The Field

The refrigeration and air conditioning industry is a specialized field within HVAC and offers a multitude of employment opportunities to the person with appropriate training.

The industry consists of the manufacturing, selling, installing, and servicing of air conditioning and cooling units in a variety of applications. Recent emphasis on energy-efficient heating and cooling systems has generated additional employment opportunities with the following: small contractors, building maintenance, manufacturing firms, wholesale supply houses, and other service industries.

The Instructional Program

The program consists of the theoretical and practical aspects of troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing various refrigeration and air conditioning units. Domestic units and systems are covered during the first semester, and commercial units and systems are covered during the second semester.

Students in this program are affiliated with the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society. Prior to leaving in the spring semester, students are trained for and given the opportunity to take the CFC Certification Test, which is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for refrigerant handling and reclaiming.  Students will be required to furnish a set of mechanic’s hand tools.

There are a number of curriculum options at SUNY Delhi related to this field.  There is an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in HVAC (see the separate entry in this catalog for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning). There are three Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) degrees which include one year of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. There is also a one-year certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. The A.O.S. and certificate curricula are outlined below.

Refrigeration and Plumbing

A.O.S. Degree (This program can be taken in either order.)

SUNY Curriculum Code:  1159

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 62 credit hours

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have earned a high school or equivalency diploma. It is recommended that students entering this program have completed one unit of high school Mathematics Course A.

*Note: Math by placement. MATH 102 Mathematics for Applied Technology is the minimum mathematics requirement for the program.

Refrigeration and Electrical Construction

A.O.S. Degree (This program can be taken in either order.)

SUNY Curriculum Code:  1153

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 63 credit hours

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have earned a high school or equivalency diploma or be at least 18 years of age. It is recommended that students entering this program have completed one unit of high school Mathematics Course A.

*Note: Math by placement. MATH 102 Mathematics for Applied Technology is the minimum mathematics requirement for the program.

Refrigeration and Electrical Instrumentation

A.O.S. Degree

SUNY Curriculum Code:  1160

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 62 credit hours

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have earned a high school or equivalency diploma. It is recommended that students entering this program have completed one unit of high school Mathematics Course A.

*Note: Math by placement. MATH 102 Mathematics for Applied Technology is the minimum mathematics requirement for the program.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Certificate

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0957

Successful completion of the certificate will allow a student to transfer all courses to the A.O.S. option should he/she decide to continue.

First Semester

Second Semester

Certificate Requirement: 33 credit hours

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have earned a high school or equivalency diploma. It is recommended that students entering this program have completed one unit of high school Mathematics Course A.

*Note: Math by placement. MATH 102 Mathematics for Applied Technology is the minimum mathematics requirement for the program.

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program should be able to:

1. Understand and discuss fundamental refrigeration principles, including trade tools, gas laws, pressure/temperature relationship, heat transfer, refrigerants, compression cycle, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, refrigeration oils, desiccants and driers, evacuation, and safe handling of refrigerants.
2. Demonstrate a hands-on knowledge of the refrigeration system including skills in servicing, analyzing, problem solving, and pertinent safety practices.
3. Understand the basic electricity knowledge necessary to HVAC mechanics.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the equipment and specific topics associated with commercial refrigeration systems.
5. Demonstrate a knowledge of air conditioning principles and air conditioning systems, including room air conditioners, air conditioning systems, heat pumps, low-voltage thermostats, and hydronics.
6. Apply the knowledge necessary to accurately troubleshoot air conditioning systems. 
7. Demonstrate hands-on skills in the installation and servicing of a wide variety of air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment and systems in a safe manner.
8. Understand and apply the fundamentals of gas and arc welding as they apply to the refrigeration and air conditioning field. 
9. Recognize and respond to emergencies by making appropriate decisions regarding first-aid care.