Introduction to HVAC/Refrigeration

This course introduces basic heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration processes used in mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning systems. And prepares students for HVAC/R-related career opportunities. Topics include terminology; safety; identification and function of components; refrigeration cycle; and tools and instrumentation used in mechanical refrigeration systems.

This training includes:

  • Process of system charging by weight
  • Proper usage of vacuum gauges
  • Process of Recovery, Recycle, and Reclamation of refrigerant and refrigeration handling laws per EPA Section 608 guidelines
  • Charge system per selected equipment manufacturers' specifications
  • Evacuation using pump and micron gauges per ACCA standards
  • Calculate Superheat and Subcooling on the system to verify refrigerant level per selected equipment manufacturers' specifications
  • Convert temperature pressure scales from Fahrenheit to Celsius and absolute to gauge using a calculator
  • Calculate energy requirements with the use of a Volt/Ohm meter
  • Pressure test piping connections

This course will prepare individuals for the Universal Certification exam. Students have the opportunity to take the certification exam at the end of the course. The exam is administered by GTCC. The exam cost is $25 (subject to change). The schedule will be announced during class. 

 

Current Courses

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
AHR-3131-Q19 Intro. to HVAC/R 1/15/25 - 5/14/25

 M, W 6 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Greensboro W3 209 Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost is:

Course registration: $213 (includes certification exam fee)
Book: About $212
Tool Kit: About $437
PPE: About $29

Total cost: About $891

Payment for class is due at the time of registration.

Students must have:

  • Good computer skills
  • An email account
  • Access to a computer with internet

You may be eligible for scholarship money. Click on the link below to learn if you might meet the applicant requirements. Scholarships have time-sensitive application deadlines.

Workforce Development Scholarships

Additionally, the NCWorks Career Center may be able to assist through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. For more information, call NCWorks Greensboro at 336-297-9444 or NCWorks High Point at 336-882-4141.

You may register online: Register

Required books and supplies are:

  • ISBN 9780357122273. "Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, ninth edition," from Cengage. About $212 at Greensboro GTCC Bookstore.
  • ID 685744792802. Intro. Tool Kit from TechSource Tools. About $437 at Greensboro GTCC Bookstore. Must buy before the third night of class.
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Must buy before the third night of class.
  • ID 674326212777. Safety Glasses. About $5 at Greensboro GTCC Bookstore
  • ID 616314121616. Maximum Safety/Work Gloves. About $24 at Greensboro GTCC Bookstore

Students who successfully complete the HVAC/Refrigeration Technician class will receive an Award of Completion.  

Requirements for successful completion:

  • Attendance: Must be in class 90% of class hours.
  • Coursework: Must achieve 80% on coursework.

If you enter after the second day of class, you will not receive credit for taking the class. Additionally, time absent will be counted against you; students can only miss 13 hours of class total and pass the class. 

The college will make a 100% refund of registration fees if you officially withdraw from class before the first meeting. Also if the class is canceled or full, GTCC will make a full refund. The college will refund 75% of the registration fee (of tuition only) if you officially withdraw from the class on the first day of class or before the class reaches the census date. The census date varies from class to class. Non-attendance is not a basis for a refund.