Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, Associate of Applied Science

School of Skilled Trades & Arts (STA)

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.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

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 of Completion ) 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.
• Graduates are required to take a list of the HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certification Exams.
• Certification exam fees are included in the program and course fees.
• Fees: Course fees are published in the Schedule of Classes.  HVAC Tools and personal protective equipment (to be used in labs) will be purchased for the student with this fee.

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

• Cost of Attendance
• Tuition
• Books
• Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

• This is a financial aid eligible program.
  • Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule
  • Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.

Career and Educational Opportunities

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 degree prepares students for further studies that will ultimately qualify them for faster career advancement and greater earning potential.

For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating from CNM section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in myCNM.

Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses

Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.