HVAC Classes

Penn Foster College's online HVAC technician consists of eight courses to help you gain the knowledge and skills relevant for performing HVACR repair jobs in a variety of settings including school systems, manufacturers and large organizations that have commercial systems to cool or refrigerate products. Read more details on each of our HVAC classes below.

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Program Goal and Outcomes

Program Goal

To prepare students for an entry-level career as an HVACR technician in the residential and light construction field.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to...

Comprehend mathematical processes and use of formulas necessary for design, evaluation, and installation of HVACR systems
Understand composition and usage of HVACR materials, equipment, and tools required for installation and diagnostic tasks
Recognize safety procedures and established regulations related to workplace and job requirements
Understand the refrigeration cycle, gas laws, and properties of refrigerants required for diagnostic and systems design
Comprehend drawings, technical diagrams, and specification charts required for installation and repair of HVACR systems
Understand theories and processes for evaluating and installing electrical systems and controls
Comprehend procedures for installing, inspecting, testing, repairing, and maintaining HVACR systems
Recognize procedures for following government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants
Know procedures for following government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants

Starting Your Program

Succeed by learning how to use your Penn Foster program.

Objectives:

Understand how to use your Student Portal.
Access the Penn Foster Community and use it to find answers.
Connect with Penn Foster on various social media sites.

Orientation to HVACR

In this course, you’ll also learn about the uses, components, and types of indoor comfort-control systems. You’ll explore the types of jobs and the pay scales for comfort-control employees.

Objectives:

Learn about the uses, components, and types of indoor comfort-control systems.
Explore the types of jobs and the pay scales for comfort-control employees.

Math for the Trades and Nature of Electricity

This course reinforces what you already know about math and applies your math skills to solve real-world trades-related problems. You’ll also describe the importance of electricity and understand fundamental concepts relating to electricity.

Objectives:

Reinforce what you already know about math, and apply your math skills to solve real-world trades-related problems.
Measure lengths and angles.
Work with fractions.
Use formulas to solve problems.
Describe the importance of electricity.
Understand fundamental concepts relating to electricity.

Fundamentals of HVACR

In this course, you’ll study the need for a broad range of technical skills to work with heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. You’ll also develop the ability to recognize and correctly employ the tools, equipment, and common materials used by HVACR technicians.

Objectives:

Understand the need for a broad range of technical skills to work with heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Develop the ability to recognize and correctly employ the tools, equipment, and common materials used by HVACR technicians.

Additional Course Materials:

Textbook: Fundamentals of HVAC/R

Learning Aid: Troubleshooting Guide for Compressors

Refrigeration Systems

This course teaches system operations and the basic practices for maintenance and troubleshooting of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. You’ll also learn about the law for handling refrigerants.

Objectives:

Learn system operations and the basic practices for maintenance and troubleshooting of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Know the law for handling refrigerants.

Electrical Systems

In this course, you’ll learn about electrical power and the operating characteristics of equipment, circuits, motors, and control devices. You’ll also use schematics to determine the expected operation of an electrical system and connect circuit components.

Objectives:

Understand electrical power and the operating characteristics of equipment, circuits, motors, and control devices.
Use schematics to determine the expected operation of an electrical system.
Connect circuit components.
Evaluate systems to identify problems.
Determine a process you can follow to solve the problems you identify.

Residential and Light Commercial HVACR Systems

In this course, you’ll describe how air-conditioning and heating systems are installed and serviced in residential and smaller commercial applications. You’ll also receive practical tips and instructions.

Objectives:

Describe how air-conditioning and heating systems are installed and serviced in residential and smaller commercial applications.
Receive practical tips and instructions.

HVACR System Design and Installation

This course describes building and duct design and HVACR system placement. You’ll explore the skills required to properly install an air distribution system and learn about commercial-scale hydronic heating systems and the boilers that serve as their heat source, and identify common problems with these systems.

Objectives:

Describe building and duct design and HVACR system placement.
Explore the skills required to properly install an air distribution system.
Learn about commercial-scale hydronic heating systems and the boilers that serve as their heat source, and identify common problems with these systems.

Commercial Refrigeration and HVACR Maintenance

This course identifies components used in commercial refrigeration systems. You’ll study the three categories of “everyday tasks” you’ll encounter while working in the field: installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. You’ll also study lithium bromide absorption systems.

Objectives:

Identify components used in commercial refrigeration systems.
Understand the three categories of “everyday tasks” you’ll encounter while working in the field: installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Understand what absorption refrigeration is and how lithium bromide acts as the absorbent.
Know the recommended operation and maintenance of a lithium bromide absorption unit.

Graduation Gift

When you graduate, you'll receive:

(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)

EPA Certification Test Voucher
EPA Certification Preparatory Manual and Exam Registration

Additional HVAC Course Details

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this Program. Click here for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.
Students enrolled in the HVAC technician online training program are eligible to participate in the Snap-on Student Excellence Program. This program allows students in trades and technology education programs to purchase high-quality Snap-on tools at a preferred student discount. Some restrictions may apply for total purchase and quantities of certain items. Click here to see the new Snap-on Catalog.

Penn Foster College Accreditation & Licensing Details

Penn Foster College has been nationally accredited for over 40 years, and has met the high standards of integrity and performance set by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in Washington, D.C. Penn Foster College has been thoroughly reviewed and has earned several important accreditations and licensing. We also participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

ACCREDITATION

Sample HVACR Technician Lesson

Penn Foster courses are written in a way that is easy to understand, and materials are broken down into manageable lessons. Take a look at what a course in your HVAC training program would look like.

VIEW SAMPLE LESSON

Surround Sound Support

Whether you prefer chat, text, email, or phone, our faculty is here to help you achieve your goals. Penn Foster students also have access to our expert team of Success Coaches to help with budgeting for your education, career guidance, or simply some extra motivation.

Progress Tracking and Goal Setting Tools

Our customizable goal-setting tools will help you create a schedule and stick to it. Need some extra time to complete a lesson or take an exam? Not a problem — you can adjust your study plan at any time to set a pace that works for you.

Student Community

Looking to connect with other Penn Foster students? Our Student Community is the perfect place for you to interact with your peers — as well as Penn Foster faculty and staff — to discuss your online learning experience, congratulate fellow students, and share your Penn Foster experience.

Computer Specifications

As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to participate in and complete your program.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Apple, Mac, and OS X are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

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