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Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology

Please Contact Admissions

Due to high demand in this program, please contact Admissions at admissions@blackhawk.edu or (608) 757-7710 for any inquiries regarding enrollment in this program.

In the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC/R) program, you will be equipped with the skills needed to maintain highly efficient and environmentally sustainable equipment that provides affordable and reliable comfort in our factories, offices, and homes. Along with service and maintenance, you will learn the laws of thermodynamics, pressure and temperature relationships, safety procedures, wiring, and electrical distribution, and retrofitting older systems. Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared for employment in servicing, installing, maintaining, and selling HVAC and refrigeration systems for commercial and residential applications.

In addition to the regular curriculum, this program also features the Residential HVAC embedded technical diploma which can be earned while taking courses within the main program. This additional opportunity can provide you a set of industry-recognized skills and abilities that will prepare you for entry-level employment.

Tuition
& Potential Earnings

Estimated Tuition Cost

$10,956

Median Wage

$59,200

Based on Lightcast Occupational Employment Statistics

Academic Plan

  • A/C Safety, Tools, Thermal Dynamics and HVAC Terminology
  • A/C Components, Refrigeration Cycle and Refrigeration Gauges
  • Air Flow Fundamentals
  • Electrical Safety, Meter Usage and Ohm's Law
  • Parallel Circuits, Combination Circuits and Capacitors
  • Electrical Services, Wire Sizing and Electrical Diagrams
  • Access Valves, Compressors and Condensers
  • Evaporators, Metering Devices and Accessories
  • Heat Transfer Principles and Manual J
  • Wrightsoft Load Calculations and RESCheck
  • Print Reading for HVAC/R
  • Mechanical Code
  • College Technical Mathematics 1A
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Flaring, Swagging and Soldering Copper Pipe
  • Air Acetylene and Oxy-Acetylene Brazing Copper Pipe
  • Refrig Recov, Deep Evac and Charging of Residential, Light Commercial, Geothermal and Ice Mach Equip
  • Refrig Recovery, Triple Evacuation and Charging of Heat Pumps and Refrig Equipment and EPA Test
  • Gas Pipe Sizing, Gas Regulators and Gas Valves
  • Residential Gas Furnaces
  • Electric Heat and Air-to-Air Residential Heat Pump Systems
  • Split Phase Motor Identification, Testing and Replacement
  • Variable Speed Motors, Current Relays, Potential Relays and PTC Relays
  • Transformers, Contactors, Relays and Motor Starters
  • English Composition 1
  • Introduction to Sociology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Refrigeration and HVAC Temperature Control Systems
  • Refrigeration and A/C Control Systems
  • Heating and Package Gas/Electric Control Systems
  • Residential Split and Light Commercial Package Gas/Electric Cooling Applications
  • Residential Air-to-Air and Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Cooling Applications
  • Commercial - Package, Split DX and Chilled Water A/C Applications
  • Advanced Compressors, Condensers, Metering Devices, and Evaporators
  • Walk-in Coolers/Freezers and Reach-in Freezers
  • Ice Machines
  • Residential Split System Gas and Refrigeration Pipe Installation
  • Residential Split System Duct and Controls System Installation and Start-up
  • Split Refrigeration System Installation
  • Technical Reporting
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Residential Oil Heat, Duel Fuel Systems and Two Stage Heat Pump Heating Applications
  • Mini-Split, Light Commercial Gas/Electric Package and Unit Heater Heating Applications
  • Commercial-Package Gas/Electric , Hydronic and In-Line Duct Heating Applications
  • Hydronic Systems Theory
  • Hydronic Systems Installation and Start-up
  • Hydronic and Steam System Service
  • Residential, Light Commercial Package Gas/Electric and Refrigeration Control Systems
  • Commercial Package Gas/Electric BAS
  • Commercial Split and Geothermal BAS
  • Service and Troubleshooting HVAC/R 1
  • Service and Troubleshooting HVAC/R 2
  • Service and Troubleshooting HVAC/R 3
  • Introduction to Psychology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

Flexible Learning Options

Many courses at Blackhawk are offered in one or more of these formats:

  • In-Person
  • Live Online (synchronous)
  • Online Anytime (asynchronous)
  • FlexLab (in-person when it fits your schedule)

For some courses, we offer a MyEdChoice option, allowing you to choose how to attend each class session. You can switch between online and in-person formats from week to week or even day to day, depending on your needs and schedule. More Information

In Person
MyEdChoice
Hybrid
FlexLab

Get Credit For Your Experience!

Have you acquired relevant education or work experience? You might qualify for credits based on your prior learning.

Start Your Journey to Success Today

Get in touch with an advisor to discuss program details, curriculum, credit transfer options, and financial aid opportunities.

Additional Program Information

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

  • Perform HVAC/R service and repair operations in compliance with published safety standards
  • Promote customer satisfaction
  • Operate tools/equipment according to process published in operator’s manual and/or demonstrated in class
  • Service and/or repair/replace defective components established in equipment specific repair manual and/or electronic service information systems
  • Diagnose root cause of problems by comparing test results to an established standard
  • Efficiently complete tasks within the expected time frame for an entry level technician

Interested in the NATE or EPA Test?

Blackhawk Technical College offers NATE and EPA testing at our Central Campus location. See below for test and cost information. 

Follow the steps below to register:

  1. To schedule a test time/date, please contact (608) 757-7635.
  2. After a test time/date has been scheduled, you will need to complete a registration form.

NATE TEST

NATE certification tests represent real world working knowledge of HVACR systems. Developed by a committee of industry experts nationwide, our NATE exams represent HVACR topics pertinent to contractors, educators, manufacturers and utilities alike. All of the NATE tests are rigorous, multiple-choice, knowledge-based tests and validate a technician’s knowledge. NATE candidates may earn Installation and/or Service certification in one or more Specialty areas.

Based on space available, testing dates are flexible. For more information on these tests and to schedule a time/date to take the test, please call (608) 757-7635.

TEST ONLY: 1 Session

Cost: $150

Site: Central Campus

Instructor: Tony Jordan 

EPA 608 TEST

Section 608 of the Federal Clean Air Act requires that all persons who maintain, service, repair or dispose of appliances that contain regulated refrigerants be certified in proper refrigerant handling techniques.

Based on space available, testing dates are flexible. For more information on these tests and to schedule a time/date to take the test, please call (608) 757-7635.

TEST ONLY: 1 Session

Cost $50

Site: Central Campus

Instructor: Tony Jordan

Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology

Highlights

Associate Degree

61 Credits

Beloit-Janesville Campus

6004 S. County Road G, Janesville, WI 53547

Related Offerings

Potential Careers

HVAC/R Service Technician

HVAC/R Installation Technician

HVAC/R Sale Representative

HVAC/R Maintenance Technician

Career Pathways

A Career Pathway is a step-by-step plan designed to lead you to career success and advancement.

1

Embedded Technical Diploma

University Transfer

Earning a bachelor’s degree has never been more convenient and affordable! We offer a variety of options for students who want to achieve a four-year degree.