HVAC/R Technology Program Description
(formerly Refrigeration, Heating & A/C Technology)

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC/R) program trains technicians to install, maintain, and repair residential, commercial, and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. They follow blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturers instructions to install motors, compressors, condensing units, and evaporators, connect equipment to duct work, refrigerant lines and electrical power sources, charge the system with refrigerant, and check for proper operation. Technicians also diagnose problems, test and overhaul compressors, relays, and thermostats, and do required chlorofluor-carbon refrigerants and all the new refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. They use a variety of pipe cutters, benders, acetylene torches, voltmeters, thermometers, pressure gauges, and manometers to check air flow, refrigerant pressure electrical circuits.

To pursue a career as a HVAC/R technician, you must be courteous, tactful, in good physical condition because you are sometimes required to lift heavy equipment and work in awkward, cramped positions, detail-oriented, and able to work independently. A basic understanding of shop math, mechanical drawing, applied physics and chemistry, electronics blueprint reading, and microelectronics is helpful. Although this program is not intended to be transferable to a four-year college, many of the courses will transfer. Discuss this with your advisor.

Program Accreditation:
The HVAC/R programs at Illinois Central College are fully accredited by the PAHRA (Partnership of Air Conditioning and Heating and Refrigeration Accreditation). The PAHRA is supported by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the American Society of Heating and Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Council of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators (CARE), the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association (GAMA), the Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), and the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC).