In many skilled trades, an apprenticeship is the standard form of education. Therefore, aspiring HVAC professionals may ask, “What do you learn in HVAC school?” The answer is complex, as the ability to successfully install and maintain HVAC systems requires a wide skillset. Furthermore, with the advancement of technology, HVAC professionals must be equipped with even more technical knowledge than before. Beyond basic electrical configuration, pipefitting, and soldering, HVAC students must understand intricate electrical systems, refrigerants, and heating and cooling devices.
Electricity
As the foundation for most refrigeration and climate control systems, the fundamentals of electricity are crucial for future HVAC professionals to know. Some electrical setups commonly used in the HVAC industry include:
- Wiring diagrams
- Electrical distribution
- Voltage circuits
- Low voltage controls
Refrigeration
Refrigerants fuel much more than your kitchen’s icebox. Because they facilitate the transfer of heat, refrigerants are used in several types of HVAC units. To fully understand how refrigeration works, you’ll first study:
- Thermodynamics
- The refrigeration cycle
- Pressure and temperature relationships
- Safety precautions
- How to install an air conditioning system
- How to a test and support a system for optimal functioning
Heating & Cooling Systems
Once you grasp the foundational components of HVAC units, you will then learn about how comfort systems work as a whole. Courses about heating and cooling systems will cover training on the following material:
- Cooling towers
- Chilled water systems
- Thermodynamics
- Split systems
- Comfort system accessories and valves
- Safety practices
Troubleshooting Techniques
Repairs are a large part of the HVAC industry. For this reason, it is imperative that you understand how to diagnose a variety of issues. HVAC courses will teach you how to troubleshoot common problems with electric heaters, gas furnaces, oil heating systems, and heat pump systems. Such classes will also explain how to plot the refrigeration cycle in order to identify glitches.
Attend HVAC School in Willowbrook, IL
ETI School of Skilled Trades offers an HVAC/R program that can be completed in as little as seven months. For further information about the program, contact ETI at (888) 830-7678. With over 40 years of history in HVAC education, ETI is your trusted source for HVAC training in the Chicago area.