Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology

Associate Degree: 10-601-1
Campus: Fond du Lac

The rapid regulation of the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration industry means high demand for qualified and certified technicians for residential and commercial applications.

The Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program teaches students how to install, repair and perform preventative maintenance for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Coursework emphasizes efficient operation of equipment to ensure the lowest possible energy cost that the design allows. Students integrate the electronic controls from the equipment to the building or computer-operated environmental network. In addition, students study how to make the indoor living environment comfortable, air balancing, occupant comfort conditions, and indoor air quality testing.

This program offers extensive hands-on training. Students work with residential furnaces and air conditioning units and learn about commercial heating and cooling and building equipment, such as chillers, and refrigeration equipment, such as icemakers, walk-in freezers and many other pieces of equipment.

HVAC/R technicians should be good analytical thinkers and problem solvers.

This program is a nontraditional occupation for women.