Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
13 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
ACR 5 Electrical Applications
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ACR 21
- Transfers to
- CSU
The course focuses on basic electrical theory and training in installing, servicing, troubleshooting, and operating electrical control systems for air conditioning and refrigeration technology with the use of electrical diagrams. Single phase and three phase electrical power for air conditioning and refrigeration systems are covered in classroom discussions and laboratory assignments.
ACR 6 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Control Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ACR 5 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Advisory
- ACR 21
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores control system theory, electrical components and complex control systems with emphasis on supervisory control systems which employ direct digital, proportional and integral control modes and theoretical faults. The course provides the foundational skills required to analyze and service basic circuits as well as, complex analog control circuitry.
ACR 21 Air Conditioning Fundamentals
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to introduce students to air conditioning and refrigeration theory and provide an overview of the skills needed for employment in the industry. Topics introduced include safety, air conditioning system operation and components, brazing, electrical applications, service tools, and equipment.
ACR 23 Commercial Refrigeration Applications
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ACR 21 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores refrigeration theory, characteristics of refrigerants, temperature and pressure, tools and equipment, soldering, brazing, commercial refrigeration systems, system components, compressors, evaporators, and metering devices. Instruction will include charging commercial systems with new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refrigerants and evaluate the proper operation of systems. Troubleshooting techniques are explained with the use of wiring diagrams and electric meters. Topics include learning to service and troubleshoot commercial refrigeration ice machines, coolers, walk-ins, refrigerators, and freezers. Students will be introduced to a variety of commercial refrigeration systems and components.
ACR 25 Energy Efficient Residential, Commercial and Industrial Air Conditioning
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ACR 21 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers energy efficient green technology (high efficiency), advanced residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning. Labs include the use of air conditioning test equipment, installation, repair and maintenance of various types of air conditioning systems. Topics include various techniques of troubleshooting electrical and mechanical problems; equipment operational efficiencies and building envelope condition; performing indoor air-quality and system efficiency testing; and system airflow and operational efficiencies.
ACR 27 Heating Technologies
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 5 or 21 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the principles of gas, electric, radiant and boiler operated heating systems. Classroom discussions focus on maintenance, repair and service techniques for furnaces, steam and hot water boilers. Laboratory exercises emphasize the use of test instruments and safety controls.
ACR 30 Electric Controls
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ACR 21 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the study of electrical and electronic components, motors, and circuitry for air conditioning and refrigeration controls. Students apply theoretical principles in diagnosing electrical and electronic problems and safely make necessary repairs to refrigeration, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Energy efficiency practices and process related to electronic and electronic controls is the focus of this course.
ACR 31 HVAC Electronics
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ACR 5 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Advisory
- ACR 21
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, the fundamentals of Direct Digital Controls (DDC) used in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) systems are presented. The topics covered include DDC system components, single and multi-function electronic controls, DDC and pneumatic Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, variable speed motors, controllers, programmable and configurable logic controller operation and application, introduction to communication protocols, and electronic diagram interpretation.
ACR 34 HVAC Customer Service and Industry Certifications
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
- Advisory
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 21
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is a course in Heating, Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) customer service. Topics include communication skills, problem solving, interview skills, refrigerant recovery and recycling, laws, regulations and energy efficiency. Students learn vital workplace skills through designed exercises as well as how employers evaluate these skills. Students are introduced to preparatory resources for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 and Section 609 Technician Certifications, and North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certifications.
ACR 61 Fundamentals of Automation Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ACR 21 or ACR 31
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of automation, commissioning, re-commissioning, retro-commissioning, installation, service and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems for the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) industry. This course includes a review of automation system communication protocols and unit supervisory level programming.
ACR 62 Energy Control and Optimization Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ACR 61 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, students will apply knowledge gained to develop, plan, direct, implement, optimize, and sustain system energy efficiency and control in single and multi-site locations. Course topics include direct digital controls, programmable controls, configurable controllers, multi-zone systems, communication protocols, control system commissioning, logic circuits, object and property program structure, and interoperability.
ACR 95 Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 95abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.
ACR 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Air Conditioning and Refrigeration projects (54 hours per unit).