Climate Control Technology

Enter into the fast-pace, fast-growing field of Heating and Cooling by earning your Certificate from our Climate Control Technology program.  With faster than average expected job growth in the HVAC/R industry[1], Northwestern Tech. can help jump start your future by preparing you for an exciting career in various specialties ranging from Heating and Air Conditioning Technicians, Industrial and Building Maintenance Apprentices, Refrigeration Service Technicians, Appliance Repair Technicians, and Hydronic Heating System Installer.

 

Program Coursework

Coursework for the Climate Control Technology program includes:

Electrical Theory and Application: Students will be prepared for electrical-related HVAC/R work, and to establish an electrical foundation for advanced courses in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration.  Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to read a schematic diagram, understand electrical circuits, use a multi-meter, and understand the electrical order of operation of heating and cooling equipment.

 

Heating: This coursework prepares students to perform tasks associated with the operation of heating systems.  Focusing on both theory and application in teaching students basic service and maintenance techniques of residential heating systems and their accessories.

 

Air Conditioning: Students will be prepared to perform tasks associated with the operation of modern air conditioning systems.  The instruction involves both theory and application in teaching students basic service and maintenance techniques including refrigerant recovery on split and package residential air conditioning systems.

 

Refrigeration: The basic principles of refrigeration will be under study in this class.  Utilizing a combination of theory and hands-on application, students will learn the various types of refrigeration systems, and will be able to perform basic service and maintenance techniques, including refrigerant recovery on residential/light commercial refrigeration systems.  Students will be exposed to domestic refrigeration units including freezers, and light commercial equipment such as walk-in coolers, juice machines, ice machines, water fountains, and other light commercial refrigeration equipment.

 

Troubleshooting: Students will encompass a broad spectrum of malfunction diagnosis and repair of residential heating and air conditioning systems.  Students will develop the skills necessary to solve heating and air conditioning problems by isolating a system malfunction and effectively repairing it.

 

Installation: This coursework is designed to prepare the Heating and Cooling student to install residential heating and air conditioning systems, as well as various accessories such as humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.   The instruction involves a combination of theory and hands-on application in teaching students proper installation techniques including sheet metal design and fabrication, gas piping, electrical wiring, vent piping, mechanical code, and start-up procedures.

 

Hydronic Heating Systems: This course prepares students to perform maintenance tasks associated with the operation of hydronic heating systems.  The program involves both theory and application in teaching students basic service and maintenance techniques of residential hydronic heating systems.

 

Heat Pumps I & II: Coursework will focuses primarily on the operation of air to air heat pumps.  The student will be taught the function of the heat pump, refrigerant flow, electrical, and mechanical operation of the heat pump.  Detail will focus on system operation, mechanical operation, and electrical components of air to air heat pumps.

 

Property Maintenance: Students will be provided with a basic understanding of the various aspects of property maintenance in this course.  The objective of this course is to broaden the marketability of the student within the heating and cooling field by preparing the student for entry-level employment as a property maintenance technician.  The instruction involves a combination of theory and hands-on application in which the student will learn how to make basic plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, and minor repairs on major appliances.

 

Career Development: This course focuses on preparing the student for their career search.  Topics covered include and introduction to computers, creation of a resume, interviewing and career search techniques, as well as using the internet as a tool when searching for career opportunities.  In addition, this course will cover budgeting and loan/credit management.

 

The total cost of tuition for the Climate Control Technology program is $14,875, and includes the cost of textbooks for the program.  Entering students are assured of no increase in tuition as long as enrollment is continuous.  Students should be aware that when estimating their complete cost of attendance, costs in addition to tuition and books, such as living expenses, personnel expenses, and transportation expenses should be considered.

[1]Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm.