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Honolulu Community College

Construction & Trades

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology

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There is always a high demand for qualified refrigeration and air conditioning technicians, especially here in Hawaiʻi!

About the Program

If you enjoy working with your hands and are looking for a rewarding career, our Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology (RAC) program is a great place to start. Upon completion of our program, you’ll have both the technical knowledge and the hands-on skills necessary to succeed in this field. And, you’ll be prepared to pass the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Refrigerant Handling Certification.

This is the only Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology program of its kind in the State of Hawai‘i.

Our program combines theory with extensive hands-on training designed to simulate the actual work environment, which will equip you with the skills needed to excel in this challenging field. Lab work in the program will provide you with the opportunity to install, repair, and/or operate actual field equipment, such as commercial package and split system A/C, liquid chillers, commercial ice machines, and domestic equipment.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes are program goals that describe what you will gain from this learning experience. They are located in the program descriptions in the College Catalog.

Technical Standards

Technical Standards describe some of the essential mental, physical, and behavioral skills that are necessary for successful participation in and completion of courses in this curriculum.

Thinking Skills

General

Apply theories and principles for proper installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of cooling components and systems.

Specific
  • Read textbooks, handouts, diagrams and charts.
  • Visualize three-dimensional objects.
  • Take measurements and do conversions.
  • Interpret readings on meters, gauges, scales and other measurement devices.
  • Identify names and functions of cooling components.
  • Explain operating characteristics of cooling systems.
  • Relate concepts of physics, chemistry, and electricity to operations of cooling systems.
  • Identify tools and materials.
  • Follow safety procedures.
  • Inspect and test cooling components and systems.
  • Recognize indicators of malfunctions.
  • Draw conclusions based on a review of findings.
  • Formulate service or repair plan.
  • Perform procedures according to proper specifications.

Sensory/Observation Skills

General

Use sensory cues to conduct inspections and tests to determine root causes of failures and respond properly.

Specific
  • Read meters, gauges, and other measuring devices.
  • Distinguish identifying colors of wires, knobs and other objects.
  • Recognize and compare shapes and forms of objects.
  • Detect and respond to indicators of malfunctions.
  • Select appropriate materials, tools and equipment for maintenance and repairs.

Motor Skills

General

Possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity to safely handle electrical and mechanical parts.

Specific
  • Operate necessary tools, equipment, and machinery.
  • Remove and replace failed components.
  • Position and maneuver in confined spaces to do repairs.
  • Work at varying heights.
  • Lift and transport equipment and materials as necessary.

Communication Skills

General

Communicate effectively to gather and convey information.

Specific
  • Obtain necessary information from oral and written sources.
  • Express information coherently.

Behavioral Skills

General

Behave appropriately and safely in a cooperative learning environment.

Specific
  • Fulfill personal and shared responsibilities.
  • Work cooperatively with partners and groups.
  • Exercise good judgement.
  • Follow safety procedures.

Environmental Tolerance

General

Function safely in a refrigeration and air conditioning lab.

Specific

Work for prolonged periods exposed to: Extreme noise, Extreme heat, Sharp tools and materials, Electrical equipment, Chemicals and toxins, Dust and fumes, Machinery with moving parts, Slippery or uneven surfaces, Variations in lighting

In addition to the Tuition, other costs include:

  • Tools, Instruments, and Textbooks: Approximately $800.
  1. Apply to Honolulu Community College.
  2. Prerequisites: MATH 50 OR Placement into MATH 150 or higher.

Careers

Many of our Refrigeration and Air Conditioning graduates have gone on to careers in the occupations listed below:

Visit the Hawaii Career Explorer website for more information.

Degrees & Certificates Offered
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Certificate of Achievement (CA)
Course Information

Financial Aid and Scholarships

First, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you are eligible for financial assistance which may help to cover your tuition and any additional costs. For more information about Financial Aid and FAFSA, visit Financial Aid Overview.

Next, see if you may qualify for Scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of merit, academic performance, and/or financial need. View the Scholarships page for available scholarships.

Get Started

HonCC offers more than 23 academic programs offering 22 associate degrees and 31 certificates to prepare you for a lifetime of meaningful work.

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