The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) graduate will be able to design residential and light commercial central heating and air conditioning systems according to load requirements, install, troubleshoot, and repair all residential and light commercial heating and air conditioning equipment, design, fabricate, and install forced air and hot water distribution systems using sheet metal, duct board, copper tubing, Wirsbo tubing, Pex tubing, PVC, and other accepted materials, install a wide range of oil and gas boilers and forced-air furnaces, design, fabricate, and install home and light commercial ventilation systems, including both exhaust and fresh air make-up exchangers. The graduate will be knowledgeable in electric theory, motor, and heating-air conditioning controls and switching relays, pumps, compressors, various design variables, and code requirements. This comprehensive program of technical and general education will give the graduate knowledge and hands-on experience in both the electrical and mechanical aspects of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This combination prepares students to build and install ductwork, and the ability to troubleshoot today’s sophisticated high-efficiency heating units.

Program Learner Outcomes

1. Student will demonstrate appropriate safety practices and procedures at all times in the classroom, shop, and building sites as required by the construction industry.
2. Student will demonstrate effective oral and written communications with all clients and customers with respect for diversity of culture, age and gender.
3. Student will draw and interpret symbols and blueprints accurately for residential and commercial HVAC projects.
4. 4. Student will apply proper design and installation techniques to residential and commercial HVAC ductwork systems.
5. 5. Student will estimate cost and site management accurately for HVAC construction projects.
6. 6. Student will demonstrate professional workplace habits including punctuality, attitudes, behaviors, and craftsmanship expected of the construction industry.
7. 7. Student will perform required tasks and duties within existing ethical and legal parameters of the construction industry.

Employment Information

Graduates of this program will find employment with heating and cooling service companies, local plumbing and heating shops, heating contractors, wholesale supply companies, and manufacturing firms.

Very fast growth in employment is projected in Minnesota over the next few years. Nationwide, above-average growth is expected. A growing concern for energy conservation should also spur the installation of new energy-saving systems in homes and buildings. As the population and economy grow, so does the demand for new residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems. This emphasis on better energy management leading to the replacement of older systems and the installation of newer systems will account for a large part of the increased demand for these technicians. In addition, the demand for maintenance and service work will increase as businesses and homeowners strive to keep systems operating at peak efficiency.

Articulation Agreements

Articulation Agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and universities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program. Northland has articulation agreements in place with the following schools:

Additional Program Information