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Get the Skills to Be a Professional Refrigeration & HVAC Technician

An IntelliTec College Refrigeration and HVAC student is working on an air conditioner and smiling for the camera
Earn an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree for a career as a Refrigeration and HVAC Technician in 18* months with IntelliTec

18 Month* Hands-On Refrigeration & HVAC Technician Training Program in Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Refrigeration and HVAC Technician program is designed to give you the confidence and skills you need to succeed in your new career.

At IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs, you’ll learn how to install, maintain and repair heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. You’ll also build professional customer service skills that will benefit your future success.


Refrigeration & HVAC Technician

$53,080 median annual salary***

  • 30% Job Growth Over Next 10 Years
  • Graduates hired by plumbing, heating, & air-conditioning contractors
  • 2 Certification Tracks (Including Mechanic IV Licensing & EPA)
  • Advance into HVAC Engineering, Project Management, Wholesale Trade and much more!

*** https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/49-9021.00?st=CO&g=Go visited on November 26, 2020. Salary source for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Colorado with lowest 10% earning $34,020 to the highest 10% of workers earning $78,110.

What Does a Refrigeration & HVAC Technician Do?

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often referred to as HVAC-R Technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. They may use blueprints or specifications to install or repair HVAC-R systems, inspect and maintain HVAC-R systems, and repair or replace worn and defective parts. Technicians may also connect systems to fuel and water supply lines or install electrical wiring and controls.

Colorado Springs HVAC-R Job Opportunities

  • Refrigeration Technician
  • HVAC Service Technician
  • HVAC Control Technician
  • HVAC Mechanic or HVAC Installer
  • Heating Equipment Technician
  • Facility Maintenance Technician
  • Environmental Maintenance Technician
  • and more!
This school has helped me get my career started and find my dream job.
Steven Whitmire, IntelliTec Refrigeration & HVAC Technician Program Graduate - Colorado Springs Campus, September 2018

Is a Professional Trades Career Right for You? Take the IntelliTec 'Trades Career Training Readiness Quiz'

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Trades Career Training Readiness score now >>

Refrigeration & HVAC Technician Salary Potential

IntelliTec Colorado Springs provides career-training programs for entry-level positions. Salaries vary depending on geographic location, economic conditions, and willingness to relocate. Salaries by occupation and specific location can be found on the O*NET website. National figures for labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy are available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can also visit the campus career services department to learn where IntelliTec College graduates work and the beginning salaries in their respective careers.

How Is the Job Outlook for the Next 10 Years?

According to the US Department of Labor, job opportunities for qualified applicants with computer and electronics familiarity and good troubleshooting skills will have the best opportunities as employers continue to have difficulty finding qualified technicians to install, maintain, and repair complex new systems.

When Do HVAC-R Technicians Usually Work?

The average HVAC-R Technician works 8 hours a day during normal working hours (approximately 8:00 am – 4:00 pm or 9:00 am – 5:00 pm). During extreme weather patterns, most HVAC-R techs are offered overtime hours during nights and weekends.

Get All the Important Details

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Colorado Springs

The Refrigeration & HVAC Associate of Occupational Studies Degree program in Colorado Springs is designed to develop the skills and knowledge for entry-level employment as an HVAC-R Technician in the commercial, residential, or industrial refrigeration and heating industry. Graduates are prepared to sit for Mechanic IV Licensing, EPA Certification, and additional certifications.

Locations:

Program length: 18 Months*

SKILLS & TRAINING

Hands-on skills students learn in the classroom and lab settings include:

  • Installation and operation of electrical controls operation
  • Maintenance & repair of residential & commercial heating and air systems
  • Refrigerant recovery and evacuation
  • Operation, maintenance, & repair of commercial refrigeration systems
  • Diagnosis of pressure sensing devices of programmable control systems and the diagnosis of mechanical control systems
  • Troubleshooting of chilled-water systems & water tower systems & pumps
  • Customer service and professional confidence Installation of domestic & commercial water heaters & HVAC systems
  • Combustion analysis and blueprint reading

Refrigeration & HVAC Technician Program Gainful Employment Disclosures: Colorado Springs | Grand Junction

AOS DEGREE COURSES

Here’s what will you learn in the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree program:

Organizational Communication & Etiquette

COM-110 Organizational Communication & Etiquette

The course examines the role of communication and etiquette in organizations. Concepts like teamwork, ethics and diversity are addressed as they relate to organizational effectiveness. Basic workplace technology, including Microsoft Office, is also covered.

Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): None

Business English

ENG-110 Business English

This course emphasizes principles and techniques for organizing, writing, and revising documents for industry, business, and government. This course includes grammar and writing mechanics. Resume writing and job interview techniques are taught and practiced.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): None

Fundamentals of Electricity

EL-101 Fundamentals of Electricity

This course is designed to introduce the student to the production, transmission, and safe use of common electricity. OHM’s Law and other pertinent laws of electricity will be discussed and practiced so the student will develop a knowledge and respect for electricity. Students will understand that circuit development and distribution lay the groundwork for understanding electricity. Topics include voltage, amperage, watts, and resistance as well as proper identification, application and measurement.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): None

Fundamentals of Electricity II

EL-102 Fundamentals of Electricity II

This course is intended to further enhance the student’s knowledge of electricity as it pertains to HVAC/R. The student should become familiar with applications of simple parallel and series circuits along with proper wiring practices for controls and devices as they practice in a hands-on lab environment. Safety is a primary concern when working with electricity and is emphasized at every opportunity throughout the course.


Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): None
Basic Automatic Controls

AR-201 Basic Automatic Controls

This course is designed to help develop familiarity and understanding of electrical current flow as it is used in many types of automatic controls and its effect as it interacts with various components of a control circuit. Studies will include the style, type, application and operation of various controls common to the HVAC/R occupational field. The student will also develop a basic understanding of heating and cooling controls as well as troubleshooting controls and control circuits commonly found in commercial and residential heating and cooling applications.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): EL-101, EL-102

Electric Motors & Controls

AR-202 Electric Motors & Controls

Students will gain an understanding of controls to include a familiarity with electrical motors and the related automatic controls. Types of motors and their applications will be explored along with the controls and applications commonly found in the HVAC/R occupational field. Motors are manufactured in many voltages and configurations to fit the HVAC/R equipment. Students will learn proper identification, application and operation as well as the proper maintenance and installation methods.

Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): EL-101, EL-102

Basic Gas Furnaces & Safety

AR-203 Basic Gas Furnaces & Safety

This course segment introduces the student to the different styles and types of gas heating appliances most commonly encountered in the residential and light commercial trade areas. Fundamentals of industry standards for the installation, operation, and maintenance of common systems will be covered in detail as well as in-depth industry safety practice programs to include gas detection, carbon monoxide detection and all preventative measures for safe operations.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-201, AR-202

Advanced Gas Furnaces & Codes

AR-204 Advanced Gas Furnaces & Codes

This course provides an in-depth study of the different designs and requirements for proper installation per the International Fuel Gas Code standards and the International Mechanical Code installation requirements. Students will gain an understanding of how installation requirements change as new equipment is made available. Newer types of equipment and methods will be discussed as well as the code issues that surround the installation. Students will learn how to read and comprehend codebooks within this course.


Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-201, AR-202
Heating Fuels & Combustion Analysis

AR-205 Heating Fuels & Combustion Analysis

This course is intended to educate the student in understanding the cost involved with heating appliances and the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Students will learn about the environment and the impact of our carbon footprint, as well as the Federal regulations that require proper use of fuels and energy efficiency standards are published for use in using gas appliances. Studies of the economic impact, as compared to the use of different fuels, will be discussed. Students will learn that combustion analysis is the study of fuel efficiency as used in today’s modern furnaces.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-203, AR-204

Customer Service for HVAC/R Technicians

AR-206 Customer Service for HVAC/R Technicians

This course introduces the importance of good customer service skills that are necessary when working in the HVAC/R field. The student will gain an understanding of the position of “company representative” when doing field service work. Students will learn various methods to assist them in becoming the best employee they can be as well as how to handle customer complaints in an effective manner.

Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): None

Alternative Heating Systems

AR-207 Alternative Heating Systems

This course has been designed to introduce other sources used for space heating. The student will gain an understanding of hot water heating and radiant heating as well as solar and geothermal systems. Useful and practical systems, as well as the potential for their uses, are discussed as all manufacturers are looking for cost effective products.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): None

Hydronic & Pumps

AR-208 Hydronic & Pumps

This alternative heating course focuses on the hydronics and pumps that are being used widely on large single family and apartment complexes today. Students will gain an understanding of how the basic systems, valves, zones and thermostats heat water as well as how modern pumps of all types are used in conjunction with a variety of designs to achieve the desired circulation of the water and heating of rooms. The student will discuss and observe the normal operations and control circuits for wiring and repairs as well as troubleshooting.


Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): None
Refrigeration Theory & EPA Certification

AR-209 Refrigeration Theory & EPA Certification

This course is designed as the basic introduction to refrigeration. Students will gain an understanding of the physics and practical application of refrigeration theory. Students learn about the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and their role in overseeing all refrigerant usage. An overview of EPA guidelines is provided to students as well as EPA Certification Exam Study guides and study materials to assist in preparing them to take and pass the EPA Certification Exam.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): Co-requisite(s): AR-201

Basic Refrigeration Systems

AR-210 Basic Refrigeration Systems

This course is designed to educate students in the basic operation of most commonly found refrigeration systems. Mechanical applications, operations, maintenance and repairs as well as basic controls, motors, fans, and pressures will be studied. Students continue to learn in a hands-on laboratory environment practicing maintenance on Refrigeration trainers to help the students learn basic systems.

Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): Co-requisite(s): AR-202

Advanced Refrigerations

AR-215 Advanced Refrigerations

This course is intended to educate the student on the importance of developing proficiency in the maintenance and repair of commercial and domestic refrigeration systems to include components, application, function and diagnosis of the mechanical refrigeration equipment.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): Co-requisite(s): AR-209 & AR-210

Advanced Refrigeration II

AR-216 Advanced Refrigeration II

This course continues to develop proficiency in the maintenance and repair of commercial and domestic refrigeration systems. Students continue to gain skills in control systems, components, application, function and diagnosis of the mechanical refrigeration equipment.


Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-209 & AR-210
Residential Air Conditioning

AR-217 Residential Air Conditioning

The student will develop familiarity and a basic proficiency with split system air conditioning to include operating conditions and troubleshooting, identifying controls of air conditioning, and heat pump systems.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-209, AR-210

Commercial A/C Systems

AR-218 Commercial A/C Systems

The student will develop familiarity and a basic proficiency with package air conditioning to include operating conditions and troubleshooting of chilled-water systems, water tower systems and pumps, and variable refrigerant flow and air volume.


Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-209, AR-210
Commercial Refrigeration

AR-219 Commercial Refrigeration

The student will develop familiarity and a basic proficiency with package air conditioning to include operating conditions and troubleshooting of chilled-water systems, water tower systems and pumps, and variable refrigerant flow and air volume.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-209, AR-210

Commercial Refrigeration II

AR-220 Commercial Refrigeration II

Students learn commercial refrigeration practices found in a variety of equipment such as commercial reach-ins, walk-ins, rack refrigeration, and other commercial applications. Proficiency is developed in operations and maintenance.

Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-209, AR-210

Pneumatics & Controls

AR-223 Pneumatics & Controls

The student will develop familiarity and a basic understanding of industrial level controllers as they apply to commercial/industrial HVAC systems. Specifically, the student will learn the function and diagnosis of the pressure sensing devices and controls in pneumatics.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): AR-209 & AR-210

Advanced Control Systems

AR-224 Advanced Control Systems

The student will develop familiarity and a basic understanding of industrial level controllers as they apply to commercial/industrial HVAC systems. Specifically, the student will learn the function and diagnosis of pressure sensing devices of programmable control systems and the function and diagnosis of mechanical control systems.


Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): AR-201, AR-202
Duct Design & Blueprint Reading

BP-110 Duct Design & Blueprint Reading

After successful completion of this course, students will be familiar with duct design, air balancing, air pressure testing and blueprint reading for the HVAC industry in most residential and commercial equipment.

Credit Hours: 4.5
Prerequisite(s): None

Performing Load Calculations

BP-210 Performing Load Calculations

After successful completion of this course, the students will be able to view and interpret basic mechanical blueprints to perform basic block load calculations as they apply to the HVAC industry. A green awareness component provides environmental knowledge on how we impact the carbon footprint in the HVAC/R industry.


Credit Hours: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): BP-110
College and Career Readiness

CCR-100 College and Career Readiness

College and Career Readiness is the first six-week course designed to prepare students for Career Training Success. Classes meet 20 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. Class times available are either 9:00am – 2:00pm for day time students and 5:00pm – 10:00pm for night time students.

Credit Hours: 8
Prerequisite(s): None

Advanced Career Development

ACD-150 Advanced Career Development

Advanced Career Development is offered toward the end of your program and is designed to prepare students for Career Success. Classes meet for a total of 15 hours during the scheduled term.

Credit Hours: 1
Prerequisite(s): None

Is Hands-On Training for a Career as a Refrigeration & HVAC Technician in Colorado Springs Right for You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in exploring whether IntelliTec Colorado Springs’ educational training programs for career opportunities in the Refrigeration & HVAC industry are right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

A helpful IntelliTec College Admissions Representative will be happy to answer any questions you have about IntelliTec Colorado Springs and can help with everything from determining the right career path for you to discussing financial aid options.

*Program length when completed as designed.