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Students must

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• High School Dual Enrollment Students are welcome.
• No high school completion required. Please be aware that students without a diploma/GED may not be eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
• Be accepted to the college and completed the entire admissions process and have completed the Program Application through the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology New Student Portal.
• Have Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology Certificate (code 7601) as their Primary Program.

Contact the Program Advisor for assistance with admission and registration.

Total estimated cost (based on instate tuition, lab fees and book costs) $4,649

Scholarships

There are many scholarships, including the Whiting-Turner Construction and Technical Education Scholarship, which specifically supports HVAC/R students. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply.

Financial Aid

There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. Please visit the Financial Aid page for more information and application instructions.

Veterans Benefits

Santa Fe College is a Military Friendly School. Veterans can receive assistance with their benefits at the Office for Veterans and Military Success Services.

Program Learning Outcomes and Associated Classes

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in safety practices and usage of testing equipment associated with the HVAC/R industry. (Fall A, ACR0000)
2. Students will demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use pressure-temperature relationship of refrigerants by using manifold pressure gauges, thermometers and temperature/pressure charts. (Fall B, ACR0001)
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of air flow and movement as it affects health, safety and comfort of a building and HVAC controls for indoor air quality. (Spring A, ACR0012)
4. Students will demonstrate abilities of good customer relations in home or business environment and promote good will in the HVAC/R service industry. (Spring B, ACR0013)
5. Students will show ability to perform diagnosis and trouble-shooting of HVAC/R systems that are in need of repair. (Summer, ACR0044C)

Students must attend in-person for 1,350 contact hours over three terms in order to complete the program. This includes participating in an out in the field work experience during the Summer Term.

Fall Term

• ACR0000 Intro to HVAC (250 Contact Hours) Fall A
• ACR0001 HVAC Fundamentals (250 Contact Hours) Fall B

Spring Term

• ACR0012 HVAC Service Practices (250 Contact Hours) Spring A
• ACR0013 HVAC Intermediate Service Practices (250 Contact Hours) Spring B

Summer Term

• ACR0044C HVAC Technician (350 Contact Hours)

The best way to prepare a student for the journey on which they are about to embark is to be totally candid about the essential requirements associated with the field of study they have chosen to pursue. There is no substitute for going in with your eyes wide open. To this end, Â鶹ԭ´´ provides the prospective student with a comprehensive list of these essential requirements.

In recent years, the installation and servicing of heating, refrigeration and environmental air conditioning equipment has increased significantly. This emphasis has especially been felt in the southeastern part of the United States. The state of the art for this industry has become more and more complex, requiring skilled mechanics for entry-level positions.

To meet this demand for skilled mechanics, Santa Fe College offers a one-year certificate program in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating. This program is designed to enable persons to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment.

Section 1. Essential Observational Requirements for HVAC/R Certificate Students.

The HVAC/R student must be able to:

• observe laboratory demonstrations in which residential/commercial HVAC mechanical systems with technical and mechanical problems are diagnosed and repaired.
• describe the condition of a residential/commercial HVAC mechanical system verbally and in writing.
• use diagnostic equipment effectively by correctly placing sensors on the appropriate wiring and instruments of a residential/commercial HVAC mechanical system.
• read and comprehend text, numbers, and graphs displayed in print and on a video monitor or screen.

Section 2. Essential Movement Requirements for HVAC/R Certificate Students.

The HVAC/R student must be able to:

• be in the HVAC classroom as well as the service lab at the designated times as described in the course syllabus for educational experiences.
• demonstrate sufficient tolerance to work in tight, confined spaces for moderate periods of time.
• move safely around the classroom and HVAC service lab.
• reach various areas within a residential/commercial HVAC mechanical system which may include the use of ladders to reach rooftops and working in small enclosures such as a commercial air handler.
• demonstrate sufficient endurance to perform moderately taxing, continuous physical work, often requiring prolonged standing over several hours and overhead arm use for extended periods.
• demonstrate sufficient strength, balance, and mobility to frequently handle dirty and cumbersome parts that can be heavy, e.g., removing and replacing an A/C compressor.
• demonstrate sufficient chemical tolerance to withstand contact with various refrigeration products that may cause skin/eye irritations, e.g., fluxes, oils, and refrigerants under pressure.
• demonstrate proper use and control of power tools as well as diagnostic equipment.
• use an electronic keyboard (e.g., 101 - key IBM computer keyboard) to operate lab equipment and to calculate, record, evaluate and transmit HVAC information.
• demonstrate the ability to operate residential/commercial HVAC mechanical systems safely.

Section 3. Essential Communication Requirements for HVAC/R Certificate Students.

The HVAC/R student must consistently demonstrate the ability to:

• read and comprehend technical and professional materials (e.g., textbooks, schematics, handbooks, procedure, and instruction manuals).
• comprehend verbal communications, including lectures, discussions, and conversations with HVAC professionals and clients.
• follow verbal and written instructions to perform shop duties correctly and independently.
• effectively communicate with residential/commercial HVAC mechanical system owners about problems and repairs.
• independently prepare papers and homework, and take paper, computer, and laboratory practical examinations.

Section 4. Essential Cognitive Requirements for the HVAC/R Certificate Program.

The HVAC/R student must:

• independently possess the following cognitive and problem-solving skills: comprehension, measurement, mathematical calculation, reasoning, integration, analysis, self-expression, and patience. The student must also be able to:
• demonstrate these skills by achieving the state mandated TABE test scores (9.0 Reading; 9.0 Language: 10.0 Math) by the end of the program.
• be able to use a diagnostic approach to thoroughly examine residential/commercial HVAC mechanical systems to determine not only any current problems but also to find any worn parts that may cause the residential/commercial HVAC mechanical system (and user) problems in the future.

Section 5. Essential Behavioral Requirements for the HVAC/R Certificate Program.

The HVAC/R student must consistently demonstrate the ability to:

• manage the use of time and organize work to complete multiple tasks and responsibilities within realistic constraints.
• independently exercise appropriate judgment and apply cognitive skills in the classroom, HVAC lab, and HVAC service settings.
• provide professional and technical services while experiencing the stresses of task-related uncertainty (e.g., impatient customers, the occasional cut and bruise), emergent demands (high levels of service calls and a distracting environment e.g., high noise levels, hot, cold, and other extreme outdoor conditions).
• be flexible and creative and adapt to professional and technical change.
• recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and (to) work. safely to minimize risk of injury to customers, self, and nearby individuals.
• adapt to working with unpleasant substances (e.g., extremely dirty, and dusty duct systems).
• foster a team approach by supporting and promoting the activities of fellow students and HVAC professionals in learning, task completion, problem solving, and customer service.
• admit when an error has been made when uncertain about a diagnostic result or when unsure about the appropriate response in professional situations.
• critically evaluate his or her own performance, accept constructive feedback and seek ways for improvement (e.g., participate in enriching educational activities).
• evaluate the performance of fellow students, faculty, advisors, and the program as well as tactfully offer constructive feedback.
• adhere to all course policies and procedures as outlined in the course syllabus.
• adhere to all college policies and procedures as outlined in the student handbook.