Program Overview

Heating Technology

Learn the basic theory and practices of refrigeration/air conditioning and heating in the New England Tech hands-on laboratory setting. The program offers a curriculum combining two distinct but interconnected areas: refrigeration/air conditioning and heating; both in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. In the Associate in Science degree in Refrigeration/Air Conditioning/Heating (RACH) program, you will have the opportunity to share classes and collaborate with your peers in architecture, construction management, welding engineering and other allied professional trades programs

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Full Description

Refrigeration/Air Conditioning: You will begin learning basic domestic refrigerator mechanics and will progress to the most complex commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Included in the Refrigeration/Air Conditioning program are courses with intensive instruction in the mechanical and electrical control devices used in cooling systems. You will receive comprehensive training in troubleshooting and service call procedures.

Heating: In the heating portion of the program (distributed over three terms), heating systems are examined such as steam, warm air, and forced hot water. Also presented are the burners used in conjunction with these systems and their associated control circuitry. Special consideration is given to electrical wiring, heat loss calculations, and system design as they relate to a residential and commercial application. Courses are offered in the installation of heating systems, gas technology, solar heating systems,

As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared for positions as technicians in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating fields. In addition, graduates of this program are eligible to continue for a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

Obtain the knowledge and training you need to become an entry-level technician in the refrigeration and air conditioning industries. Understand the mechanics of basic domestic refrigeration as well as more complex commercial refrigeration, heating, and cooling systems. Learn the fundamentals of geothermal technology and how it is used in refrigeration and air conditioning.

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FAQ

  • What can you do with an associate degree in HVAC?

    Individuals with an associate degree in HVAC can find work as maintenance technicians, supervisors, or coordinators. They can work for contracting companies, manufacturers, refrigeration appliance installation and repair businesses, and perform both residential and commercial HVAC services.

  • Do you need a degree for HVAC?

    Though it is possible to begin work in HVAC without a degree, getting an education will provide students with the skills needed to excel in the field. A degree title will also help individuals stand out to future employers.

  • How long does it take to get a degree in HVAC?

    An HVAC degree can typically be completed at a trade school or community college through an associate degree program. The program at NEIT typically takes around 18 months to complete.

  • Is an HVAC degree worth it?

    Earning an associate degree in HVAC is worth the effort. Graduates tend to enjoy higher starting salaries and better career prospects.

Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Department

Program Mission

The mission of the Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Technology program is to provide an associate degree program that will prepare students with entry level skills in refrigeration and air conditioning. The study of thermodynamics, through theory lessons and applied labs, will prepare the student for advancement through apprenticeship programs and continued education to qualify for HVAC license tests at state and federal levels.

Program Goals

  1. To provide an appropriate learning environment to acquire theoretical knowledge, applicable hands on skills, and the interpersonal attributes to function as an entry level HVAC assistant.
  2. To prepare students to qualify for testing in HVAC competency exams and certifications.
  3. To encourage students to continue to gain additional educational knowledge and experience for a successful and rewarding career.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the RAC program will have acquired the skills to:

  1. Take pressure and temperature readings with a manifold gauge set and various temperature meters.
  2. Flare and braze copper tubing.
  3. Diagnose various problems in an HVAC system using an electrical schematic diagram and various test meters.
  4. Charge air conditioning and refrigeration systems with the proper refrigerants using manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Identify components of air conditioning and refrigeration systems and explain their function.
  6. Install and troubleshoot temperature, pressure and digital controls, including wi-fi to control residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Heating Department

Program Mission

The mission of the Heating Technology Program is to provide an integral component to the Associate Degree programs in Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning, Heating Technology and Plumbing Heating Technology. The Heating Technology program is focused on providing basic essential training to students in preparation for their entry into the fields of oil and gas heating and pipefitting. This training is designed for those students who have recently graduated from high school as well as adults who are seeking a different career path to follow. Through a combination of classroom theory and hands-on laboratory training, students are given the opportunity to acquire the skills required for entry-level employment in the heating industry.

Program Goals

The Heating Technology Program will provide the appropriate training for students to:

  1. Develop theoretical knowledge of systems, their components and function.
  2. Gain an understanding of tools and equipment used in the heating field and how to put them to proper use.
  3. Use the knowledge acquired in the classroom and display proficiency in the lab while working on equipment readily found in real-life installations.
  4. Qualify for the Rhode Island Oil Burner Journeyperson Technician’s license.
  5. Enter the workforce with the ability to interact appropriately with customers, vendors and fellow tradespersons.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Heating Department program will be able to:

  1. Exhibit knowledge of combustion efficiency testing using instruments.
  2. Demonstrate a procedure for testing electrical circuits by using a Volt-OHM-Milliamp Meter.
  3. Calculate heat loss for a single family dwelling and small commercial buildings and properly design a multi-zone series loop system for that structure.
  4. Design a fuel delivery system with natural gas and propane for a residential and light commercial application and develop a complete parts list for the installation of that system in accordance with NFPA 54.
  5. Install and troubleshoot heating controls for the following parameters: temperature, humidity, pressure and ventilation to create an efficient system.
  6. Install furnaces and boilers with ductwork and piping.

Courses Offered

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog here.