HVACR Technician

Career Diploma

Program Outline

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of eight Instruction Sets written to take you step-by-step through the knowledge and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works
Your first course will be available as soon as your enrollment has been accepted, and other courses will follow as you complete your exams.

Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need access to high-speed internet to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 10® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running macOS® or later, and an email account to complete this program with Penn Foster.

Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll access your lessons:

Program Goal and Outcomes

Program Goal: To prepare students for an entry-level career as an HVACR technician in the residential and light construction field.

Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Explain mathematical processes and use of formulas necessary for design, evaluation, and installation of HVACR systems
  • Identify basic concepts in electricity, electrical circuits, electronics, and gas components in appliances and how to work with them safely
  • Recognize safety procedures and established regulations related to workplace and job requirements
  • Identify drawings, technical diagrams, and specification charts required for installation and repair of HVACR systems
  • Define theories and processes for evaluating and installing electrical systems and controls
  • List procedures for installing, inspecting, testing, repairing, and maintaining HVACR systems
  • Recognize procedures for following government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants

Instruction Set 1 (Delivered online only)

Starting Your Program
Succeed by learning how to use your Penn Foster program. Understand how to use your Student Portal. Access the Penn Foster Community and use it to find answers. Connect with Penn Foster on various social media sites.

Orientation to HVACR
In this course, you’ll review the uses, components, and types of indoor comfort-control systems. You’ll explore the types of jobs and the pay scales for comfort-control employees.

Instruction Set 2

Math and Electrical Basics for HVACR
In this course, you’ll get a general overview of the math skills and electrical knowledge required for a career in HVACR. You’ll study basic electrical terms and concepts such as power, voltage, and current. You’ll also review the math needed to perform electrical measurements, calculations, and conversions.

Instruction Set 3

Fundamentals of HVACR
In this course, you’ll study the need for a broad range of technical skills to work with heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. You’ll also develop the ability to recognize and correctly employ the tools, equipment, and common materials used by HVACR technicians.

Digintal Textbook: Fundamentals of HVACR

Learning Aid: Troubleshooting Guide for Compressors

Instruction Set 4

Refrigeration Systems
The work performed by HVACR technicians is diverse and involves different applications of the fundamental concepts you’ve studied. The work also includes a wide range of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. This part of your program explains how those systems work and describes the major components, as well as the accessories used for the proper operation of systems with specific designs. This course discusses the many kinds of components you’ll encounter when servicing various types of refrigeration systems and what makes one type better suited for an installation than another. You’ll learn how to display good work practices, demonstrate care for the environment, and follow the law when handling refrigerants. Finally, this course discusses system servicing, evacuation, and charging.

Instruction Set 5

Electrical Systems
The ability to troubleshoot heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment electrical problems is an important aspect of the HVACR technician’s role. Troubleshooting involves reading schematic and pictorial diagrams, interpreting the information to isolate the problem and conduct the appropriate tests, and then replacing the correct component. To be effective in achieving the ultimate goal of correct diagnosis, you’ll need a firm grasp of electrical safety, basic electricity, and the proper use of test instruments.

Instruction Set 6

Residential and Light Commercial HVACR
In this course, you’ll describe how air-conditioning and heating systems are installed and serviced in residential and smaller commercial applications. You’ll also receive practical tips and instructions.

Instruction Set 7

HVACR System Design and Installation
In this course, you’ll explore how heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) play a huge role in designing residential and commercial spaces. You’ll study how HVACR is an integral part of all buildings and how taking into account issues like indoor air quality, duct design, and load calculations help make buildings a safer place to live and work. You’ll also discover the air conditioners, fans, and various systems and equipment that are in commercial buildings.

Instruction Set 8

Commercial Refrigeration Systems
This course focuses on refrigeration systems related to food preservation and processing, including ice machines. It provides a more general guide to the types of troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance work carried out by heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians every day.

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster College have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and to assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster College International.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

You must have completed the 8th grade to enroll in this program.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Apple, Mac, and macOS are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.