2017-18 AcademicCatalog - 66

heating, ventilation,
air conditioning &
refrigeration
The HVAC/R program is unique because it treats designing,
retrofitting, testing, and balancing on a problem-solving
level. This specialized program prepares the technician for
the fast-growing, highly technical HVAC/R field.
The challenge for the service technician is to optimize
the service operation of HVAC/R systems to maximize
customer and employer satisfaction. Using computers
to replicate various conditions that could be encountered,
students develop a plan of action to use with live work.
Students learn current methods of identifying and
performing efficiency evaluations on various types of
heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems as well
as adjusting and balancing equipment for maximum
performance.
In addition to HVAC/R classroom theory sessions, students
also perform service and installation on numerous live projects
on and off campus. The HVAC/R laboratory includes tools,
equipment, computers, and instrumentation typically found in
commercial, residential, and industrial settings. The lab also
includes ground source heat pumps, gas efficient furnaces,
regular heat pumps, oil-fired furnaces, gas and oil boilers, ice
machines, walk-in boxes, roof-top equipment, chiller systems,
and commercial refrigeration trainers.
Challenging careers abound on a national level with
firms offering graduates a variety of positions as service
technicians, installation technicians, estimators, and inplant industrial technicians. High school prerequisites for
this program are Algebra I & II, and a GPA of at least 2.5.

66 * Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
* A graduate of this program will be able to do the
following:
* Demonstrate the ability to do technical work in a variety
of heating, cooling, and plumbing and refrigeration
fields; apply safety standards and understand and work
with technical developments in the industry.
* Apply concepts of algebra and physics in the layout,
design, development, and analysis of refrigeration and
air conditioning equipment and systems.
* Identify and demonstrate correct use of tools, materials,
and equipment used in the trade.
* Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret blueprints
and use blueprints when installing equipment.
* Troubleshoot heating, cooling, and refrigeration
equipment using standard troubleshooting procedures.
* Write clear, concise, legible, and accurate technical
reports using technical English and apply verbal
communication skills in job-related activities.
* Read and interpret electrical schematics and use
schematics when installing and repairing equipment.
* Estimate the cost of an installation and design and lay
out an effective system for a specific location and use.
* Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and use of
hermetic, reciprocating, and centrifugal compressors.
* Apply basic knowledge of airflow, ventilation, and energy
conservation concepts to the design of systems, using
modern building design and solar energy technology.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2017-18 AcademicCatalog