HVAC & Refrigeration

Course Info

  • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Level I 
  • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Level I Dual Enrolled 
  • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Level II 
  • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Level II Dual Enrolled 
  • Dual Enrolled Curriculum offered through Northern Virginia Community College
    • Level I Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning -  AIR 121 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration through Northern Virginia Community College - 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.
    • Level II Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning - AIR 111 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Controls I -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. 

Course Description

Level I Course Description

In the first level of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) program students will learn to use a variety of hand tools including wrenches, pliers, screw drivers, hammers 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 and complete a series of electrical projects and also be introduced to the sheet metal arts. Upon completing the first level of the course students will have been exposed to several areas of the HVAC trade.

This course aligns with Northern Virginia Community College's AIR 121 - Introduction to Refrigeration course and the student can earn four college credits through the credit by exam program.

Students who pass the HVAC one apprenticeship exam could earn a starting wage of $18 hour in a union shop and $12 to $15 an hour in a non-union shop.

Level II Course Description

Students can continue their education of the HVAC program in the second year which focuses 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. During the second year focus is also given to the Environmental Protection Agency's Section 608 refrigerant handling certification with the goal of passing the Core section plus one or more types in either small appliances, high or low pressure systems earning them an industry credential. Students will also complete ten hours of the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) Construction Industry training earning them an addition credential.

This course aligns with Northern Virginia Community College's AIR 111 Introduction to Electricity for HVAC Technicians course and the student can earn three college credits through the credit by exam program as well as AIR 195 Topics in Refrigerant Recovery, a one credit course.

Internships are available with local companies and a student who passes the HVAC two apprenticeship exam could earn $21 an hour in a union shop or between $16 to $20 in a non-union shop.
 
Students will complete industry certification and earn credentials. These exams are:
•FCPS Apprenticeship I - Early May, Level I Students
•FCPS Apprenticeship II - Early May, Level II Students
•EPA Refrigerant Handling, ESCO - February, Level II Students
•HVAC Excellence HEAT Exam - March/April, Level II Students
•OSHA 10 Hour Construction Industry Certification - Late September, Level I Students

All exam fees are paid for by FCPS with the exception of re-takes. 

Career Pathway Examples for HVAC & Refrigeration Students

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 5 percent from 2020 to 2030 with median earnings in 2021 of $48,630 per year. Employment of general maintenance and repair workers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030 with median earnings in 2021 of $43,180 per year.  About 152,300 openings for general maintenance and repair workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.  Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030 with median pay in 2021 of $95,300. Administrative services and facilities managers jobs are projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 203 with median pay in 2021 of $99,290 per year. 

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

Professional Certification Opportunities

  • EPA Refridgant Handling Section 608
  • OSHA 10 Hour Construction Industry
  • Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills

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

Industry Certifications in HVAC 

EPA Certification

OSHA 10 hour - Construction Industry

Community Service Project Opportunities in HVAC 

Each year students have the opportunity to plan, organize and carry out a community service project of their own design.  View this video of one such project students  completed in collaboration with SkillsUSA and Lowes Home Improvement to help the community become aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. 

Our teacher, Mr. Stringham, shares information about the HVAC & Refrigeration program. 

For a student ambassador's perspective on the HVAC program watch this video. 

To get more insight into the HVAC program at Edison Academy watch these videos.

Features

Robert Stringham

Robert Stringham is the Academy Heating and Air Conditioning instructor and an Edison High School alumnus. As an Edison student, Mr. Stringham studied HVAC all 4 years of his high school career. He holds a number of Certifications in the HVAC industry including: ICE, NATE, EPA, and State Contractors License. From 1994-1998 Mr. Stringham owned and operated his own HVAC company in Florida.

He returned to Edison in 2000 to take over the HVAC program and in 2001-2002, he distinguished himself as the recipient of the Virginia Career and Technical Educator of the Year award and as the recipient of the Governor's Award for Innovative Use of Technology in the Classroom in 2001-2002. Mr. Stringham served as a Great Beginnings/New Teacher Coach for the FCPS Office of Staff Development in 2002-2003. Mr. Stringham has received the Virginia Association of Trade and Industrial Educators 2012 Teacher of the Year award and he serves as the Head State Officer Trainer for SkillsUSA Virginia.

SkillsUSA

September 09, 2020
SkillsUSA is a Career and Technical Education student organization (CTESO) for students, teachers and industry who work together to ensure America has a skilled workforce both now and into the future. SkillsUSA serves middle, high and college/post-secondary school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled services. SkillsUSA provides competitions, leadership training, community service, scholarship opportunities and more for student members at the local, district, and national level.

Dual Enrollment Opportunity

March 04, 2017
You Can Get a Head Start on Your Future at Edison Academy Through the Dual Enrollment Agreement with NVCC! If you're looking for ways to cut the costs of a college education even BEFORE you graduate from high school, a great opportunity is available through the Northern Virginia Community College dual enrollment program.