Program Overview – rapidproacademy.com

10-WEEK HVAC PROGRAM

Your fast track to a high-demand career. Master the essential theory and gain crucial hands-on skills in our comprehensive 10-week certification course.

Curriculum Outline: Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week 1: HVAC Fundamentals & Safety

Core concepts, terminology, and mandatory safety training.

➤Introduction to thermodynamics and heat transfer principles.
➤OSHA and EPA safety guidelines, proper tool usage, and ladder safety.
➤Overview of residential and commercial HVAC system types (furnaces, boilers, central air).

Week 2: Basic Refrigeration Principles

Understanding the mechanical heart of cooling systems.

➤The four main components: compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator. .
➤Refrigerant types, pressure-temperature relationships, and the refrigeration cycle.
➤Safe handling, recovery, and disposal procedures (EPA 608 focus).

Week 3: Electrical Systems & Diagnostics

Mastering the circuits, components, and fundamental laws.

➤Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, and basic electrical theory. .
➤Reading and interpreting wiring diagrams and schematics. .
➤Testing components: capacitors, relays, contactors, and motors.

Week 4: Troubleshooting & Repairs

Systematic diagnosis of common malfunctions.

➤The diagnostic process: step-by-step methods for locating faults.
➤Hands-on practice replacing defective electrical and mechanical components.
➤Understanding common failure modes in heating and cooling cycles.

Week 5: Installation & System Setup

Proper sizing, placement, and commissioning of new units.

➤Load calculations and equipment sizing principles.
➤Evacuation and charging procedures for new AC systems.
➤Startup procedures, performance testing, and system balancing.

Week 6: Airflow & Ductwork

Optimizing air distribution for comfort and efficiency.

➤Understanding static pressure, CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), and fan laws.
➤Duct system design, construction, sealing, and insulation.
➤Air quality solutions: filters, purifiers, and humidifiers/dehumidifiers.

Week 7: Controls & Automation

The brains of modern HVAC systems.

➤Low-voltage control circuits and programmable thermostat installation. .
➤Introduction to smart thermostats, zoning systems, and building automation (BAS) basics. .
➤Troubleshooting control boards and sensor/actuator components.

Week 8: Advanced Techniques

Exploring heat pump technology and light commercial systems.

➤Detailed study of heat pump operation, defrost cycles, and reversing valves.
➤Introduction to mini-split and VRF/VRV systems. .
➤Basic concepts of packaged units and roof-top commercial HVAC equipment.

Week 9: Certification Preparation

Focused review and practice for professional certification exams.

➤Intensive review for the EPA 608 (required for refrigerant handling).
➤Practice tests and final exam strategies for core competency assessments.
➤Key terminology and code compliance refreshers.

Week 10: Final Project & Job Readiness

Putting it all together and launching your career.

➤Culminating final project: diagnosing, repairing, and optimizing a complete system.
➤Resume building, interview skills workshop, and job search strategies. .
➤Field shadowing preparation and professional ethics review.