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HVAC Classes

Penn Foster College's online HVAC technician training 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...
  • Explain mathematical processes and use of formulas necessary for design, evaluation, and installation of HVACR systems
  • Identify basic concepts in electricity, electrical circuits, electronics, and gas components in appliances and how to work with them safely
  • Recognize safety procedures and established regulations related to workplace and job requirements
  • Identify drawings, technical diagrams, and specification charts required for installation and repair of HVACR systems
  • Define theories and processes for evaluating and installing electrical systems and controls
  • List procedures for installing, inspecting, testing, repairing, and maintaining HVACR systems
  • Recognize 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:

  • Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
Orientation to HVACR
In this course, you’ll review 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:

  • Analyze the various components used in refrigeration and indoor comfort-control systems
Math and Electrical Basics for HVACR
In this course, you’ll get a general overview of the math skills and electrical knowledge required for a career in HVACR. You’ll study basic electrical terms and concepts such as power, voltage, and current. You’ll also review the math needed to perform electrical measurements, calculations, and conversions.

Objectives:

  • Summarize how to use basic math operations for trade professions
  • Describe the nature of 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:

  • Analyze the field of HVACR, the associated roles, and the importance of safety at the workplace
  • Categorize the components of the HVACR field and work
  • Point out the scientific elements and laws associated with HVACR

Additional Course Materials:

Textbook: Fundamentals of HVACR

Learning Aid: Troubleshooting Guide for Compressors

Refrigeration Systems
The work performed by HVACR technicians is diverse and involves different applications of the fundamental concepts you’ve studied. The work also includes a wide range of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. This part of your program explains how those systems work and describes the major components, as well as the accessories used for the proper operation of systems with specific designs. This course discusses the many kinds of components you’ll encounter when servicing various types of refrigeration systems and what makes one type better suited for an installation than another. You’ll learn how to display good work practices, demonstrate care for the environment, and follow the law when handling refrigerants. Finally, this course discusses system servicing, evacuation, and charging.

Objectives:

  • Categorize the different refrigeration systems and their parts
  • Distinguish among refrigeration devices, components, refrigerant properties, and the safety measures associated with each
  • Describe the servicing, testing, and maintaining procedures for refrigerant systems
Electrical Systems
The ability to troubleshoot heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment electrical problems is an important aspect of the HVACR technician’s role. Troubleshooting involves reading schematic and pictorial diagrams, interpreting the information to isolate the problem and conduct the appropriate tests, and then replacing the correct component. To be effective in achieving the ultimate goal of correct diagnosis, you’ll need a firm grasp of electrical safety, basic electricity, and the proper use of test instruments.

Objectives:

  • Explain electrical power and the operating characteristics of equipment, circuits, motors, and control devices
  • Use schematics to determine the expected operation of an electrical system
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:

  • Identify the fundamentals of psychometrics and the various functions of air filters and ventilation systems
  • Distinguish the various operations, installation processes, and troubleshooting of refrigeration systems and air-conditioning systems
  • Analyze the principles, functions, and safety measures involved in combustion, gas, and oil heating systems
  • Categorize the various applications and troubleshoots of electric heating systems and heat pump systems
HVACR System Design and Installation
In this course, you’ll explore how heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) play a huge role in designing residential and commercial spaces. You’ll study how HVACR is an integral part of all buildings and how taking into account issues like indoor air quality, duct design, and load calculations help make buildings a safer place to live and work. You’ll also discover the air conditioners, fans, and various systems and equipment that are in commercial buildings.

Objectives:

  • Describe the components, calculations, and designed associated with building constructions and systems
  • Analyze the methods of duct designing and the systems of zone controlling and air balancing
  • Identify the components and purpose of air-conditioning, commercial control, chilled-water, and air-handling systems
  • Distinguish among the types, components, and operating processes of chilled-water and hydronic heating systems
Commercial Refrigeration Systems
This course focuses on refrigeration systems related to food preservation and processing, including ice machines. It provides a more general guide to the types of troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance work carried out by heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians every day.

Objectives:

  • Analyze operations and troubleshooting related to supermarket refrigeration systems and ice machine equipment
  • Identify the various troubleshoots concerning commercial refrigeration systems
  • Categorize the major phases of installation, maintenance, and cleanup procedures in refrigeration systems

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.

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
DEAC and SARA Accreditation Logos
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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

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.

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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? Not a problem — you can adjust your study plan at any time to set a pace that works for you.

Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need access to high-speed internet to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 10® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running macOS® or later, Microsoft® Office 2019 or Microsoft 365®, and an email account to complete this 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 macOS are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
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