Richard J. Daley College is located on the southwest side of Chicago. It is a 2-year, public institution and is part of the City Colleges of Chicago system. Nearly 11,000 students take advantage of the more than 50 educational programs offered by the school. In addition to the HVAC course, students can pursue associate degrees or career certificates or take part in a number of adult and continuing education opportunities.
Programs in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technology, referred to as HVAC or HVAC/R, train students to develop, install and maintain these climate control systems. Upon completion of an HVAC program, students may be eligible for jobs as service personnel and technicians.
In order to enroll in HVAC courses at Richard J. Daley College, a student must either be a graduate of an accredited high school, have earned a General Education Development (GED) certificate, receive a recommendation from a high school principal or demonstrate an ability to benefit from a college course. Although no specific course requirements are needed to enter the HVAC program, high school classes in English and math are helpful, as is any previous mechanical or electronics experience.
The HVAC Systems course offered at Richard J. Daley College trains students in the theories and techniques required for a career in this trade. Students receive hands-on training in brazing, charging, evacuation, piping and soldering. The course also covers thermal dynamics theory, EPA standard and various HVAC processes and systems. Daley College’s course is a 4.5 credit hour course including writing assignments, lectures and laboratory work.
In addition to providing a solid foundation in HVAC technical skills, the course also meets the requirements for the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society’s technician certification. This certification is required to become a journeyman in the HVAC trade. Students take the certification exam at the midterm.
Although Richard J. Daley College only offers the single certification course in HVAC systems, students interested in pursuing a certificate or degree can find opportunities at other schools within the City Colleges of Chicago system. Kennedy-King Colleges, also located on Chicago’s south side, offers several basic certificates, an advanced certificate and an associate degree program in areas related to HVAC.