Academic Catalog

APPR 160A: HVAC TECH, CUSTOMER SERVICE

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Units: 5
Hours: 37 lecture, 86 laboratory per quarter (123 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Plumbing & Pipefitting Apprenticeship Program.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: None
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the importance and demonstrate the use of the refrigerant recovery equipment.
  • Explain the use and operation of heat pumps.

Description

Third-year course of the Plumber, Pipefitter & Service Tech Apprenticeship Program regarding HVAC students; includes basic refrigeration, EPA 608 certification, safety, and customer service.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of HVAC related science
  2. Explain the terminology commonly used in the HVAC industry
  3. Explain and demonstrate use of the Mollier diagram
  4. Demonstrate an operational command of the heat pump
  5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the common controls used in HVAC
  6. Explain the different types of refrigerants and demonstrate their application
  7. Pass the EPA 608 CFC certification program
  8. Explain the basic principles of customer service as it relates to the HVAC industry
  9. Explain and use safety policies, procedures, and guidelines

Course Content

  1. HVAC related science
    1. Demonstrate understanding of pressure, temperature, and flow laws
    2. Use mathematical formulas to show understanding of those laws
  2. Use of terms
    1. Demonstrate command of commonly used terms of HVAC
    2. Define the use and application of those terms
  3. Mollier diagram
    1. Demonstrate a command of the Mollier diagram
    2. Calculate flow rate, HP, volumetric capacity, SEER using the Mollier diagram
    3. Measure operating system at school and plot on a Mollier diagram
  4. Heat pump
    1. Review and demonstrate the operation and components of the heat pump
    2. Practice troubleshooting theoretical problems
  5. Basic controls
    1. Review and identify basic controls used in small tonnage HVAC equipment
    2. Demonstrate understanding of control symbols on electrical diagrams
    3. Review new microprocessor controls now being implemented in the HVAC industry
  6. Refrigerants
    1. Understand types of refrigerants in the HVAC industry
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of proper handling and safe working practices
    3. Demonstrate use of recovery equipment
  7. EPA 608 certification
    1. Review EPA 608 laws rules and application
    2. Pass proctored test for certification
  8. Customer service
    1. Review relationships between customer, tech, office
    2. Review proper paperwork completion
  9. Safety
    1. Nightly review of "toolbox" topics
    2. Students to lead safety topics by mid-term

Lab Content

Students will work individually and in teams on practical projects to learn:

  1. Use of recovery equipment
  2. Log operation on Hampton trainer
  3. Service on-site HVAC equipment
  4. Customer service role playing
  5. Proper selection and use of PPE (ongoing through out the term)

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. JATC operation equipment to be used as training
2. Hampton trainers
3. When taught as a virtual section, on-going access to computer with email software and hardware; email address

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Group and classroom participation
Hands-on demonstration
Written examination

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lectures and classroom discussion on course material
Classroom hands-on with tools and equipment
Demonstrate learned skills in front of peers

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

International Pipe Trades Training Committee. HVACR Training Manual, Vols. 1 and 2. 2008.

Although this text is older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, it remains a seminal text in this area of study.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Readings from HVACR Training Manual, Vol. 1: Unit 3, Refrigeration and Refrigerants, and Unit 23, Compressors
  2. Writing assignments include review worksheets for Unit 3 and Unit 23 in HVACR Training Manual, Vol. 1

Discipline(s)

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating