Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Mechanic Assistant

Course Description

ACR0043 – Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Mechanic Assistant is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course within the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Career Certificate program (FLDOE Program Code C400100). The course is the second OCP module of the HVAC/R 1 program — sitting between ACR0041 (HVAC/R Helper, OCP A, 250 hours) and ACR0044C (HVAC/R Technician, OCP B-secondary, 350 hours). At the Mechanic Assistant level, students develop the intermediate competencies required to perform a broader range of HVAC/R tasks under technician supervision, including more substantial brazing and tubing work; intermediate electrical troubleshooting; refrigerant-handling and recovery (with EPA Section 608 certification preparation); residential equipment installation assistance; and intermediate diagnostic skills.

The course sits within the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) under Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating > HVAC/R Technology and is offered at approximately 28 Florida public institutions. ACR0043 is delivered at FCS technical colleges, district technical centers, and adult career and technical education centers throughout the state. Florida's substantial HVAC/R demand creates persistent employment opportunities for HVAC/R workers at all skill levels.

Successful completion of ACR0043 qualifies students for the institutional "HVAC/R Mechanic Assistant" certificate and supports continued progression to ACR0044C (Technician) for completion of the foundational HVAC/R 1 sequence. Students typically pursue EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification during ACR0043, as the course content covers the regulatory and technical material required for the certification examination, and EPA 608 is essential for any work involving refrigerants. Students may pause at ACR0043 for entry-level mechanic-assistant employment, then return to complete ACR0044C as career goals develop.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ACR0043, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate intermediate-level HVAC/R safe work practices: continued OSHA 10 (Construction Industry) compliance; refrigerant-handling safety; brazing and soldering safety with appropriate respiratory and eye protection; lockout/tagout for HVAC/R equipment service; safe operation of vacuum pumps and recovery equipment.
• Apply refrigeration cycle analysis at intermediate level: vapor-compression cycle review at intermediate level; pressure-enthalpy (P-h) diagrams; superheat and subcooling — measurement, calculation, and adjustment for system tuning; common cycle-component faults and their effects on operating pressures and temperatures.
• Perform intermediate brazing, soldering, and tubing work: copper-tubing cutting, deburring, swaging, flaring at fluent level; brazing copper-to-copper joints with BCuP-5 (15% silver phosphor) filler; brazing copper-to-brass joints with BAg-5 silver-bearing filler; nitrogen purging during brazing to prevent internal scale formation; pressure testing brazed joints with nitrogen for leak detection.
• Perform recovery, evacuation, and charging of HVAC/R systems per EPA Section 608 regulations: refrigerant recovery to required vacuum levels (500 microns); triple-evacuation technique for system contamination removal; weighing in refrigerant charge per manufacturer specifications; verifying charge by superheat method (fixed-orifice systems) or subcooling method (TXV/EEV systems); proper refrigerant-handling documentation.
• Apply HVAC/R electrical theory and practice at intermediate level: reading and interpreting wiring diagrams, ladder diagrams, and schematics; using digital multimeters fluently for voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance measurement; using clamp-on ammeters; identifying and replacing common electrical components (contactors, capacitors, relays, transformers, motor windings).
• Diagnose and service basic HVAC/R electrical control circuits: thermostats; contactors and relays; sequencers; defrost timers; pressure switches; high- and low-pressure safety controls; ignition modules at introductory level; troubleshooting basic control circuits using systematic methodology.
• Diagnose and service HVAC/R electric motors at intermediate level: PSC, capacitor-start/capacitor-run, shaded-pole, and ECM motors; identifying motor windings; testing for shorts, opens, and grounds; replacing run and start capacitors; matching replacement motors to specifications.
• Identify, install, and service residential HVAC equipment under technician supervision: split-system air conditioners; package units; gas furnaces; heat pumps (cooling and heating modes); positioning and mounting equipment; running refrigerant lines; making basic electrical connections per code; verifying system operation per manufacturer start-up procedures.
• Apply principles of residential ductwork at intermediate level: ductwork materials (sheet metal, flex duct, duct board); basic ductwork installation; ductwork insulation; sealing per current codes; airflow measurement awareness.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance: filter changes; coil cleaning; lubrication where required; condensate-drain clearing; visual inspection for system issues; documenting preventive-maintenance work.
• Apply codes, standards, and regulations at intermediate level: applicable Florida Building Code mechanical provisions; EPA Section 608 refrigerant-handling regulations in greater depth; manufacturer installation instructions; introductory awareness of ASHRAE standards and the local permit/inspection process.
• Demonstrate professional behaviors and customer-service skills: punctuality and reliability; appropriate workplace appearance and conduct; respectful customer communication; explaining problems and repairs at basic level (under technician guidance); documenting service calls accurately.
• Prepare for and pass the EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification examination: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal sections; refrigerant management; recordkeeping; refrigerant disposal; the regulatory framework under the Clean Air Act.
• Read and interpret HVAC/R drawings and schematics at intermediate level: ladder diagrams; manufacturer wiring diagrams; system schematics; equipment installation drawings; specification documents at introductory level.
• Recognize the scope and limits of the mechanic-assistant role: what work the mechanic assistant can perform; what work requires the licensed technician or contractor; the appropriate questions to ask supervisors; the path from mechanic assistant to technician.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis:

• Engage with introductory commercial refrigeration: walk-in coolers and freezers at awareness level; ice machines at awareness level; commercial refrigeration controls at awareness level (deeper coverage in subsequent OCPs and HVAC/R 2).
• Engage with introductory heat-pump systems: cooling and heating modes; reversing valves; defrost cycles; supplementary electric heat at awareness level.
• Engage with introductory load calculations: ACCA Manual J residential load awareness; equipment selection per Manual S; ductwork design per Manual D at survey level.
• Pursue NCCER HVAC Level 1 certification where institution follows NCCER curriculum.
• Pursue introductory NATE certifications (Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, Air Distribution, etc.) at awareness level.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Intermediate HVAC/R Safety: Continued OSHA 10 (Construction Industry); refrigerant-handling safety; brazing and soldering safety; lockout/tagout for HVAC/R service; safe operation of vacuum pumps and recovery equipment.
• Refrigeration Cycle Analysis (Intermediate): Vapor-compression cycle review; pressure-enthalpy diagrams; superheat and subcooling — measurement, calculation, adjustment; common cycle-component faults and effects.
• Brazing, Soldering, and Tubing (Intermediate): Copper-tubing skills at fluent level; brazing copper-to-copper with BCuP-5; brazing copper-to-brass with BAg-5; nitrogen purging during brazing; pressure testing with nitrogen for leak detection.
• Refrigerant Recovery, Evacuation, and Charging: EPA Section 608 regulations in operation; recovery to required vacuum levels (500 microns); triple-evacuation technique; weighing in charge; superheat method (fixed orifice); subcooling method (TXV/EEV); refrigerant-handling documentation.
• HVAC/R Electrical Theory and Practice (Intermediate): Wiring diagrams, ladder diagrams, schematics; digital multimeters at fluent level; clamp-on ammeters; voltage, current, resistance, capacitance measurements; common electrical-component identification and replacement.
• Basic HVAC/R Control-Circuit Diagnosis: Thermostats; contactors and relays; sequencers; defrost timers; pressure switches and safety controls; ignition modules; systematic control-circuit troubleshooting.
• HVAC/R Electric Motors (Intermediate): PSC, capacitor-start/capacitor-run, shaded-pole, ECM motors; motor windings; motor testing; capacitor replacement; motor selection and matching.
• Residential HVAC Equipment Installation (Under Technician Supervision): Split systems; package units; gas furnaces; heat pumps; equipment mounting; refrigerant-line installation; basic electrical connections; manufacturer start-up procedures.
• Residential Ductwork (Intermediate): Ductwork materials (sheet metal, flex duct, duct board); basic installation; insulation; sealing per code; airflow measurement awareness.
• Preventive Maintenance: Filter changes; coil cleaning; lubrication; condensate-drain clearing; visual inspection; documentation.
• Codes, Standards, and Regulations: Florida Building Code (Mechanical); EPA Section 608 in greater depth; manufacturer installation instructions; ASHRAE standards at awareness level; permit and inspection process.
• EPA Section 608 Certification Preparation: Type I, II, III, and Universal sections; refrigerant management; recordkeeping; refrigerant disposal; the regulatory framework under the Clean Air Act.
• Reading HVAC/R Drawings and Schematics (Intermediate): Ladder diagrams; manufacturer wiring diagrams; system schematics; equipment installation drawings; specification documents at introductory level.
• Customer Service and Professional Behaviors: Punctuality and reliability; workplace appearance and conduct; respectful customer communication; service-call documentation; professional behaviors in customer homes.
• Mechanic-Assistant Scope and Limits: What work the mechanic assistant can perform; what requires the licensed technician or contractor; appropriate questions; the mechanic-assistant-to-technician progression.

Optional Topics

• Introductory Commercial Refrigeration: Walk-in coolers and freezers; ice machines; commercial refrigeration controls (awareness level).
• Introductory Heat-Pump Systems: Cooling and heating modes; reversing valves; defrost cycles; supplementary electric heat.
• Introductory Load Calculations: ACCA Manual J, Manual S, Manual D at survey level.
• NCCER HVAC Level 1: Industry-recognized credential.
• Introductory NATE Certifications: Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, Air Distribution at awareness level.

Resources & Tools

• FLDOE Curriculum Framework: The authoritative reference is the FLDOE HVAC/R Career Certificate Program Framework (Program Code C400100).
• Most-adopted textbooks at Florida institutions: Continuation of the textbook used in ACR0041 — typically Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology by Tomczyk et al. (Cengage); Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by Althouse et al. (Goodheart-Willcox); Fundamentals of HVAC/R by Stanfield and Skaves (Pearson); NCCER HVAC Level 1 trainee guide (Pearson) at NCCER-aligned institutions.
• Required tools (typical, building on ACR0041 tools): Refrigeration manifold gauge set (R-410A and other common refrigerants); recovery machine (institution may provide for shop work); vacuum pump (2-stage, capable of 25 microns or lower); micron gauge; refrigerant scale; nitrogen tank with regulator; oxygen-acetylene torch with appropriate tips; tubing cutters, deburring tools, swaging tools; flaring tool; digital multimeter; clamp-on ammeter (with capacitance scale); manometer (introductory level); standard hand and power tools.
• Lab and shop equipment: Working residential split systems; package units; gas furnaces; heat pumps; commercial refrigeration trainers (introductory exposure); cutaway equipment for instruction; trainers with intentional faults for diagnosis practice.
• EPA Section 608 study materials: Mainstream Engineering's "Quick and Easy" certification materials (commonly used at Florida technical colleges); the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Test Specifications (free download from EPA); ESCO Group certification preparation materials.
• Industry credentials sought during/after the program: EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification (federally required for refrigerant work — typically obtained during ACR0043 or shortly after); OSHA 10 (Construction Industry) continued; R-410A Safety Certification; NCCER HVAC Level 1 at NCCER-aligned institutions; introductory NATE credential awareness.
• Career and Technical Student Organization: SkillsUSA HVAC competitions for skill development.
• Online resources: ACHR News; HVAC School podcast and resources (free, hvacrschool.com); ESCO Group resources; manufacturer training portals (Carrier, Trane, Rheem, Goodman); YouTube channels (AC Service Tech, HVAC Shop Talk).
• Tutoring and support: Institution HVAC/R shop instructors; peer mentoring; manufacturer-provided training events at distributor locations; Florida HVAC contractor association events.

Career Pathways

ACR0043 completion qualifies students for substantive mechanic-assistant roles in Florida's substantial HVAC/R sector. Specific pathways include:

• HVAC/R Mechanic Assistant — supporting work for licensed HVAC/R technicians on residential and light-commercial work; substantially broader scope than helper-level work, with progression toward independent technician work as competencies develop.
• HVAC/R Technician (after ACR0044C) — diagnosis, troubleshooting, and installation; the core skilled-trade role.
• Commercial HVAC/R Technician (with additional training) — service of commercial buildings, restaurants, retail, light industrial.
• Refrigeration Technician (Commercial) — service of supermarket refrigeration, food-service refrigeration, commercial ice machines.
• Building Maintenance with HVAC Specialty — facilities-maintenance roles at hospitals, hotels, schools, theme parks, manufacturing facilities.
• Florida Licensed HVAC Contractor — long-term professional path through Florida CILB licensure.
• Florida Employer Landscape: Residential and light-commercial contractors statewide; major commercial-building employers (theme parks, hospitals across major Florida health systems, school districts, county governments); national HVAC contractors operating in Florida; manufacturers and distributors.

Special Information

Program Position

ACR0043 is OCP B within the broader HVAC/R 1 Career Certificate program. Students enter with completed ACR0041 (Helper, OCP A, 250 hours). The full program sequence:

• OCP A — ACR0041 HVAC/R Helper (250 hours) — covered in separate guide
• OCP B — ACR0043 (this course) HVAC/R Mechanic Assistant (250 hours)
• OCP B — ACR0044C HVAC/R Technician (350 hours) — already in corpus

Students who complete the full 850-hour HVAC/R 1 sequence earn the institutional HVAC/R Technician certificate. Some institutions extend to the 1,350-hour HVAC/R 2 program adding ACR0047, ACR0049, and additional commercial/industrial competencies.

EPA Section 608 Certification

EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification is federally required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act for any technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants. ACR0043 covers the technical and regulatory material required for the certification examination, and students should plan to obtain Universal Certification during or shortly after the program. Without EPA 608 certification, students cannot legally perform refrigerant work in Florida or anywhere in the U.S.

Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)

Florida regulates HVAC contracting through the CILB; see the ACR0041 and ACR0044C guides for details on the licensure pathway. ACR0043 is part of the foundational preparation but does not by itself qualify for licensure.

Course Format and Hours

ACR0043 is a clock-hour PSAV course structured as approximately 250 contact hours per FLDOE framework — typically delivered over one semester (15-16 weeks at 16-17 hours per week, full-time PSAV) or two semesters (part-time). Day, evening, and weekend formats are available at most institutions. The course combines classroom theory and substantial shop laboratory practice, with brazing, refrigeration, and electrical work occupying significant lab time.

Credits

ACR0043 is a 0-credit PSAV clock-hour course. Per Florida convention, PSAV courses are measured in clock hours rather than college credits.

Course Code Variations

Florida institutions consistently use ACR0043 for this course (typically without "C" suffix, as integrated lab is implicit). Programs are aligned to the FLDOE HVAC/R Curriculum Framework and consistent across Florida technical colleges, FCS technical centers, and adult-education centers.