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CAREERS
HVAC Systems

Foundations of HVAC (Level 1+2): System Maintenance, Repair & Diagnostics

Build integrated mechanical and electrical skills for entry-level industrial maintenance technicians to inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment.

$51,940

ANNUAL MEDIAN RANGE

16 Weeks

Typical Time to Complete

19 Credits

MAY VARY BY INSTITUTION

StackableiCredits earned in this pathway can be applied toward certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees at participating community colleges.

TOWARD DEGREES & CREDENTIALS
ABOUT THIS PATHWAY

What You Learn

The Foundations of HVAC (Level 1+2) micro-pathway combines the foundational components and safety content of Level 1 with the maintenance, repair, and diagnostic skills of Level 2 in a single track. You will learn equipment components, electrical controls, and refrigeration fundamentals alongside equipment repairs and replacements, system maintenance and efficiency, mechanical overhauls, refrigerant management, and system troubleshooting.

The pathway emphasizes safety, compliance, and critical thinking and supports entry-level HVAC technician work. Credits earned can count toward the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology associate degree at your local community college.

ENROLL LOCALLY

Get Started Near You

This pathway is offered at AdvanceNC member colleges across North Carolina. Each college runs its own version of the program, so schedules, costs, and start dates vary by location. Find a college and reach out through its page to ask about training options near you.

Scholarships and funding are available. Ask about your options when you connect with a college.

Request Information

Alamance Community College

Graham, North Carolina • Alamance County

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina • Wake County

Aligned OCCUPATIONS

Jobs You Qualify For

HVAC Technician

Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

HVAC Technician Helper

Assist HVAC technicians by performing duties of lesser skill such as cleaning, preparing, and supporting installation and repair work.

EMBEDDED CREDENTIALS

Credentials You Earn

OSHA-10
EPA-608

INCLUDED

SACA Level 1 Certification

SACA — Smart Automation Certification Alliance

PROGRAM SKILLS

Core Competencies You Learn

Equipment Repairs & Replacements

Perform Equipment Repairs & Replacements

Diagnose and correct equipment issues by repairing or replacing faulty components, wiring, and electrical controls; brazing or soldering joints to fix leaks; and measuring, cutting, threading, or bending pipe and tubing to restore proper system operation.
  • Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring
  • Troubleshoot and replace faulty electrical components such as contactors, relays, and thermostats
  • Braze or solder copper to repair joints and leaks
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing

System Maintenance & Efficiency

Focuses on assessing mechanical system performance and maintaining efficiency through refrigerant reclaiming, filter replacement, coil cleaning, and proper refrigerant level management.
  • Ensure system efficiency by changing filters, cleaning coils, and maintaining proper refrigerant levels
  • Perform mechanical operations (assessments) and refrigerant reclaiming

Mechanical Overhauls & Refrigerant Management

Focuses on building foundational skills to perform preventive maintenance and mechanical servicing, with learners beginning to apply safe, compliant refrigerant handling to support system performance and equipment longevity.
  • Perform scheduled preventive maintenance (belt tensioning, lubrication, adjusting controls)

Workplace Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Focuses on following OSHA-10 safety requirements and maintaining safe, clean HVAC worksites to protect workers, customers, and equipment.
  • Comply with safety procedures and maintain a clean work area
  • Maintain records of repairs, replacements, and causes of malfunctions

Critical Thinking in the Workplace

The ability to reason logically and rigorously by gathering and evaluating relevant information, identifying patterns across data and situations, questioning assumptions, and using evidence-based reasoning to draw sound conclusions, judgments, and recommendations.
  • Gather and assess relevant information: ground problem-solving in facts rather than assertions
  • Identify patterns: make sense of data, recognize commonalities among seemingly unrelated situations, and frame novel problems in familiar terms
  • Question assumptions: resist easy answers, probe more deeply, and improve the problem-solving process
  • Draw conclusions: use logic and reasoning to evaluate arguments, form judgments, and make recommendations

Interested in This Pathway?

Fill out the form below and we'll help connect you with a member institution to learn more.