Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning HVAC
Gain hands-on experience with heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment in our dual-track Associate in Applied Science program. More and more emphasis is being placed on energy efficiency and sustainability, challenging today’s HVAC technician to understand how to use innovative methods and technology to install, maintain and repair HVAC equipment in a sustainable way.
Our HVAC Technology program addresses the workplace training needs of the sustainable energy, natural resources management and industrial technology fields so you can pursue your career goals with the training and experience necessary.
Develop a variety of general industrial skills such as electrical and blueprint reading. Gain on-the-job experience learning about HVAC systems as a whole, utilizing technology and diagnosing and repairing HVAC systems. Become competent in the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this growing and challenging field.
A practical experience during the summer term along with advanced coursework during the second year ensures that you know what to expect when entering the workforce and, even better, that you’ll be ready for it. As you learn about and work on different types of HVAC systems, you’ll develop the broad and solid skill-set needed to thrive in this field.
Faculty Contact
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Don Edwards Instructor | Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology 712-362-7956 | dedwards@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
ELE 119 – Basic Electricity I
Electrical Theory I is an introduction to basic electrical theory and components that make up electrical circuits. Direct Current and Alternating Current will be introduced and basic laws for voltage, current and power relationships will be presented in lecture and laboratory format. Course content will include, but not be limited to basic circuits, electrical components and their applications. Hands-on reinforcement of theory covered during lecture is practiced in lab.
HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC
An introduction to HVAC systems, with an emphasis on electrical and mechanical fundamentals skills, including AC and DC electricity; electrical power supplies and wiring materials; meter operations; mechanical math and measurement; fasteners; and PVC assembly.
Prerequisites: SER 124 – Industrial Safety
HCR 112 – Heating Fundamentals
This course covers fundamental principles and skills for all common heating systems. This course is a combined lecture and lab course and includes discussions and demonstrations in heating fundamentals. Safety is greatly emphasized as students are working with actual voltages, and working equipment.
Corequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
MAT 743 – Technical Math
Technical Math includes operations with real numbers, use of fractions, ratios, measurement conversion, algebraic equations, functions, geometry, and right angle trigonometry. Applications are designed around situations students may encounter in industrial settings
SER 114 – Blueprint Reading
Fundamentals, principles, and practices involved in producing and reading blueprints utilized in the different sectors of the renewable energy industry with a focus on basic blueprint reading.
SER 116 – Career Seminar
A study of the careers available within the renewable energy sector, with an emphasis on analyzing renewable energy industries as related components of a dynamic system. Students will also learn about drafting cover letters, creating resumes, interviewing, and networking.
SER 124 – Industrial Safety
A study of principles and practices used to establish a safe and efficient environment for personnel in the renewable energy industry and various sectors thereof. The course focuses on general industrial safety, safety and health regulatory agencies and organizations, hazard recognition and correction, and first aid.
Term 2
COM 753 – Technical Communications†
This course is designed to prepare students for the oral and written communication situations in the working world. The major areas of study include technical communication principles, oral communications, composing technical documents, and using Standard English. Writing projects require the use of a word processing program; therefore, computer experience is recommended.
ELE 136 – Basic Electricity II
Electric Theory II consists of instruction that will build upon experience gained in Electric Theory I. Students will be introduced to advanced concepts of electrical theory.
HCR 810 – Energy Management
This course is designed to examine the consumption of energy in commercial and industrial buildings and how energy usage may be reduced.
SER 101 – Energy, Sustainability & the Environment
Introduction to Sustainable Energy Resources is designed to provide a basic understanding of energy, current trends in energy consumption, and the role of sustainable energy resources in today’s society. Topics covered will include matter and energy laws, the history of energy usage by humans, the categories of energy resources, and the environmental problems currently being caused by energy consumption.
Instructor approved business or related course: 3 credits
Term 3
HCR 932 – Internship
On the job training for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation program.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC
Term 4
ELE 226 – Electric Motors & Generators
Electric motors & generators is an introduction to types of motors and generators that are used today. The characteristics of Direct Current and Alternating Current motors and generators will be discussed and demonstrated through lecture and hands on laboratory sessions.
Prerequisites: ELE 119 – Basic Electricity I
ELT 732 – Introduction to Industrial Instrumentation
Comprehensive introduction to components, circuits, instruments and control techniques used in industrial systems.
Prerequisites: ELE 136 – Basic Electricity II
HCR 205 – Air Conditioning Principles
This course is a combined lecture and lab course which deals with the fundamentals of residential air conditioning systems. Emphasizes system components, types of refrigerants, principles of heat transfer, and diagnosis and repair of various systems used in the air conditioning industry. Studies relationship to temperature and pressure variance including psychrometric comparison as applied to commercial and residential air conditioning.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
HCR 305 – Fundamentals of Refrigeration
This course is a combined lecture and lab course covering the theory and laws governing refrigeration, the operation of refrigeration systems, heat transfer, components, and test equipment. It also covers the different soldering and brazing methods and materials used in refrigeration service. Emphasis is on the recovery, recycling and charging methods used.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
HCR 444 – HVACR Systems I
This course presents alternative application of energy sources and equipment as they apply to heating, ventilation, air cooling, and refrigeration systems.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
SER 117 – Estimating for the Trades
This course presents the skills required to organize and prepare an estimate for a trade’s project.
Term 5
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
HCR 125 – Oil & Hydronic Heating
This course is a combined lecture and lab course studying the theory and applications in electrical resistance and oil and hydronic heating systems as they relate to residential and commercial heat loss requirements. Studies include installation, troubleshooting wiring and control circuits.
Prerequisites: HCR 112 – Heating Fundamentals and HCR 444 – HVACR Systems I
HCR 155 – Troubleshooting Heating Systems
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of troubleshooting by utilizing a practical and systematic approach to locate and repair heating system malfunctions. The student will also have the opportunity to study, in detail, the motors and controls used in today’s heating systems. Topics to be covered include basic electric circuits, electrical test meters, motors and controls, diagnosis of electrical and mechanical malfunctions, and special emphasis on wiring diagrams.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
HCR 240 – Troubleshooting Air Conditioning Systems
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of troubleshooting by utilizing a practical and systematic approach to locate and repair air-conditioning and heat pump system malfunctions. The student will also have the opportunity to study, in detail, the motors and controls used in today’s air-conditioning and heat pump systems. Topics to be covered include basic electric circuits, electrical test meters, motors and controls, diagnosis of electrical and mechanical malfunctions, and special emphasis on wiring diagrams.
Prerequisites: HCR 444 – HVACR Systems I
HCR 291 – Commercial Systems
This course covers all types of commercial heating and cooling systems. Systems included are air cooled and water cooled air conditioning systems, cooling towers, water chillers, gas and electric heating systems for heating air and water, industrial heating systems including direct fired make up air equipment. Commercial water heaters and controls will also be discussed.
Prerequisites: HCR 444 – HVACR Systems I
HCR 505 – Air Distribution
A study of the construction and design of duct work and related duct fittings. Includes correct layout and sizing of ducts, return and supply grills, and use of airflow measuring instruments.
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
