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 program Tool List for major.

Laptop Computer Required  

• Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
• Intel Core i7 (12th generation) or AMD Ryzen 7 processor (recommended).
• 16+ GB RAM (required); 32+ GB RAM (recommended).
• 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
• Wired Connection – Gigabit Ethernet (recommended).
• Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
• Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
• Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
• Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
• Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.

Remediation Strategies

All incoming students must meet placement requirements in 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

• 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.
• apply the principals of thermodynamics, airflow, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
• evaluate management and sales methods as they relate to the HVAC market.

Additional Information

Endorsed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Approved National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Bronze Certification training site.