
Effective Fall 2021
- School of Engineering Technologies
- Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
Green major
- More Information about Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Design Technology

The Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Design Technology degree addresses industry needs for educated technicians with business management, supervision, and design skills. In addition to the hands-on equipment installation and troubleshooting procedures developed during the first four semesters of the program, students will continue their studies and develop skills in HVAC system design, HVAC controls, and energy/project management. Students will also gain skills vital for HVAC business operations in the areas of estimating, scheduling, material and equipment management, contractor/subcontractor relations, and quality control. Graduates of this major are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to design HVAC mechanical and refrigeration systems, describe the systems’ functions, and communicate the operations and specifications of the system designs. Students may elect to earn a dual degree by also pursuing the associate’s degree in Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared to seek employment in the residential or commercial industry as design engineers, application engineers, and project managers, with some graduates beginning their careers as self-employed business owners in sales, service, installation, or design of HVAC systems and equipment.
Recommended High School Subjects
Two years of algebra and one year of science, preferably physics. Four years of oral and written communication courses is recommended. Students should also be encouraged to take career and technical courses in HVAC, basic electrical or plumbing, if available.
Special Equipment Needs
See the Tool List on the Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Design Technology major web page.
Remediation Strategies
All incoming students must meet placement requirements in English and math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/Transferring-Credits). Exceptions must be approved the school dean.
Program Goals
A graduate of this major should be able to:- complete competent technical work in a variety of heating, cooling, plumbing, and refrigeration fields while applying safety and code standards.
- identify and demonstrate correct use of tools, materials, and equipment used in the trade.
- read and interpret blueprints and electrical schematics to proficiently install and troubleshoot equipment.
- apply industry standard practices when designing, installing, and troubleshooting HVAC equipment.
- install, service, and repair hydronic heating systems, air conditioning systems, heat pump systems, refrigeration systems and plumbing systems.
- install and troubleshoot residential and commercial electrical, pneumatic and electronic HVAC control systems.
- apply basic knowledge of airflow, ventilation, and energy conservation concepts in the design of systems using modern building design and solar energy technology.
- demonstrate knowledge of various fuels and energy producing applications as they relate to the HVAC system.
- estimate the cost of an installation, design, and repair of HVAC equipment and systems.
- demonstrate an awareness of, and respect for, customer/employer relations.
- interpret HVAC building codes, regulations, drawings, and specifications.
- utilize computer software to execute building load calculations, distribution system design, building drawings, equipment selection, and cost estimates.
- understand and apply the principals of thermodynamics, airflow, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
- evaluate management and sales methods as they relate to the HVAC market.
Curriculum
First Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 | .50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
ACR111 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 5 | 3 | 6 | M | REQ | |
PLH113 | Mechanical Systems Design and Operation | 4 | 2 | 6 | M | REQ | |
ELT250 | HVAC/R Electricity | 5 | 3 | 6 | M | REQ | |
MTH180 | College Algebra and Trigonometry I | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
TOTAL CREDITS | 18 | ||||||
Second Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
ACR236 | Air Conditioning Systems I | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
ACR239 | Residential HVAC System Design | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
ELT252 | HVAC Controls I-Residential | 4 | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | |
PLH236 | Basic Heating Systems (Installation) | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
MTH182 | College Algebra and Trigonometry II | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
ACR103 | HVAC Print Reading and Automated Design | 2 | 1 | 3 | M | REQ | |
TOTAL CREDITS | 18 | ||||||
Third Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
ACR249 | Advanced HVAC System Service | 3 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
ACR251 | Warm-Air Heating and Duct Design | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
ELT253 | HVAC Controls II-Commercial | 4 | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | |
PLH244 | Hydronic Heating Systems | 4 | 2 | 6 | M | REQ | |
ENL111 | English Composition I | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
Fourth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
ACR | Commercial Refrigeration Elective | 8 | M | ACR | |||
or | |||||||
CME | Commercial Mechanical Elective | 8 | M | CME | |||
CSC124 | Information, Technology, and Society | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
PHS103 | Physics Survey | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
or | |||||||
SCI100 | Environmental Science | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
ENL201 | Technical and Professional Communication | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
Fifth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
BHV311 | Fundamentals of Engineered Systems Design | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
BHV316 | Heating and Cooling System Configurations | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
SCL | Science Elective with lab | 4 | S | SCL | |||
SPC | Speech Elective | 3 | S | SPC | |||
OEA | Open Elective | 3 | S | OEA | |||
TOTAL CREDITS | 16 | ||||||
Sixth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
BHV320 | Advanced Cooling System Design | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
BHV325 | Advanced Heating Design | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
HIP | Core Historical Perspective | 3 | S | HIP | |||
MGT115 | Principles of Management | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
PHL210 | Ethics | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
TOTAL CREDITS | 15 | ||||||
Seventh Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
BHV366 | Advanced HVAC Control | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
BHV400 | Commercial Refrigeration Systems Design | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
ARP | Core Arts Perspective | 3 | S | ARP | |||
OEA | Open Elective | 3 | S | OEA | |||
SSP | Core Social Science Perspective | 3 | S | SSP | |||
TOTAL CREDITS | 15 | ||||||
Eighth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
BHV431 | Environmental Impacts of the HVAC Industry | 3 | Writing Enriched Requirement | 3 | M | REQ | |
BHV432 | Mechanical System Design | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
BHV495 | Senior Project | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
CDP | Core Global and Cultural Diversity Perspective | 3 | S | CDP | |||
OEE | Exploration Electives | 3 | S | OEE | |||
TOTAL CREDITS | 15 |
Additional Information
Endorsed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Approved National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Bronze Certification training site.
Accreditation
Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).