HVAC Systems and Devices

Course Description

ETM1601C – HVAC Systems and Devices is a combined lecture and laboratory course situated within the Engineering Technologies taxonomy (Mechanics, Fluids, and Heat). The course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles, components, and operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used in residential, commercial, and light-industrial settings. Students study the thermodynamic and fluid-mechanical foundations governing HVAC system behavior, identify and describe major system devices, and develop practical skills in system analysis, service, and basic troubleshooting. Florida Building Code requirements and EPA regulatory standards applicable to HVAC installations are addressed throughout. The course integrates classroom theory with hands-on laboratory activities to bridge engineering principles and real-world trade practice.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental principles of thermodynamics as applied to HVAC systems, including heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), sensible and latent heat, and the laws of thermodynamics.
• Describe and diagram the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, identifying the function and condition of the refrigerant at each stage (evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device).
• Identify, describe, and explain the role of all major HVAC components and devices, including compressors, evaporators, condensers, metering/expansion devices, air handlers, and fans.
• Read and interpret a psychrometric chart to determine air properties such as dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point, enthalpy, and humidity ratio.
• Use a pressure-enthalpy (P-H) diagram to analyze and diagram refrigerant cycles and evaluate system performance.
• Identify common system refrigerants (including low-GWP alternatives), explain their properties and handling requirements, and describe EPA Section 608 regulations governing refrigerant recovery, recycling, and reclamation.
• Apply HVAC safety practices including selection of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), OSHA guidelines, and local/state/federal codes applicable to HVAC work in Florida.
• Describe residential and light-commercial air distribution systems, including duct types, sizing principles, supply and return configurations, and balancing techniques.
• Explain basic electrical circuits and controls relevant to HVAC systems, including single-phase and three-phase power, thermostats, contactors, relays, and motor controls.
• Perform basic system service procedures including use of manifold gauge sets, leak detection, evacuation, refrigerant charging, and instrument calibration.
• Explain the Florida Building Code requirements and ASHRAE standards applicable to HVAC system installation, equipment selection, and energy conservation.
• Describe the principles and operation of heat pump systems, including air-source and geothermal configurations, reversing valve function, and defrost cycles.
• Explain indoor air quality (IAQ) standards, identify common IAQ issues, and describe types of air filtration and ventilation solutions.
• Perform or describe basic residential heating and cooling load calculations using industry-standard methods (Manual J or equivalent).

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered at the discretion of the instructor depending on program emphasis and available laboratory resources:

• Identify and describe commercial HVAC systems, including packaged rooftop units, chilled-water systems, cooling towers, and variable air volume (VAV) systems.
• Describe the principles of hydronic heating systems, including boilers, pumps, piping configurations, and zone controls.
• Explain Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) / Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system architecture, multi-port configurations, and their advantages in commercial applications.
• Identify and describe pneumatic control systems used in commercial HVAC applications, including direct-acting and reverse-acting controls.
• Describe principles and operation of Building Automation Systems (BAS) and direct digital controls (DDC) for HVAC monitoring and optimization.
• Read and interpret mechanical construction drawings, compare plans to actual duct and pipe installations, and apply specification documents to plans.
• Describe basic principles of commercial and industrial refrigeration systems, including walk-in coolers, freezers, and ice machines.
• Explain energy conservation strategies and equipment selection criteria, including high-efficiency equipment ratings (SEER, EER, HSPF, COP) and ASHRAE 90.1 compliance.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Safety, Tools, and Shop Practices – Personal protective equipment; OSHA 10 requirements; safe refrigerant handling; EPA Section 608 overview; Florida contractor licensing requirements (Florida Statute Chapter 489).
2. Thermodynamic Principles – Laws of thermodynamics; heat transfer modes (conduction, convection, radiation); sensible and latent heat; pressure-temperature relationships; refrigerant properties and phase changes.
3. Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle – The four stages of the refrigeration cycle; function of the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion (metering) device; pressure-enthalpy (P-H) diagram analysis.
4. HVAC System Components and Devices – Compressor types (reciprocating, scroll, rotary); condenser types (air-cooled, water-cooled); evaporator coils; metering devices (TXV, fixed orifice, electronic); accumulators; receivers; filter-driers; sight glasses; pressure controls; thermostats.
5. Psychrometrics and Air Properties – Psychrometric chart reading and application; dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature; relative humidity; dew point; enthalpy; humidity ratio; specific volume; air conditioning processes on the chart.
6. Refrigerants – ASHRAE refrigerant classifications; common refrigerants (R-410A, R-32, R-454B, and other low-GWP alternatives); functions and characteristics; EPA Section 608 regulations; recovery, recycling, and reclamation procedures.
7. Electrical Systems and Controls – Basic AC/DC circuit theory; Ohm's Law; series and parallel circuits; electrical safety; single-phase and three-phase systems; motors (types, applications, troubleshooting); thermostats; contactors; relays; capacitors; overload protectors; wiring schematics and diagrams.
8. Air Distribution Systems – Duct types (sheet metal, fiberglass, flexible); duct sizing and layout; supply and return air configurations; static pressure; air balancing; dampers and diffusers.
9. Residential Systems – Split-system air conditioners; packaged units; window and ductless (mini-split) units; gas and electric furnaces; heat pumps (air-source); system installation overview; piping and brazing/soldering techniques.
10. System Service Practices – Manifold gauge set use; leak detection methods; system evacuation using vacuum pumps; refrigerant charging procedures; instrument calibration; basic troubleshooting methodology.
11. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – IAQ standards and measurement; air filtration types and ratings (MERV); ventilation requirements; humidity control; sources of indoor contaminants.
12. Heating and Cooling Load Fundamentals – Heat gain and heat loss concepts; factors affecting load; introduction to Manual J residential load calculation methodology.
13. Florida Building Code and Industry Standards – Florida Building Code – Energy Conservation provisions for HVAC (Sections C403, C404); ASHRAE standards; permit requirements under Florida Statute Chapter 489.

Optional Topics

1. Commercial HVAC Systems – Packaged rooftop units; chilled-water systems and cooling towers; variable air volume (VAV) systems; commercial load calculations.
2. Hydronic Heating Systems – Boiler types; hot-water and steam distribution; pumps; zone controls; hydronic piping configurations.
3. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF/VRV) Systems – System architecture; multi-port configurations; advantages over traditional systems; installation overview.
4. Pneumatic Control Systems – Pneumatic controllers; direct-acting and reverse-acting controls; commercial HVAC applications.
5. Building Automation Systems (BAS) and DDC – Direct digital control (DDC) fundamentals; BAS architecture; HVAC system monitoring and optimization; energy management.
6. Mechanical Construction Drawings – Reading and interpreting mechanical plans; comparing plans to installations; applying specification documents.
7. Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration – Walk-in coolers and freezers; commercial ice machines; absorption systems; retail refrigeration overview.
8. Energy Efficiency and Conservation – SEER, EER, HSPF, and COP ratings; high-efficiency equipment selection; ASHRAE 90.1; desiccant systems; heat-pipe systems; energy auditing.
9. New and Emerging HVAC Technologies – Variable-speed motors; geothermal heat pumps; solar-assisted HVAC; low-GWP refrigerant transitions; smart thermostats and IoT integration.

Resources & Tools

• Textbooks: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology (Whitman, Johnson, Tomczyk & Silberstein) — standard Florida HVAC program reference; Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Althouse, Turnquist & Bracciano)
• Standards and Codes: ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook; ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (Energy Standard); Florida Building Code – Mechanical and Energy Conservation volumes; EPA Section 608 technician certification materials
• Laboratory Equipment: Operational split-system and packaged HVAC units (residential and light-commercial); manifold gauge sets; vacuum pumps; refrigerant recovery machines; multimeters; clamp meters; psychrometers; manometers; flare and swaging tools; soldering/brazing equipment
• Software and Digital Tools: ACCA Manual J load calculation software; HVAC design simulation tools; psychrometric chart apps; digital EPA 608 study materials
• Industry Organizations: Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA); ASHRAE; ESCO Institute; HVAC Excellence; Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES); SkillsUSA

Career Pathways

Graduates who complete ETM1601C are prepared to pursue entry-level and advanced roles in the HVAC industry, or to continue in engineering technology programs. Common career pathways include:

• HVAC/R Installer or Technician – Residential and commercial installation, service, and repair (SOC 49-9021)
• Refrigeration Mechanic – Commercial refrigeration systems service and maintenance
• Building Systems Technician – Facilities maintenance for schools, hospitals, office buildings, and industrial facilities
• HVAC Service Technician / Field Technician – Diagnostic, troubleshooting, and repair work for HVAC contractors
• Energy Auditor / Commissioning Agent – HVAC system performance evaluation and energy efficiency analysis
• HVAC Sales and Equipment Specialist – Technical product sales and system specification support
• Engineering Technology Transfer – Articulation toward an A.S. in Engineering Technology, Industrial Management Technology, or related degree at a Florida state college

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for HVAC/R technicians to grow significantly, driven by new construction and climate control requirements across Florida's residential and commercial sectors.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course provides foundational preparation for the following industry-recognized certifications. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue these credentials upon or prior to program completion:

• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification – Required by federal law for any technician who purchases or handles regulated refrigerants. Students should obtain this certification prior to employment in any role involving refrigerant work.
• HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificates – Including Employment Ready: Electrical, Employment Ready: Air Conditioning, and Employment Ready: Heat Pump, offered through HVAC Excellence (an ESCO Institute brand).
• NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Core Exam – Widely recognized industry credential; foundational knowledge covered in this course supports NATE Core readiness.
• OSHA 10 – Construction Industry – Workplace safety credential recommended for HVAC field work; safety content in this course aligns with OSHA 10 topics.

Florida Licensure Note

Florida Statute Chapter 489 requires all licensed HVAC contractors to obtain permits before installing, removing, or replacing any AC system. Students intending to work as independent contractors in Florida must ultimately satisfy the state's contractor licensing requirements. This course supports the technical knowledge component of that pathway.

Lab Component

The "C" suffix in the course ID (ETM1601C) denotes a combined lecture and laboratory course. Laboratory hours are integrated into the 3-credit-hour structure (contact hours include scheduled lab sessions). Students will gain hands-on experience with live HVAC equipment, service instruments, and industry-standard tools as an essential complement to classroom instruction.