Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
6 courses · Gavilan College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
HVAC 201 Basic Electrical Theory
- Units
- 4
Students will study concepts of electricity, controls, and electrical loads found on air conditioning and refrigeration circuits. The course includes both the theory and practices of electricity applicable to the air conditioning and refrigeration industries. The course establishes a thorough understanding of electron theory, voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's law, magnetism, mathematical concepts, and common units of electrical measurements.
HVAC 202 Basic Refrigeration
- Units
- 4
Students will study concepts of the vapor compression refrigeration system. The course includes both the theory and practice applicable to the mechanical function of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The student will learn the major components and accessories of the sealed system including metering devices, evaporators, compressors and condensers. The practices for oxy-acetylene torch safety are emphasized along with different techniques for connecting tubing such as brazing and soldering copper refrigerant lines and the proper procedures for cutting, bending, swaging and flaring.
HVAC 203 Heating Systems
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- HVAC 201 and HVAC 202 with a grade of "C" or better
This course will cover gas furnaces, electric furnaces and oil heat. The students will learn about split system applications and package unit applications. Mechanical and electrical safety will be covered as well as: types of gas and fuels used, function of controls, combustion efficiency tests, gas pressure adjustment, sequence of operation, limit switches, sequencers and proper ventilation. PREREQUISITE: HVAC 201 and HVAC 202 with a grade of "C" or better.
HVAC 204 Air-Conditioning and Heat Pumps
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- HVAC 201 and HVAC 202 with a grade of "C" or better
This course provides instruction on the service and installation of Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump systems (commercial rooftop package equipment and residential split systems). Charging methods will be covered which include superheat, sub-cooling, by weight and using the manufacturers charging charts. Emphasis is placed on proper installation techniques required by code. The student will repair an air-conditioning system, using mechanical and electrical troubleshooting techniques such as electrical wiring diagram interpretation. Upon completion the student should be able to service, repair and perform preventative maintenance on residential/ commercial air-conditioning and heat pump systems. PREREQUISITE: HVAC 201 and HVAC 202 with a grade of "C" or better.
HVAC 205 Commercial Refrigeration and Ice Machines
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- HVAC 201 and HVAC 202 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory
- MATH 430
This course introduces refrigeration and applications. Topics include defrost methods, safety and operational control, refrigerant piping, refrigerant recovery and charging, and leak testing. This course covers the installation and startup of common commercial refrigeration systems. Topics include display/storage boxes or cases, walk-in systems, and supermarket racks. In addition to that this course introduces the students to commercial ice machines. Emphasis is placed on dispensing machines, ice making equipment, electrical and mechanical operation sequences, control adjustment procedures, preventative maintenance, repair, and installation procedures using a variety of refrigerants and blends. PREREQUISITE: HVAC 201 and HVAC 202 with a grade of "C" or better. Advisory: MATH 430.
HVAC 206 HVAC Controls
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- HVAC 201 and HVAC 202 with a grade of "C" or better. Advisory Eligible for MATH 430
Students will study theory, application, and operation of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control systems; including electric, pneumatic, solid state, and digital control systems. They will also study Energy Management Systems (EMS), Building Management Systems (BMS), building applications, and green technology; including fire/smoke, lighting, and heating and ventilation controls. PREREQUISITE: HVAC 201 and HVAC 202 with a grade of "C" or better. Advisory Eligible for MATH 430.