Are you ready to attend an HVAC program? If so, Interactive College of Technology is here to help. Not only do we offer three different programs, but we also offer many benefits that other technical schools don’t. So, what are the additional benefits you receive by attending ICT?
What is the Difference Between Interactive College of Technologies Programs and Other Technical Schools?
There are some main differences between ICT’s HVAC programs and other technical schools. They include:
NATE Certification
The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification proves your proficiency with commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems. Interactive College of Technology’s HVAC programs prepare you for this certification exam. It helps show employers that you have the skills to install, maintain, and repair commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems. Plus, if you want to own an HVAC business, you must pass the NATE certification to get your business license.
Another great reason to attend Interactive College of Technology is that we offer free courses to renew your NATE certification for the life of your career. You will still need to pay the certification renewal fee, but the classes that teach you all the new HVAC industry techniques and knowledge are offered by ICT free of charge.
EPA 608 Certification
Not all technical schools prepare you for the EPA 608 certification. ICT teaches you how to handle and dispose of hazardous refrigerants safely. Everyone who handles or disposes of refrigerants must be certified by the EPA.
Lifetime Job Placement
Did you know that Interactive College of Technology offers lifetime job placement? Not only does ICT help you find an apprenticeship after graduation, but we follow you throughout your career. We are here to help you when ready to move on to bigger and brighter HVAC opportunities.
Externship
In addition to classroom lecture and workshop experience, you are eligible to complete a 135-hour externship in a real-life HVAC role. You will be strictly supervised by a licensed HVAC technician and will try your hand at real-world HVAC scenarios. This also looks great on a resume, as you secure your first position as an HVAC technician.
Should I Choose the HVAC, HVAC/R or Commercial Refrigeration Program?
Do you want to work in the HVAC industry but still choosing which program to pick? Interactive College of Technology gives you three programs, each with its own specialty. These three programs include HVAC, HVAC/R, and Commercial Refrigeration.
What Curriculum is Included in an HVAC Program?
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning residential program offers training in all phases of repair and maintenance of residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. What you’ll learn in the HVAC Technician courses includes:
Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
During this course, you learn about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC fundamentals. This includes the parts and components associated with HVAC systems. Further, the curriculum focuses on the principles of heat transfer and energy efficiency. You will also learn how to install HVAC systems, how they are maintained, and the techniques to troubleshoot common HVAC problems.
Principles of Electrical Circuits
This course teaches you about the fundamental concepts and principles of electrical circuits. The curriculum covers basic circuit analysis, Ohm’s Law, Kirchoff’s Law, network theorems, circuit elements, and configurations. Further, this course focuses on A/C and D/C power systems, including resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
Ohm’s Law – describes how current flows through materials after applying different voltage levels. “Ohm’s Law states that the current flowing in a circuit is directly proportional to the applied potential difference and inversely proportional to the resistance in the circuit.” So, by doubling the voltage, you also double the current.
Kirchhoff’s Law – this law of electricity states that “…the sum of all currents flowing into a node equals the sum of currents flowing out of the node.”
HVAC/R Computer Fundamentals
This course introduces basic computing concepts involving Microsoft Windows, word processors, spreadsheets, and other computer fundamentals. The course helps you develop basic computer skills necessary in the HVAC/R field.
Low Voltage Controls and Thermostats
This HVAC course helps you identify and understand low-voltage control circuits. The class focuses on Ohm’s and Watt’s Law, how low voltage operates, pilot duty controls, parallel and series circuits, and the role of transformers.
Watt’s Law – “…defines the relationship between power, amperage, and voltage drop in an electrical circuit. Watt’s Law states that the power of an electrical circuit is the product of its voltage and current. “
Customer Service and Safety
Both customer service and safety are essential topics for HVAC technicians. Good customer service means that you understand people, have good verbal and nonverbal communication, are not defensive but self-confident, are good at customer explanation and service persuasion, and have the listening skills to manage complaints. HVAC safety topics include work hazards, injuries that may occur, and how to maintain a safe work environment. The class takes an in-depth look at OSHA standards and codes.
What Curriculum is Included in an HVAC/R Program?
The HVAC/R technician program offers training in all phases of repair and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. What you’ll learn in the HVAC/R Technician:
These are the same as the above HVAC program classes:
- Residential and Commercial Refrigeration
- HVAC/R Computer Fundamentals
- Principles of Electrical Circuits
- Low Voltage Controls and Thermostats
- Customer Service and Safety
Gas, Electric, and Heat Pump Heating Systems
This course introduces basic gas and electric heating and hydronic systems. A hydronic system heats liquid in the HVAC system, distributes the heat through tubes, and radiates the heat into the room.
HVAC Controls and Systems
This HVAC/R course teaches the concepts, theories, and applications of building controls in the HVAC industry. You will learn to identify, troubleshoot, and repair commercial refrigeration and industry building applications. The course will focus on heat transfer, heat reclaim, and how components are used in industrial and commercial applications.
Refrigeration Management and EPA Certification
This course prepares you for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifications. It focuses on CFC regulations, ozone depletion, the Clean Air Act, and the current EPA rulings and regulations.
What Curriculum is Included in a Commercial Refrigeration Program?
Our school’s training program provides a foundation in commercial refrigeration explicitly related to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. What you’ll learn in the Commercial Refrigeration courses:
The following are classes that have been reviewed in the above HVAC and HVAC/R programs:
- Customer Service & Safety
- Gas, Electric, & Heat Pump Heating Systems
- Low Voltage Controls & Thermostats
- Refrigeration Management and EPA Certification
Applied Principles of Electrical Circuits
This laboratory course puts fundamental concepts and principles of electrical circuits, regarding HVAC and refrigeration, to the test with hands-on diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical circuits. This course also offers practical experience with volts, ohms, and ammeters.
Residential and Commercial Refrigeration Systems
This course introduces commercial refrigeration and air conditioning principles and concepts. It focuses on heat transfer, the operating parameters of refrigeration systems, and the relationship between pressure and temperature.
Advanced Programmable Logic Controls (PLC)
This commercial refrigeration course introduces you to Windows software to monitor enhanced systems. You will learn to manipulate and maintain HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, and energy management systems.
Which Courses are Offered Among All Three Programs?
All three programs prepare graduates for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certifications in the management of refrigerants and North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) Certifications, designed to recognize genuinely excellent and capable HVAC/R professionals.
EPA 608 Certification – under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, HVAC technicians who install, maintain, repair, and dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants must be certified.
NATE Certification – passing this exam shows you have a real-world working knowledge of HVAC/R systems. NATE offers full certification, entry-level certification, and specialized certifications.
Want to Learn More?
An externship is a part of the HVAC training programs. It assigns you to a partnering company for 135 hours, allowing you to put your new skills to use and gain real-life career training experience. Plus, after you graduate, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will help you find work whenever needed.
Learn more about our HVAC, HVAC/R, and Commercial Refrigeration programs today! Contact us now to learn more.
