Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology
Today’s heating and cooling systems are more energy efficient and technologically advanced than ever before. Changes in this field have created new career opportunities in a variety of settings. If you’re looking for a job combining critical thinking with hands-on problem-solving, this industry may be an excellent fit.
Alamance Community College’s Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology program was created to meet the new demands of this changing field. We are preparing skilled graduates to work in residential and light commercial sites.
In this program, you will study:
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Train in a world-class facility.
Students studying Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology at ACC train in the Advanced Applied Technology Center. This new facility offers expansive training space and cutting-edge technology, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom through hands-on practice.
Three-degree options are available. Students can pursue the following:
- An Associate of Applied Science degree in Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology (approximately two years of study)
- An Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology diploma (approximately one year of study)
- An Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology certificate (approximately one semester of study)
Earning Potential
Entry-level range: $8-$12 an hour
With five years’ experience: $14-$22 an hour
(Contingent on the economy and geographic location)
Most Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology students at ACC secure employment before completing their program.
Discover More
Ready to learn what it takes to expand your career opportunities in this field? Contact our Lead Instructor, Rodney Barber, at 336-506-4165 to learn more about our Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology programs of study.
print Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology • Semester by Semester
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 8 | 5 |
AHR-110 Introduction to Refrigeration PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic refrigeration process used in mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Topics include terminology, safety, and identification and function of components; refrigeration cycle; and tools and instrumentation used in mechanical refrigeration systems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify refrigeration systems and components, explain the refrigeration process, and use the tools and instrumentation of the trade. Register for this class |
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| AHR-111 | HVACR Electricity | 4 | 3 |
AHR-111 HVACR Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces electricity as it applies to HVACR equipment. Emphasis is placed on power sources, interaction of electrical components, wiring of simple circuits, and the use of electrical test equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate good wiring practices and the ability to read simple wiring diagrams. Register for this class |
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| AHR-112 | Heating Technology | 6 | 4 |
AHR-112 Heating Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the fundamentals of heating including oil, gas, and electric heating systems. Topics include safety, tools and instrumentation, system operating characteristics, installation techniques, efficiency testing, electrical power, and control systems. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the basic oil, gas, and electrical heating systems and describe the major components of a heating system. Register for this class |
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| AHR-160 | Refrigerant Certification | 1 | 1 |
AHR-160 Refrigerant Certification PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the requirements for the EPA certification examinations. Topics include small appliances, high pressure systems, and low pressure systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of refrigerants and be prepared for the EPA certification examinations. Register for this class |
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| Semester Total | 19 | 13 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-113 | Comfort Cooling | 6 | 4 |
AHR-113 Comfort Cooling PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-110, AHR-111This course covers the installation procedures, system operations, and maintenance of residential and light commercial comfort cooling systems. Topics include terminology, component operation, and testing and repair of equipment used to control and produce assured comfort levels. Upon completion, students should be able to use psychrometrics, manufacturer specifications, and test instruments to determine proper system operation. Register for this class |
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| AHR-114 | Heat Pump Technology | 6 | 4 |
AHR-114 Heat Pump Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take One: AHR-110 or AHR-113This course covers the principles of air source and water source heat pumps. Emphasis is placed on safety, modes of operation, defrost systems, refrigerant charging, and system performance. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and analyze system performance and perform routine service procedures. Register for this class |
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| AHR-115 | Refrigeration Systems | 4 | 2 |
AHR-115 Refrigeration Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-110 and AHR-111This course introduces refrigeration systems and applications. Topics include defrost methods, safety and operational control, refrigerant piping, refrigerant recovery and charging, and leak testing. Upon completion, students should be able to assist in installing and testing refrigeration systems and perform simple repairs. Register for this class |
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| AHR-151 | HVAC Duct Systems I | 4 | 2 |
AHR-151 HVAC Duct Systems I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the techniques used to lay out and fabricate duct work commonly found in HVAC systems. Emphasis is placed on the skills required to fabricate duct work. Upon completion, students should be able to lay out and fabricate simple duct work. Register for this class |
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| Semester Total | 20 | 12 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose one of the following (WBL 111 & WBL115 must be completed together): | |||
AHR-133 HVAC Servicing PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-114 and AHR-115The course covers the maintenance and servicing of HVAC equipment. Topics include testing, adjusting, maintaining, and troubleshooting HVAC equipment and record keeping. Upon completion, students should be able to adjust, maintain, and service HVAC equipment. Register for this class |
AHR-133 | HVAC Servicing | 8 | 4 |
WBL-111 Work-Based Learning I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies. Register for this class |
WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 10 | 1 |
WBL-115 Work-Based Learning Seminar I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course description may be written by the individual colleges. Register for this class |
WBL-115 | Work-Based Learning Seminar I | 1 | 1 |
| Semester Total | 1-10 | 1-4 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-211 | Residential System Design | 4 | 3 |
AHR-211 Residential System Design PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the principles and concepts of conventional residential heating and cooling system design. Topics include heating and cooling load estimating, basic psychrometrics, equipment selection, duct system selection, and system design. Upon completion, students should be able to design a basic residential heating and cooling system. Register for this class |
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| AHR-212 | Advanced Comfort Systems | 8 | 4 |
AHR-212 Advanced Comfort Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take AHR-114This course covers water-cooled comfort systems, water-source/geothermal heat pumps, and high efficiency heat pump systems including variable speed drives and controls. Emphasis is placed on the application, installation, and servicing of water-source systems and the mechanical and electronic control components of advanced comfort systems. Upon completion, students should be able to test, analyze, and troubleshoot water-cooled comfort systems, water-source/geothermal heat pumps, and high efficiency heat pumps. Register for this class |
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| AHR-213 | HVACR Building Code | 3 | 2 |
AHR-213 HVACR Building Code PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-133This course covers the North Carolina codes that are applicable to the design and installation of HVACR systems. Topics include current North Carolina codes as applied to HVACR design, service, and installation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the correct usage of North Carolina codes that apply to specific areas of the HVACR trade. Register for this class |
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| AHR-215 | Commercial HVAC Controls | 4 | 2 |
AHR-215 Commercial HVAC Controls PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-133This course introduces HVAC control systems used in commercial applications. Topics include electric/electronic control systems, pneumatic control systems, DDC temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, wiring, controllers, actuators, and controlled devices. Upon completion, students should be able to verify or correct the performance of common control systems with regard to sequence of operation and safety. Register for this class |
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| CIS-111 | Basic PC Literacy | 3 | 2 |
CIS-111 Basic PC Literacy PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an overview of computer concepts. Emphasis is placed on the use of personal computers and software applications for personal and fundamental workplace use. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic personal computer skills. Register for this class |
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| ENG-115 | Oral Communication | 3 | 3 |
ENG-115 Oral Communication PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-096This course introduces the basic principles of oral communication in both small group and public settings. Emphasis is placed on the components of the communication process, group decision-making, and public address. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the principles of effective oral communication in small group and public settings. Register for this class |
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| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 28 | 19 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-225 | Commercial System Design | 5 | 3 |
AHR-225 Commercial System Design PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-211This course covers the principles of designing heating and cooling systems for commercial buildings. Emphasis is placed on commercial heat loss/gain calculations, applied psychometrics, air-flow calculations, air distribution system design, and equipment selection. Upon completion, students should be able to calculate heat loss/gain, design and size air and water distribution systems, and select equipment. Register for this class |
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| AHR-235 | Refrigeration Design | 4 | 3 |
AHR-235 Refrigeration Design PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-133This course covers the principles of commercial refrigeration system operation and design. Topics include walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, system components, load calculations, equipment selection, defrost systems, refrigerant line sizing, and electric controls. Upon completion, students should be able to design, adjust, and perform routine service procedures on a commercial refrigeration system. Register for this class |
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| AHR-245 | Chiller Systems | 4 | 2 |
AHR-245 Chiller Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-212 and AHR-215This course introduces the fundamentals of liquid chilling equipment. Topics include characteristics of water, principles of water chilling, the chiller, the refrigerant, water and piping circuits, freeze prevention, purging, and equipment flexibility. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the components, controls, and overall operation of liquid chilling equipment and perform basic maintenance tasks. Register for this class |
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| AHR-263 | Energy Management | 4 | 2 |
AHR-263 Energy Management PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-215This course covers building automation computer programming as currently used in energy management. Topics include night setback, duty cycling, synchronization, schedule optimization, and anticipatory temperature control. Upon completion, students should be able to write programs utilizing the above topics and connect computer systems to HVAC systems. Register for this class |
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| Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 20 | 13 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 58-61 | |||
printAir Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Diploma
Course and Hour Requirements| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 8 | 5 |
AHR-110 Introduction to Refrigeration PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic refrigeration process used in mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Topics include terminology, safety, and identification and function of components; refrigeration cycle; and tools and instrumentation used in mechanical refrigeration systems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify refrigeration systems and components, explain the refrigeration process, and use the tools and instrumentation of the trade. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-111 | HVACR Electricity | 4 | 3 |
AHR-111 HVACR Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces electricity as it applies to HVACR equipment. Emphasis is placed on power sources, interaction of electrical components, wiring of simple circuits, and the use of electrical test equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate good wiring practices and the ability to read simple wiring diagrams. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-112 | Heating Technology | 6 | 4 |
AHR-112 Heating Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the fundamentals of heating including oil, gas, and electric heating systems. Topics include safety, tools and instrumentation, system operating characteristics, installation techniques, efficiency testing, electrical power, and control systems. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the basic oil, gas, and electrical heating systems and describe the major components of a heating system. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-113 | Comfort Cooling | 6 | 4 |
AHR-113 Comfort Cooling PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-110, AHR-111This course covers the installation procedures, system operations, and maintenance of residential and light commercial comfort cooling systems. Topics include terminology, component operation, and testing and repair of equipment used to control and produce assured comfort levels. Upon completion, students should be able to use psychrometrics, manufacturer specifications, and test instruments to determine proper system operation. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-114 | Heat Pump Technology | 6 | 4 |
AHR-114 Heat Pump Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take One: AHR-110 or AHR-113This course covers the principles of air source and water source heat pumps. Emphasis is placed on safety, modes of operation, defrost systems, refrigerant charging, and system performance. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and analyze system performance and perform routine service procedures. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-115 | Refrigeration Systems | 4 | 2 |
AHR-115 Refrigeration Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-110 and AHR-111This course introduces refrigeration systems and applications. Topics include defrost methods, safety and operational control, refrigerant piping, refrigerant recovery and charging, and leak testing. Upon completion, students should be able to assist in installing and testing refrigeration systems and perform simple repairs. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-133 | HVAC Servicing | 8 | 4 |
AHR-133 HVAC Servicing PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-114 and AHR-115The course covers the maintenance and servicing of HVAC equipment. Topics include testing, adjusting, maintaining, and troubleshooting HVAC equipment and record keeping. Upon completion, students should be able to adjust, maintain, and service HVAC equipment. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-151 | HVAC Duct Systems I | 4 | 2 |
AHR-151 HVAC Duct Systems I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the techniques used to lay out and fabricate duct work commonly found in HVAC systems. Emphasis is placed on the skills required to fabricate duct work. Upon completion, students should be able to lay out and fabricate simple duct work. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-160 | Refrigerant Certification | 1 | 1 |
AHR-160 Refrigerant Certification PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the requirements for the EPA certification examinations. Topics include small appliances, high pressure systems, and low pressure systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of refrigerants and be prepared for the EPA certification examinations. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-213 | HVACR Building Code | 3 | 2 |
AHR-213 HVACR Building Code PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-133This course covers the North Carolina codes that are applicable to the design and installation of HVACR systems. Topics include current North Carolina codes as applied to HVACR design, service, and installation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the correct usage of North Carolina codes that apply to specific areas of the HVACR trade. Register for this class |
|||
| ENG-115 | Oral Communication | 3 | 3 |
ENG-115 Oral Communication PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-096This course introduces the basic principles of oral communication in both small group and public settings. Emphasis is placed on the components of the communication process, group decision-making, and public address. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the principles of effective oral communication in small group and public settings. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 53 | 34 | |
printAir Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Basic Certificate
Course and Hour Requirements| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 8 | 5 |
AHR-110 Introduction to Refrigeration PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic refrigeration process used in mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Topics include terminology, safety, and identification and function of components; refrigeration cycle; and tools and instrumentation used in mechanical refrigeration systems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify refrigeration systems and components, explain the refrigeration process, and use the tools and instrumentation of the trade. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-111 | HVACR Electricity | 4 | 3 |
AHR-111 HVACR Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces electricity as it applies to HVACR equipment. Emphasis is placed on power sources, interaction of electrical components, wiring of simple circuits, and the use of electrical test equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate good wiring practices and the ability to read simple wiring diagrams. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-112 | Heating Technology | 6 | 4 |
AHR-112 Heating Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the fundamentals of heating including oil, gas, and electric heating systems. Topics include safety, tools and instrumentation, system operating characteristics, installation techniques, efficiency testing, electrical power, and control systems. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the basic oil, gas, and electrical heating systems and describe the major components of a heating system. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-160 | Refrigerant Certification | 1 | 1 |
AHR-160 Refrigerant Certification PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the requirements for the EPA certification examinations. Topics include small appliances, high pressure systems, and low pressure systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of refrigerants and be prepared for the EPA certification examinations. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 19 | 13 | |
printAir Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Certificate
Course and Hour Requirements| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR-110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 8 | 5 |
AHR-110 Introduction to Refrigeration PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic refrigeration process used in mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Topics include terminology, safety, and identification and function of components; refrigeration cycle; and tools and instrumentation used in mechanical refrigeration systems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify refrigeration systems and components, explain the refrigeration process, and use the tools and instrumentation of the trade. Register for this class |
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| AHR-111 | HVACR Electricity | 4 | 3 |
AHR-111 HVACR Electricity PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces electricity as it applies to HVACR equipment. Emphasis is placed on power sources, interaction of electrical components, wiring of simple circuits, and the use of electrical test equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate good wiring practices and the ability to read simple wiring diagrams. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-113 | Comfort Cooling | 6 | 4 |
AHR-113 Comfort Cooling PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-110, AHR-111This course covers the installation procedures, system operations, and maintenance of residential and light commercial comfort cooling systems. Topics include terminology, component operation, and testing and repair of equipment used to control and produce assured comfort levels. Upon completion, students should be able to use psychrometrics, manufacturer specifications, and test instruments to determine proper system operation. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-114 | Heat Pump Technology | 6 | 4 |
AHR-114 Heat Pump Technology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take One: AHR-110 or AHR-113This course covers the principles of air source and water source heat pumps. Emphasis is placed on safety, modes of operation, defrost systems, refrigerant charging, and system performance. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and analyze system performance and perform routine service procedures. Register for this class |
|||
| AHR-115 | Refrigeration Systems | 4 | 2 |
AHR-115 Refrigeration Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • AHR-110 and AHR-111This course introduces refrigeration systems and applications. Topics include defrost methods, safety and operational control, refrigerant piping, refrigerant recovery and charging, and leak testing. Upon completion, students should be able to assist in installing and testing refrigeration systems and perform simple repairs. Register for this class |
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| Semester Total | 28 | 18 | |
Diploma graduates should be able to assist in the start-up, preventive maintenance, service, repair, and/or installation of residential and light commercial systems. A.A.S. degree graduates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of system selection and balance, and advanced systems.
Career opportunities include:
- System installation
- System service technician
- Maintenance in hospital or apartment environments
- Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration contractor
- Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration sales
- Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration instructor