Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Students can earn an Associate in Science Degree in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. Students are advised to reference the Course Catalog for required courses, and meet with a Career Counselor for assistance with their Education Plan. Students can email occareer@vcccd.edu to schedule an appointment.

Certificate of Achievement

Students can earn a Certificate of Achievement in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. Students are advised to reference the Course Catalog for required courses, and meet with a Career Counselor for assistance with their Education Plan. Students can email occareer@vcccd.edu to schedule an appointment.

Students can earn a Proficiency Award in the following focus areas of Air Conditioning & Refrigeration:

• Airside Systems
• Electrical Systems for HVAC/R
• Energy Auditing
• Heating & Hydronics
• Mechanical Systems for HVAC/R

Proficiency awards are awarded by the department upon completion of the required courses. Students are advised to reference the Course Catalog for required courses, and meet with a Career Counselor for assistance with their Education Plan. Students can email occareer@vcccd.edu to schedule an appointment.

An HVAC technician installs, maintains, and repairs heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. HVACR technicians work mostly in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Their worksites may be very hot or cold because the heating and cooling systems they must repair may not be working properly and because some parts of these systems are located outdoors. Working in cramped spaces and during irregular hours is common.

Typical duties include:

• Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring
• Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions
• Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit
• Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers

Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Candidates familiar with tablet computers and electronics, as well as those who have developed troubleshooting skills, will have the best job prospects.

_{Information provided via U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics}

Sales and Consulting Specialists must be knowledgeable of HVAC systems and current technology in order to sell air quality solutions to residential and commercial clients. The role of Sales and Consulting Specialists focuses on building relationships and offering the best solutions for the customer's heating and cooling needs. Ongoing training to remain current in the field is helpful, as well as experience in sales and knowledge of a consultative approach.

Typical duties include:

• HVAC background
• Prior sales experience 
• Ability to work independently and self-manage
• Able to adapt to new roles and responsibilities
• General sales skills and aptitude
• Customer service knowledge with strong follow up skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Great listening skills
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all times
• Computer proficient (Outlook, Word, Excel)

The employment outlook predicts a 4% increase in positions between 2019 - 2029 in the HVAC industry.

_{Information provided via Indeed and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics}

HVAC Equipment and System Installers are knowledgeable of the current processes and technology involved in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Similar to HVAC Technicians, Equipment and System Installers work in residential homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, and other commercial locations. Working environments are often tight spaces due to the location of equipment installation.

Equipment and System Installers work with the client and company to ensure equipment is properly installed and working to fit the conditions of the environment. Familiarity of current technology is required, as well as good customer service skills.

Typical duties include:

• Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers
• Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads
• Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming

Equipment and System Installers, as well as HVAC technicians, are in demand as buildings assess their HVAC systems to ensure they meet health standards and function properly.

_{Information provided via O*Net Online}

Building Engineers support with the daily operations of all building systems. This includes hard surface maintenance and repair, basic carpentry and metal work, operating, maintaining and repairing all facility system equipment associated with HVAC operations and mechanical and electrical systems. 

Typical duties include:

• Operating and maintaining repair of boilers, heaters, pumps, valves, appurtenances, and lines used in the distribution of steam and heated or processed water 
• Monitoring and repairing systems involved with refrigerant compressors, condensers evaporators, traps, transfer pumps, expansion valves, stop valves and float valves, together with all refrigerant lines and devices used to control temperature
• Maintaining and repairing all distribution lines and devices associated with HVAC system, as well as lines for water distribution  
• Monitoring and maintaining all facets of the building that involve HVAC and coordinating work with company and building owner

Building Engineers may also seek training and experience in plumbing, electrical, and management as well as HVAC.

_{Information provided via Indeed and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics}

Energy Auditing Specialists are responsible for identifying opportunities for energy savings through data analysis, visual inspection, and the use of various diagnostic tools. Inspections involve assessing the exterior of the residence or building, looking for indications of energy waste, ventilation, or drainage problems.

As green construction becomes increasing important for cities and industries, Energy Auditing Specialists are an integral part of the team. Knowledge of HVAC as well as higher education in engineering or other related fields is recommended.

Typical duties include:

• Performing all commissioning and retro-commissioning services such as testing (QA/QC, Functional Performance), training, equipment and systems start-up, resulting in a safe and functional environment that meets established design requirements
• Managing energy projects including audits, efficiency studies and renewable energy projects
• Focusing on improving performance for clients and positively impacting carbon reduction goals

Often additional education and certification is required. As older buildings are upgraded and new construction is being built, Energy Auditing Specialists are seeing a job increase projection of at least 4% between 2019 - 2029, in alignment with HVAC professions.

_{Information provided via Indeed and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics}