Air Conditioning & Heating Technology

AOS Degree - Code #0464

George Richardson, Program Coordinator

Email: richargh@alfredstate.edu

The air conditioning and heating courses deal with all phases of residential and commercial installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. It includes forced air, hot water and steam heating, gas and oil burner systems, along with hands-on air conditioning and heat pump technology.

The plumbing aspect of the program provides instruction in the basic skills required by the plumber in the construction of residential housing and commercial buildings. The program ranges from the installation of waste and sewage lines to the installation of potable water lines and plumbing fixtures.

The program provides the necessary theory connected with plumbing and HVAC, as well as on-the-job training experience overseen by tradesmen.

Students will take the National Refrigerant Handling Certification Course and Test and the National ARI HVAC (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning) Competency Test.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Accurately measure and layout PHVAC (plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) projects.
• Apply safe practices to hand tools, power tools, and the environment.
• Select and apply the various materials used in the PHVAC trade.
• Perform appropriate trade related math including interpretation of charts and graphs.
• Perform installation service and trouble shooting of fuels, emergency sources, and systems used in residential and commercial PHVAC.
• Effectively communicate orally.
• Use the computer to access equipment information and operating specifications.
• Effectively communicate in writing.

DIRECT ENTRY INTO BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM

Alfred State air conditioning and heating technology graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program.

OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Maintenance Personnel or Supervisor
• Sheet Metal Fabricator
• Sales Representative
• Pipe Fitter
• Sprinkler Installer
• HVAC Mechanic or Troubleshooter
• Water or Sewer Plant Operator
• Private Contractor

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Employment and transfer rate of 100 percent – 90 percent are employed; 10 percent transferred to continue their education.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Building Trades: Building Construction

Masonry

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended: Algebra

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Applicants in the air conditioning and heating technology program must meet the following physical requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height.
• Must be able to perform safely in the laboratory.
• Must be able to communicate orally with a person 20 feet away.
• Must be able to climb a ladder and/or able to climb, un-aided, onto and off of equipment using three points of contact.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to visually read from a blueprint or drawing.
• Must be able to hear a backup warning alarm.