Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC)

Program Overview

HVAC technicians are required in many parts of our everyday lives. From installing the latest high-efficiency furnace in your home to keeping you cool in your office, a Durham College HVAC technician has got your covered.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)

Note: this program has additional recommended requirements. Please visit the Admission Requirements tab for further information.

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Tuition

Year one domestic: $3,360 (CAD)
Year one international: $14,490 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Safety

Energy Efficiency

HVAC

Technology recommendations

To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.

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Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2022	Open	Open

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Building operator
Custom sheet metal worker
Furnace/air conditioner installer
Gas fitter
Refrigeration mechanic apprentice

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Program Details

The core curriculum of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC) program is standardized and accredited by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), the industry’s regulatory body. As a student in this program you will focus on:

Fundamentals of heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Hot water systems and refrigeration principles
Industry standardized design practices for residential heating
Installation of gas piping for heating or hot water appliances

You will:

Be exposed to the design and development of systems including the basic need to assist with working on a wide range of furnaces, cooling systems and appliances
Develop skills in soldering, wiring and electric circuitry for HVAC and gas installation systems

As a graduate, you will be eligible to challenge TSSA for Gas Technician 3 and Oil Burner Technician 3 certification as the theoretical and practical skills required to obtain both entry-level certifications will be covered. Durham College arranges for the Gas Technician 3 and Oil Burner 3 challenge exams to be facilitated at our Whitby campus for a cost of approximately $235 each. Exams may not be rescheduled and are non-refundable. In the event that you miss an exam, you will be responsible for arranging your own testing schedule with TSSA.

Please note:

Although the passing standard for Durham College is 70 per cent, the passing grade on the examination and practical skills demonstration for TSSA is 75 per cent. Failure to successfully complete the exam as noted above will result in a failing TSSA grade.
Payment for the above exams must be made at CTS, Whitby campus, by the deadline date provided to you in class. Receipts must be presented at time of examination and no exceptions will be allowed.
You should check with TSSA for details regarding certification.

Program Learning Outcomes

Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
Select and use hand tools and operate test equipment for their intended purposes.
Solve routine heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning problems and perform calculations by applying the fundamentals of mathematics and physics.
Read, develop, and interpret various drawings and utilize the information to follow the proper sequence of operations for heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
Assist in the installation and start-up operations of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems under the supervision of a certified technician.
Identify strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)

Courses

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyCampus.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2022-23 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Building operator
Custom sheet metal worker
Furnace/air conditioner installer
Gas fitter
Refrigeration mechanic apprentice

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Construction/engineering firms
Heating and cooling service companies
Home service companies
Mechanical contracting firms
Self-employment

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can go on to take the Gas Technician 2 certificate program or Gas Technician - 2 evening at Durham College.

Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.

Technology Recommendations

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

Processor: i3
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection

Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC)

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Tuition

Semester 1 Courses

Technology recommendations

Intakes and Availability

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Program Details

Program Learning Outcomes

Admission Requirements

Recommended

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Technology Recommendations

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC) in the news

Helpful Resources

Have a Question? Attend a Program Information Webinar

Financial Aid Information

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]

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Attend a Program Information Webinar