OVERVIEW

Program Overview

This three-year HVAC advanced diploma program will provide you with an understanding of the factors involved in designing, building, controlling and maintaining energy-efficient building environmental systems. The first two years of the program will give you practical skills through hands-on projects in the shops. You will be working on a wide range of furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and other appliances in our labs. In the third year, there is an additional focus on commercial systems.

FULL DESCRIPTION

Rising fuel costs, indoor air quality and climate change are all factors in raising awareness of the true cost of energy, and the need for energy-efficient building environmental system design, construction and maintenance.

This HVAC program has been developed to address the current and future needs of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. In the first two years, you will study residential and some light commercial systems. In the third year, there is an additional focus on commercial systems.

You will develop a firm understanding of the factors involved in designing, building, controlling and maintaining energy-efficient building environmental systems for a wide variety of requirements.

The program covers the basics of air system and hydronic (water) system theory, required to design distribution systems and select appropriate fans, pumps, heating and cooling plants, and system controls for larger buildings.

The program follows industry-standard design practices for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient residential, commercial and industrial systems, as established by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Canada Green Building Council.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Relate effectively to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration supervisors, coworkers and customers.
2. Comply with applicable acts, regulations, legislation and codes to maintain personal and public safety.
3. Solve scientific, mathematical and engineering problems related to designing, operating and installing energy systems for commercial and industrial complexes.
4. Prepare and analyze detailed drawings, and compile technical specifications for energy systems.
5. Design, operate and install energy systems for commercial and industrial complexes.
6. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.