Module 1
1 week (8 hours)

Fundamentals

Part of the HVAC Technician training program

Overview

Establish your foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and the core HVAC principles that govern every heating and cooling system. This module introduces the scientific concepts, safety standards, and hand-on tool skills that every technician must master before advancing to specialized systems.

Sub-topics

Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer

2 hours

Study the laws of thermodynamics as applied to HVAC systems. Understand conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer mechanisms. Learn to calculate heat load using Manual J methodology and apply pressure-temperature relationships for refrigerants.

Lessons

First Law of Thermodynamics

Understand energy conservation in HVAC systems. Learn that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. Apply to heat pumps and refrigeration cycles.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Study entropy and the direction of heat flow. Understand why heat flows from hot to cold and the concept of thermodynamic equilibrium.

Conduction Heat Transfer

Calculate conductive heat transfer using Fourier's Law: Q = k × A × ΔT / L. Understand thermal conductivity values for common construction materials.

Convection Heat Transfer

Distinguish between natural and forced convection. Calculate convective heat transfer using Newton's Law of Cooling: Q = h × A × ΔT.

Radiation Heat Transfer

Understand electromagnetic wave emission from all matter. Calculate radiant heat transfer and the Stefan-Boltzmann law: Q = ε × σ × A × T^4.

Practical Exercises

  • Calculate heat loss through 2-inch concrete wall (100 sq ft, 20°F delta)
  • Determine air change rate for 1000 sq ft office space
  • Calculate infiltration heat loss for 100 sq ft opening, 1 mph wind
  • Size heating system for 2000 sq ft room with 12 ft ceilings

Key Formulas

Q = U × A × ΔTQ = m × c × ΔTQ = h × A × ΔTManual J Load Calculation

HVAC Safety & Regulations

2 hours

Master EPA Section 608 certification requirements, refrigerant handling protocols, electrical safety for low-voltage circuits, and OSHA standards for workplace safety. Learn proper handling of hazardous materials and emergency response procedures.

Lessons

EPA Section 608 Certification

Understand Type I, II, III, and Universal certification categories. Learn proper recovery procedures and when certification is required.

Refrigerant Handling Safety

Study proper cylinder handling, “O” ring maintenance, and leak detection techniques. Understand the dangers of mixing refrigerant types.

Electrical Safety Protocols

Learn lockout/tagout procedures, voltage testing, and PPE requirements for electrical work in HVAC.

OSHA Standards Overview

Understand OSHA 1910.1450 (Chemical Handling), 1910.331-335 (Electrical Safety), and 1910.1200 (HazCom) requirements.

Emergency Response Procedures

Learn response to refrigerant leaks, electrical shocks, and fires. Understand when to evacuate and how to use emergency equipment.

Practical Exercises

  • Perform mock EPA Section 608 Type II certification test
  • Demonstrate proper refrigerant cylinder handling and storage
  • Conduct electrical safety inspection of mock HVAC panel
  • Identify proper PPE for different refrigerant types

Safety Checklist

  • Verify refrigerant type before connection
  • Wear safety glasses and gloves during service
  • Test voltage with meter before handling wires
  • Ensure proper ventilation for refrigerant recovery
  • Follow lockout/tagout before panel work
  • Use proper lifting techniques for heavy equipment

Tools & Test Instruments

2 hours

Learn to use manifold gauges, vacuum pumps, micrometers, infrared thermometers, and combustion analyzers. Practice measuring superheat, subcooling, and temperature differentials across system components with precision.

Lessons

Manifold Gauge Set Operation

Understand low and high side pressure readings. Learn to interpret pressure-temperature relationships for different refrigerants.

Vacuum Pump Usage

Study micron gauge readings, vacuum hold tests, and proper evacuation procedures for system installation.

Temperature Measurement Tools

Compare infrared thermometers, thermocouples, and RTD sensors. Learn accuracy specifications and calibration requirements.

Combustion Analyzers

Measure O2, CO, and stack gas temperature. Calculate combustion efficiency and flue gas losses.

Electrical Test Instruments

Use multimeters, clamp meters, and insulation testers for HVAC electrical diagnostics.

Practical Exercises

  • Measure superheat on operating refrigeration system
  • Perform vacuum pumpdown to 500 microns
  • Use infrared thermometer to check temperature splits
  • Test electrical continuity of safety controls
  • Calibrate and test manifold gauge set

Required Tools

4-port manifold gauge set with adaptersVacuum pump (2-stage, 10 CFM minimum)Micron gauge for evacuation monitoringInfrared thermometer (laser pointer model)Digital multimeter with temperature functionCombustion analyzer for gas furnace work

Basic Electrical Theory for HVAC

2 hours

Understand voltage, current, resistance, and power in HVAC electrical systems. Study single-phase and three-phase power, relays, contactors, thermostats, and control circuit wiring diagrams. Practice reading ladder diagrams and schematic schematics.

Lessons

Electrical Fundamentals

Understand voltage (pressure), current (flow), resistance (opposition), and power (rate of energy transfer). Learn the relationship between microscopic electron flow and macroscopic current behavior.

Ohm's Law Applications

Master V = I × R for solving unknown variables. Apply to HVAC scenarios like calculating current draw of motors and heaters.

Series and Parallel Circuits

Distinguish between series and parallel circuit configurations. Understand voltage/current behavior in each type.

AC Power Calculations

Calculate real power (watts), apparent power (VA), and understand power factor in AC circuits.

Three-Phase Power Basics

Understand Wye and Delta configurations. Learn line-to-line vs. line-to-neutral voltage relationships.

Practical Exercises

  • Calculate current draw for 1500W heater at 120V
  • Determine wire gauge for 20A circuit with 3% voltage drop
  • Solve series/parallel resistor networks
  • Calculate three-phase power for 30A load at 208V

Key Formulas

P = V × IV = I × RI = V / RPower Factor = Watts / VA

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the refrigeration cycle and its four main components (compressor, condenser, metering device, evaporator)
  • Calculate heating and cooling loads using Manual J methodology
  • Demonstrate safe handling of refrigerants per EPA Section 608 standards
  • Read and interpret HVAC electrical schematics and control wiring diagrams
  • Measure and diagnose system performance using superheat and subcooling methods
  • Identify and properly use at least 10 essential HVAC service tools

Next Module

Module 2: Refrigeration

Ready to Get Started?

Enroll in the HVAC Technician program and begin your training today.