Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology, AAS - CIP Code: 47.0201

A 35 10 0

Contact: (336) 334-4822 ext. 53023

The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology AAS degree prepares students for employment in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration industry. The curriculum covers both theory and key principles of the operation of residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The program also develops technical skills through practical applications that employ current and emerging standards and technologies. Diagnostic and repair practices for electric, gas, single/dual/variable stage air conditioning and heat pump equipment are included in the curriculum. Additionally, students will be exposed to concepts of commercial system design, indoor air quality, oil, hydronic heating, and light commercial refrigeration systems. Lastly, throughout the two-year degree, students will hone their skills in writing, mathematics, communication, customer service, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Successful graduates can qualify for employment in a variety of jobs such as entry/intermediate level HVAC maintenance technicians, installation design helper/lead, light commercial junior engineers, home IAQ analyzers, residential/light commercial appliance repair, junior residential/light commercial system designers, HVAC wholesale counter/sales reps, system commissioning tech, industry equipment and control trainer, hydronic system repair, inspection official, small business owners,  and many new jobs yet to be defined in this expanding field.

NOTE: The AAS degree program may fulfill 2000 of the 4000 hours needed to meet one of the qualifications for the North Carolina Mechanical Contractor’s License exam.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration degree, the graduate should be able to:

• Apply industry standards and theory to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, controls, and refrigeration systems.
• Maintain system performance and indoor air quality through industry standards of air and hydronic flow.  
• Attain certification to perform service according to EPA 608 regulations.
• Use NC codes and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) design standards for residential and commercial structures.
• Employ personal and professional ethics and interpersonal skills expected in the workplace.