CAREER PATHWAY HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING CIP Code 47.0201 Pennsylvania's Targeted Industry Cluster: Architecture & Construction
CAREER PATHWAY HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING
CIP Code 47.0201
Pennsylvania's Targeted Industry Cluster: Architecture & Construction
Potential Careers 47-2231 Solar Photovoltaic Installers 49-9021 Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers
National and State Occupational Outlook Trends (Based on Department of Labor and Industry Reports)
United States Employment
Percent Change ¹Job Openings 2011 Median Annual Wage 2010 2020
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 267,800 358,100 +34% 13,760 $43,400
Pennsylvania Employment Percent Change ¹Job Openings 2011 Median Annual Wage 2008 2018
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 14,500 14,850 +2% 290 $43,900
¹Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement
HVAC Mechanics and Installers Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment. Test pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution. Join pipes or tubing to equipment and to fuel, water, or refrigerant source, to form complete circuit. Reassemble and test equipment following repairs. Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring. Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools. Obtain and maintain required certifications. Install, connect, and adjust thermostats, humidistats and timers, using hand tools. Comply with all applicable standards, policies, and procedures, including safety procedures and the maintenance of a clean work area. Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
Skills and Abilities Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications. Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools. Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as
appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to
problems. Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong; problem recognition. Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or
assemble very small objects. Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects,
pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or
assemble objects. Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting,
standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time
without 'giving out' or fatiguing. Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one
position.
Character Traits for Workplace Success
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical. Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior,
even in very difficult situations. Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward
mastering tasks.
Somerset County Technology Center - Program of Study/Units of Instruction (3-Year Program) Unit Number & Title
100 – Introduction to HVAC 900 – Air Distribution Systems
200 – Basic Safety 1000 – Introduction to Hydronic Systems
300 – Tools for HVAC/R 1100 – Leak Detection, Evacuation, Recovery, and Charging
400 – Blueprint Reading 1200 – Troubleshooting Gas Heating
500 – Piping Practices 1300 – Troubleshooting Cooling
600 – Basic Electricity 1400 – Heat Pumps
700 – Introduction to Cooling 1500 – Computer Fundamentals
800 – Introduction to Heating 1600 – Professional Development Program
High School Courses Recommended For Career And Technical Education Students 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
English I English II English III English IV
Algebra I or Geometry Geometry or Algebra II Algebra II, Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus
Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry or Calculus
Biology I Chemistry I Physics AP Science
Geography/State History World History American History Economics/Government
Required Electives: PE, Art/Music, Foreign Language, Computer Technology
Required Electives: PE, Foreign Language, Computer Technology
Required Electives: PE
Required Electives: PE
Career and Technology Scope and Sequence
Career and Technology Scope and Sequence
Career and Technology Scope and Sequence
Program’s Math Skill Level
Students must be able to complete math curriculum (10th – 12th) that incorporates a basic understanding of Basic Math, Algebra, and some Trigonometry skills.
Certifications/Licensures
Pennsylvania Skills Certificate (NOCTI) Gastite
Industry Competency Exam (ICE) ASE Automobile A/C
EPA 608 Exam (Some certifications have fees; $125 for all)
Continuing Education/College Options
Articulation Agreements Additional College/Continuing Education Options
• Community College of Allegheny County • Delaware County Community College
Students who complete the HVAC curriculum can earn college credit. SCTC’s HVAC program has articulation agreements with colleges across Pennsylvania through the SOAR program. For more information on the SOAR program, please visit: http://www.techlinkpa.com
Prerequisites, Safety, and Equipment Requirements
Willingness to work
Problem solving
Some math background
Neatness in work and appearance
Leather work boots
Safety glasses
Program Details
Theory Structure − Instructor lecture – approximately 4-6 hours per week
Textbook and Supplemental Reading Materials − 1 Textbook “Fundamentals of HVAC/R − 3 Reference books
Lab Experience − 6 hours per week on average.
Homework − O hours homework (average) students should finish their competencies in allotted time, but if not then homework
might be necessary. − Students should study for tests on their own
Co-op Requirements (Grades 11-12) − Satisfactory attendance records. − “C” average − Instructor’s recommendation. − Transportation
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Job Ready Assessment Blueprint
““MMeeaassuurr iinngg WWhhaatt MMaatt tteerrss””
Test Code: 3045 / Version: 01
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Page 1 of 10 NOCTI Job Ready Assessment Copyright © NOCTI All Rights Reserved
Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:
Electricity
• Demonstrate understanding of basic AC/DC theory
• Understand/use electrical formulas • Interpret/construct electrical
diagrams • Understand series/parallel circuits • Understand/use ohmmeters,
voltmeters, and ammeters • Identify/test various electrical
components • Apply/manipulate Ohm’s Law • Demonstrate knowledge of wiring
exercises • Perform troubleshooting • Understand/test transformers • Replace 3-phase motors (wire for high
and low volts) • Wire residential heat pump control circuits • Test capacitors and calculate multiple capacitors • Test fuses and calculate fuse size
Soldering, Brazing, and Welding
• Identify types of solder and alloys • Choose proper flux for each alloy • Understand soldering/brazing of tubings and fittings • Use of nitrogen or carbon dioxide when brazing • Understand measurement taking • Set-up/use of torch and equipment • Demonstrate understanding of gas welder usage • Understanding leak check procedures • Indicate melting temperatures
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
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Specific Competencies and Skills continued:
Pipefitting
• Interpret drawings on blueprints • Knowledge of working with tubing and/or pipe • Identify valves and fittings
Controls
• Differentiate types of metering valves • Demonstrate knowledge of the function of a distributor • Identify methods of defrosting refrigeration systems • Identify/test/calibrate controls • Demonstrate knowledge of thermostat installation • Test motor starting relays
Installation and Service
• Identify/use appropriate hand and power tools • Test, analyze, troubleshoot, and repair system • Service motor components • Service coolers (reach-in and walk-in) • Demonstrate knowledge of code regulations
Related Math and Science
• Use temperature conversion scales • Identify modes of heat transfer • Demonstrate understanding of British Thermal Unit (BTU) • Demonstrate understanding of compression ratio • Measuring in increments • Calculate GPM, CFM, and CFM per ton • Calculate materials cost
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
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Specific Competencies and Skills continued:
Refrigeration
• Identify refrigerant types for proper application • Understand how to evacuate and charge a refrigeration system • Service/troubleshoot refrigeration systems • Size refrigerant lines • Understand compressor operation • Identify absorption and centrifugal system components • Understand defrost procedures • Measure superheat • Understand refrigeration safety techniques
Refrigerant Recovery
• Define recovery, reclamation, and recycling • Demonstrate knowledge of the Montreal Protocol • Identify refrigerants by chemical family • Proper handling/disposal of refrigerants
General Safety
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic first aid skills and procedures • Demonstrate knowledge of ladder safety • Demonstrate knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) • Identification/use of fire extinguishers • Demonstrate knowledge of electrical safety procedures • Demonstrate knowledge of safe lifting techniques • Knowledge of correct handling and reporting of accidents • Knowledge of safe equipment repair practices • Demonstrate knowledge of HVAC-specific safety procedures
Computer Literacy
• Demonstrate basic understanding of common operating systems • Demonstrate basic understanding of basic word processing
procedures/techniques • Basic identification/preparation of spreadsheets • Basic preparation/maintenance of database
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
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Specific Competencies and Skills continued:
Employability Skills
• Demonstrate understanding of resume and job interview skills • Identify the components/requirements for effective oral presentations • Demonstrate understanding of proposal and technical writing • Demonstrate knowledge of organizational skills
Air Conditioning
• Identify refrigerants by pressures or color codes • Identify types of compressors, condensing units, and evaporator units • Perform troubleshooting, use test equipment • Service air conditioning systems • Measure superheat and subcooling • Test, analyze, and replace compressors • Identify and understand cooling towers
Heat Pumps and Electric Heat
• Demonstrate understanding of refrigeration reversing cycle
• Identify different types of defrosting • Perform troubleshooting of heat pumps • Service heat pump systems • Demonstrate understanding of emergency heat • Demonstrate understanding of electric furnaces • Identify sequencing contacts and coils • Demonstrate knowledge of wire ampacity • Identify types of heat pumps
Hydronic Systems
• Demonstrate understanding of hydronic system operation • Identify hydronic components • Demonstrate understanding of hydronic operating pressures and
temperatures • Demonstrate understanding of temperature controls • Demonstrate understanding of steam traps • Demonstrate knowledge of low water cut-offs
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
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Specific Competencies and Skills continued:
Forced Air, Gas, and Oil Units
• Explain theory of operation • Explain temperature rise • Identify type of furnace by air flow • Identify different types of blowers • Identify types of burners • Understand removal/installation of burner assembly • Understand reassembly of burner tubes • Identify and use components (high limits, pressure regulators) • Use proper hand tools for application • Troubleshoot forced air, gas, or oil units • Understand operation principles for pilot proving devices • Understand proper operation adjustments (measure gas pressure, etc.) • Demonstrate knowledge of reading gas meters, calculating gas consumption • Determine proper orifice size • Test thermocouples, power piles, etc. • Understand flue installation • Demonstrate understanding of primary controls • Demonstrate knowledge of purging/adjusting an oil pump • Understand how to select single and/or dual-stage pumps
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Page 6 of 10 NOCTI Job Ready Assessment Copyright © NOCTI All Rights Reserved
Specific Competencies and Skills continued:
Humidity and Air Movement
• Understand the concept of humidity and its effects • Distinguish between wet and dry bulb • Test electronic air cleaners • Identify humidifiers and associated components
Sheet Metal and Ductwork
• Identify fittings used in ductwork systems • Understand how to calculate materials list for a duct system • Use measurements from blueprints • Understand how to fabricate a fiberglass and a metal duct • Understand use of duct fasteners and supports • Understand how to line ducts • Understand how to layout duct fittings and components • Identify sheet metals • Measure sheet thickness • Identify sheet metal tools • Identify the terms “IC” and “IX”
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
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Written Assessment:
Administration Time: 3 hours Number of Questions: 200 Areas Covered:
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
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Sample Questions:
Heater elements in a magnetic starter are used to
A. mount the starter on the panel board B. keep the starter warm during cold
weather C. protect the motor from overloads D. increase rpms
A complete refrigeration system consists of a compressor, condenser, metering device, and a/an
A. evaporator B. expansion valve C. high pressure coil D. accumulator
The liquid line temperature is used to determine the _____ of a condenser. A. superheat B. lowside pressure C. suction pressure D. subcooling
Wet and dry-bulb thermometers will read the same under conditions of _____ humidity.
A. 10 percent B. 50 percent C. 75 percent D. 100 percent
The bottom edge of the circumference scale is used for finding the _____ of a circle.
A. area B. volume D. circumference D. radius
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Page 9 of 10 NOCTI Job Ready Assessment Copyright © NOCTI All Rights Reserved
Performance Assessment:
Administration Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes Number of Jobs: 2 Areas Covered: 40% Gas Furnace Start-up and Check Evaluation of assigned order, leak test gas connections, test supply gas pressure, test electric connection for voltage and polarity, start equipment, adjust thermostat heat anticipator setting, test manifold gas pressure, test temperature rise through unit, check fan motor amperage draw, perform steady state efficiency test, complete system operation sheet, time to complete Job 1. 60% Air Conditioning Evaluation of assigned order, remove unit panels and service caps, wire low voltage control circuit, verify no voltage on all wires, test capacitors, perform compressor checks, check line voltage upstream of disconnect fuses, close disconnect, check line voltage downstream of disconnect fuses, verify and record line voltage at the condensing unit, perform transformer terminals check, measure fan motor common leg amperage, calculate CFM, connect refrigeration gauges and purge air, record/correct/convert pressures, check suction line temperature at evaporator outlet, check/diagnose liquid line drier, evacuate line set and indoor coil, charge refrigerant into system, perform system check, check voltage at air handling unit/heat strips, check heat strips current draw, check dry bulb temperature rise, verify heating/cooling to specifications/enthalpy chart, reinstall unit panels and service caps, time to complete Job 2.
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
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Sample Job: Gas Furnace Start-Up and Check Maximum Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Participant Activity: Following the instructions provided, the participant will
perform start-up tests on a high efficiency (90 +) gas furnace. The participant will make the necessary adjustments to meet manufacturer’s specification for proper operation and perform a steady state efficiency test.
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the leading professional organization
for career and technical educators, commends all students who participate in career and technical education programs and choose to validate their educational attainment through rigorous technical assessments. In taking this assessment you demonstrate to your school, your parents and guardians, your future employers and yourself that you understand the concepts and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace. Good Luck!