Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology (AHR) curriculum provides the basic knowledge for developing skills fundamental to working with residential and light commercial systems. Graduates can assist in the start-up, preventive maintenance, service, repair, and installation of residential and light commercial systems. A.A.S. graduates also can articulate an understanding of system selection, air balancing, building automation, system applications, and indoor air quality.
Topics include heating, comfort cooling, refrigeration, electricity, and schematic diagrams, along with residential and commercial controls methodologies. Two nationally recognized certificates in Building Automation are available, along with EPA 608 certification, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency for all technicians who handle refrigerants.
Most classes include extensive hands-on exposure and training with industry tools and instruments working on equipment types such as air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, mini-splits, and advanced, computer-controlled systems. Safety is integral to all coursework. Students are immersed in discussions around the mechanical and fuel gas codes, residential system sizing, advanced comfort systems, and indoor air quality, among other discipline discussions.
Throughout the program, students are exposed to the Critical Core, an articulated pathway for students to achieve proficiency in Critical Thinking, Communication (Written & Oral), Personal Growth & Cultural Literacy, and Information Technology & Quantitative Literacy. The Critical Core empowers all AHR students to achieve academic, professional, and personal success.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology (A35100)
Degree Awarded
An A.A.S. Degree in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Completion of a high school diploma is required for entering A.A.S. program.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program is in the Skilled Trades Division. For more information, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.2722, ext. 7431, or the Skilled Trades division at 704.330.4424.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Take 1 course from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| AHR 110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 5.0 |
| AHR 111 | HVACR Electricity | 3.0 |
| AHR 112 | Heating Technology | 4.0 |
| AHR 113 | Comfort Cooling | 4.0 |
| AHR 213 | HVACR Building Code | 2.0 |
| AHR 114 | Heat Pump Technology | 4.0 |
| AHR 115 | Refrigeration Systems | 2.0 |
| AHR 211 | Residential System Design | 3.0 |
| AHR 235 | Refrigeration Design | 3.0 |
| AHR 212 | Advanced Comfort Systems | 4.0 |
| Other Major Requirements | ||
| AHR 130 | HVAC Controls | 3.0 |
| AHR 160 | Refrigerant Certification | 1.0 |
| AHR 180 | HVACR Customer Relations | 1.0 |
| AHR 255 | Indoor Air Quality | 2.0 |
| AHR 215 | Commercial HVAC Controls | 2.0 |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Print Reading-Construction | ||
| Basic Construction Skills | ||
| Residential Wiring | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Diagrams and Schematics | ||
| Basic Welding Processes | ||
| Small Business Management | ||
| Total Credits | 65 | |
Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Diploma (D35100-D1)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3.0 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| AHR 110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 5.0 |
| AHR 111 | HVACR Electricity | 3.0 |
| AHR 130 | HVAC Controls | 3.0 |
| AHR 160 | Refrigerant Certification | 1.0 |
| AHR 180 | HVACR Customer Relations | 1.0 |
| AHR 255 | Indoor Air Quality | 2.0 |
| AHR 112 | Heating Technology | 4.0 |
| AHR 113 | Comfort Cooling | 4.0 |
| AHR 114 | Heat Pump Technology | 4.0 |
| AHR 211 | Residential System Design | 3.0 |
| AHR 213 | HVACR Building Code | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 38 | |
Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology CertificateS (C35100)
- Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in Refrigeration Systems (C35100-C5)
- Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in Apartment/Rental Maintenance (C35100-C9)
- Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in HVAC-R Industry Introduction (C35100-11)
- Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in Residential Service (C35100-13)
Requirements
- Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is encouraged as the foundation of a career in this area.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program is in the Skilled Trades Division. For more information, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.2722, ext. 7431, the Skilled Trades division at 704.330.4424., or a Student Success Navigator at 704.330.2722 ext. 6100.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in Refrigeration Systems (C35100-C5)
| Major Requirements | ||
| AHR 110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 5.0 |
| AHR 111 | HVACR Electricity | 3.0 |
| AHR 130 | HVAC Controls | 3.0 |
| AHR 180 | HVACR Customer Relations | 1.0 |
| AHR 115 | Refrigeration Systems | 2.0 |
| AHR 235 | Refrigeration Design | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in Apartment/Rental Maintenance (C35100-C9)
| Major Requirements | ||
| AHR 110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 5.0 |
| AHR 160 | Refrigerant Certification | 1.0 |
| AHR 180 | HVACR Customer Relations | 1.0 |
| ELC 113 | Residential Wiring | 4.0 |
| WOL 110 | Basic Construction Skills | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in HVAC-R Industry Introduction (C35100-11)
| Major Requirements | ||
| AHR 110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 5.0 |
| AHR 111 | HVACR Electricity | 3.0 |
| AHR 130 | HVAC Controls | 3.0 |
| AHR 160 | Refrigerant Certification | 1.0 |
| AHR 180 | HVACR Customer Relations | 1.0 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Certificate Specialization in Residential Service (C35100-13)
| Major Requirements | ||
| AHR 112 | Heating Technology | 4.0 |
| AHR 113 | Comfort Cooling | 4.0 |
| AHR 114 | Heat Pump Technology | 4.0 |
| AHR 255 | Indoor Air Quality | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Suggested Course Sequences
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AHR 110 | Introduction to Refrigeration | 5.0 |
| AHR 111 | HVACR Electricity | 3.0 |
| AHR 130 | HVAC Controls | 3.0 |
| AHR 160 | Refrigerant Certification | 1.0 |
| AHR 180 | HVACR Customer Relations | 1.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| WOL 110 | Basic Construction Skills | 3.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C35100-11. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term II | ||
| AHR 112 | Heating Technology | 4.0 |
| AHR 113 | Comfort Cooling | 4.0 |
| AHR 213 | HVACR Building Code (spring term only) | 2.0 |
| AHR 255 | Indoor Air Quality (spring term only) | 2.0 |
| BPR 130 | Print Reading-Construction | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term III | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 110 or MAT 171 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy or Precalculus Algebra | 3.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| WBL 111 or WBL 112 | Work-Based Learning I (alternate technical elective) or Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Term IV | ||
| AHR 114 | Heat Pump Technology | 4.0 |
| AHR 115 | Refrigeration Systems (fall term only) | 2.0 |
| AHR 211 | Residential System Design | 3.0 |
| HIS 111 | World Civilizations I | 3.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term V | ||
| AHR 235 | Refrigeration Design (spring term only) | 3.0 |
| AHR 212 | Advanced Comfort Systems | 4.0 |
| AHR 215 | Commercial HVAC Controls (spring term only) | 2.0 |
| ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |