Study guide: HVAC Technician
Read these alongside the lessons. The reading list is free, official material from the agencies and code bodies that set the rules. The key terms and practice questions come from each lesson.
Reading list
- EPA: Section 608 refrigerant management Technician certification types, venting prohibition, recovery and the refrigerant rules.
- EPA: Technology transitions (HFC phasedown and A2L refrigerants)
- ICC free code access (IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IECC) Read the model codes free online. Check which edition your state or city adopted.
- NFPA free access (NEC / NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 54 and more) Free read-only access to NFPA codes after registering.
- CDC: Carbon monoxide poisoning
- ENERGY STAR
- OSHA: Electrical safety
- OSHA: Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
- ACCA: Manual J residential load calculation
- Apprenticeship.gov: find a registered apprenticeship
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: HVAC mechanics and installers What the work is, pay, training and job outlook.
Codes are adopted by each state and city, sometimes with changes. Check the edition and rules for where you work on the course page ("Rules where you work").
Introduction to HVACR
The trade and career paths, EPA 608 certification and refrigerant rules, and safety.
3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.
Trade Math, Electricity and Controls
HVAC math, electricity for HVAC, and reading wiring diagrams and thermostat controls.
3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.
Heating Systems
Gas furnaces, boilers and hydronic heat, electric heat, and combustion, venting and carbon monoxide.
3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.
Cooling and the Refrigeration Cycle
The refrigeration cycle, pressure-temperature relationships, refrigerants, and superheat and subcooling.
3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.
Air Distribution, Loads and Indoor Air Quality
Ducts, airflow and static pressure, load calculations and sizing, and filters and indoor air quality.
3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.
Piping, Brazing and Refrigerant Handling
Copper tubing, flares and brazing; pressure testing, evacuation and leak testing; recovery and charging.
3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.
Heat Pumps and Mini-Splits
How heat pumps heat and cool, defrost and auxiliary heat, and installing ductless mini-splits.
2 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.
Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Customer Service
Preventive maintenance, electrical troubleshooting of capacitors, contactors and motors, and service calls.
3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.