Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC)

Return to: Programs of Study

School of Applied Technologies

CONTACT INFORMATION

Program information is available from the School of Applied Technologies Office at (505) 224-3711 or from Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505) 224-4321.

cnm.edu/depts/at/index.php

Program Description

The Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) Technology program provides students the opportunity to gain knowledge and technical skills for entry into the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) field in the areas of service, maintenance, installation, energy efficiency and green building standards. The program prepares the students in proper safety practices of mechanical equipment, proper refrigeration and hydronic piping practices, electrical circuitry and troubleshooting, service and maintenance of various types of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, heat pump, commercial and industrial refrigeration and HVAC/R accessories. The program offers students an in-depth background in HVAC/R fundamentals through hands-on labs. Training is provided in service and maintenance on heating (natural gas and electric), air conditioning and heat pumps (packaged and split systems), steam and hot water boilers and boiler controls, chillers and chiller controls, green building performance and building automation controls. Students will gain an understanding of wiring diagrams to be able to troubleshoot equipment problems and create a sequence of operation from the wiring diagrams. Create system designs which will include calculating building loads; duct design, performance analysis, and code enforcement.

With the Residential HVAC Certificate of Completion ( Term 1 & 2, 32 credit hours ) Students will have the basic knowledge to enter the Residential HVAC work force. This certificate covers the areas of proper safety practices of mechanical equipment, proper refrigeration practices, electrical circuitry, troubleshooting, service, maintenance and installation of various types of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, heat pump in the residential HVAC industry.

With the Commercial, Industrial HVAC/R & Green Building Performance Certificate of Completion (Terms 1, 2, 3 & 4, 58 credit hours). Students will have, in addition to the Residential HVAC Certificate, an in-depth background in commercial and industrial refrigeration, steam and hot water boilers and boiler controls, chillers and chiller controls, green building performance and building automation controls. Students will create system designs which will include calculating building loads; duct design, performance analysis, and code enforcement.

Special Requirements

Students are required to purchase textbooks, and pay certification exam fees.

Graduates will be required to earn their EPA Universal 608 Refrigeration Handling Certification.

EPA Exam fee is approximately $50.

They must complete the National Industry Competency Exams (ICE).

Residential AC and Heating exam for the RESIDENTIAL HVAC Certificate.

Commercial Refrigeration and the Light Commercial AC and Heating exams for the COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL HVAC & GREEN BUILDING PERFORMANCE Certificate.

ICE Exam fees are approximately $50 each.

Fees: Course fees are published in the Schedule of Classes. HVAC Tools and personal protective equipment will be purchased for the student with this fee. These are to be used in the labs.

Career and Educational Opportunities

Over 85 percent of HVAC/R (ACHR) certificate graduates obtained jobs in 2007-2008 Graduates are employed by local service and installation contractors as well as local manufacturers, hospitals and facilities. As a result of completing the two (2) certificates students have acquired the training for successful acceptance in the HVAC/R industry. With additional on the job training students can apply for the New Mexico Journeyman’s exams. The associate’s degree prepares students for further studies that will ultimately qualify them for faster career advancement and greater earning potential.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

Return to: Programs of Study