DCTS - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Program Overview

HVAC professionals are instrumental in ensuring that homes and buildings function properly on a daily basis. The HVAC program introduces students to the basic concepts of residential and commercial work. With an emphasis on safety, students work with copper, black pipe, electric, and full HVAC systems.

Topics covered include selecting and ordering materials, supplies, tools, codes, blueprint reading, and low voltage wiring. Students learn about safety, tools, residential work, blueprints, and basic HVAC systems. Students are taught in compliance with the International Code Council (ICC) Mechanical, Fuel Gas Code and the Residential Construction Academy (RCA) industry standards.

* Blueprint Reading is a required course for this program of study.

Skill Alignment Chart (Click to Expand)

Educational & Physical Attributes	Expectations
Program Safety & Physical Considerations	A focus on safety around HVAC equipment found in the industry Ability to work independently, read & follow directions Able to lift 50 lbs Good eye hand coordination Stamina to stand for long periods of time Ability to work in small, cramped, dark & damp spaces Able to distinguish colors
Essential APTITUDES for this lab–Recommended Levels	Finger & manual dexterity Motor coordination Visual & spatial thinking skills Strong math skills Mechanical reasoning Troubleshooting Proficient communication skills Ability to work productively in a team
Reading	Explain the main ideas or draw accurate conclusions after reading text Follow a complex multi–step procedure independently Evaluate how key words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts Comprehend written text and apply it to understand tables, charts, and other visuals Learn and apply content–specific symbols correctly Apply content–specific vocabulary correctly Identify and explain how different ideas connect throughout text Read and understand diagnostic and schematic data to solve a problem Compare & contrast information in a text Summarize information from different written resources By the end of grades 9–10 & 11–12 read & comprehend technical texts independently & proficiently Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis & conclusions in a technical text
Writing	Write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience Produce clear & coherent writing Write with awareness to audience using program–specific vocabulary Write routinely over short/long time frames for a range of tasks, purposes & audiences Clearly convey with precision step–by–step work completed Write fast–paced, accurate work reports Use technology to produce, publish or share writing
Math Levels	Numbers and Operations: Grade 6 – Fluency in operations with whole numbers and decimals Grade 6 – Fraction computations Grade 6 – Representing negative values Grade 7 – Fraction to decimal conversion Grade 7 – Percent and ratio problems Grade 8 – Decimals to rational number (fraction) conversion Algebra 1 – Problem solving with real world units, including conversions Measurement: NG – Units: English Metric Precision: Nearest 1 inch Grade 7 – Area, volume surface area of objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and right prisms Algebraic Concepts: Grade 8 – Slope Algebra 1 – Analyze graphs – include those with different scales Geometric Concepts: Grade 7 – Angle measure problems (supplementary, complementary, adjacent, angles of a triangle, parallel lines cut by transversal) Grade 7 – Scale drawings of geometric figures Geometry – Scale models and drawings Data and Probability: Algebra 1 – Interpret data on various displays – use to make predictions
Theory Time	Approximately 1.5 hours/day
Homework	Occasional if not done in class
Lab Time	4 hours/day
Tests	Textbook chapter assessments Industry Certifications OSHA 10 EPA 608 Ladder Certification CSST Gas Lines NOCTI (mandatory for all CTE programs)
POS Academics and Electives Recommended	College English is a component of the DCTS program. Algebra I
Study & Other Skills	Ability to read diagrams and follow manuals. Interpersonal skills Active listening Critical thinking skills
Technology Skills/Knowledge	Use and navigate school–issued laptop Web navigation Email management Navigate learning management system and instructional technology tools Video conferencing
Certifications Offered	EPA OSHA CSST Gas Ladder
Post–Secondary Options and Continuing Ed	Employment Apprenticeship Trade School Associates HVAC B.A. Engineering

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

CIP Code

Possible Careers

Potential Certifications

Articulated Credits

Program Overview