Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology, Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology prepares students to become technicians, salespersons or contractors. Graduates have attained positions such as plant operating engineers, energy managers and air conditioning field supervisors. Graduates are qualified for employment with contracting, research, manufacturing and maintenance firms or have become self-employed.

Students receive instruction in manipulative skills, design, estimating, theory, instrumentation, electricity and control systems. Academic courses in electrical, instrumental and thermodynamic theories and practical applications in the laboratory provide students with the background necessary to become technicians and middle managers.

Students attend classes at both the Raritan Valley Community College main campus and at RVCC’s instructional site in Bridgewater (RVCC@Bridgewater). Graduates are able to:

• troubleshoot problems and utilize proper service techniques to repair heating, cooling and refrigeration systems
• use engineering manuals and programs for the proper design and selection of HVAC/R* equipment and peripheral components
• knowingly and effectively work with the latest tools and testers used in this industry for diagnosing and repairing malfunctioning HVAC/R equipment
• read wiring diagrams, pipe schematics and mechanical drawings related to air conditioning and refrigeration
• understand operating sequence and logic of controls and equipment as they work together (integrated systems approach)

* HVAC/R=heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration.