virginia. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. It helps each student excel. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).

To learn more about SkillsUSA please visit the local, state, and national website for additional information and opportunities.