AK HVAC study plan
AK HVAC · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
General HVAC Knowledge and Fundamentals & Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Define the refrigeration cycle and label each of its four components by function
Explain sensible heat, latent heat, and superheat/subcooling in your own words without notes
Convert between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and PSIG/PSIA for 20 practice values
Describe how pressure-temperature relationships drive refrigerant behavior in an evaporator and condenser
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn diagram of the refrigeration cycle with all four components, both heat exchangers, and superheat/subcooling marked and captioned
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration & General HVAC Knowledge and Fundamentals
Identify the four major refrigerant types and match each to typical applications
Distinguish the four methods of heat transfer and give an HVAC example of each
Calculate airflow using the sensible heat equation for 10 practice problems
Summarize refrigerant safety classifications and handling restrictions from memory
Your checkpoint
A completed 10-problem worksheet on sensible/latent heat and airflow calculations with work shown, scored at 80% or better
Heating Systems and Equipment & Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Compare gas, oil, electric, and hydronic heating systems by efficiency, fuel, and common applications
Trace the sequence of operation for a gas furnace from call for heat to blower shutdown
List the major components of a compression refrigeration system and state each one's job
Explain combustion air requirements and draft categories for heating appliances
Your checkpoint
A written sequence-of-operation narrative for a gas furnace and a heat pump in heating mode, at least 10 numbered steps each
Ventilation and Air Distribution & Piping, Ductwork, and Insulation
Calculate duct sizing using the equal-friction method for three sample layouts
Distinguish supply, return, and exhaust air paths and their pressure relationships
Select insulation type and thickness for a given duct and pipe application
Describe fitting and transition best practices that minimize pressure loss
Your checkpoint
A duct layout sketch with calculated sizes for trunk and three branches, plus a materials list of duct, fittings, and insulation
Piping, Ductwork, and Insulation & Ventilation and Air Distribution
Identify piping materials and joining methods used in refrigerant and hydronic lines
Explain brazing safety and procedure steps in correct order
Describe ventilation strategies including mechanical, passive, and make-up air
Interpret a simple duct or piping drawing and list the components it shows
Your checkpoint
A brazing procedure checklist of at least 8 steps in correct order, plus a labeled parts list from a practice drawing
Electrical and Controls & Safety, Tools, and Code Compliance
Read a basic wiring schematic and identify line, load, and control circuits
Explain the function of thermostats, relays, contactors, and safety switches
List personal protective equipment and lockout/tagout steps for common HVAC tasks
Identify the tools used for electrical testing and describe what each measures
Your checkpoint
An annotated schematic with control circuit, line voltage, and safety devices color-coded and labeled, plus a one-page LOTO procedure
Safety, Tools, and Code Compliance & Alaska Business, Law, and Licensing
Summarize code requirements for refrigerant handling, venting, and combustion air
Describe Alaska-specific licensing requirements and the scope of work each license covers
Explain contract basics, lien rights, and permit responsibilities for HVAC contractors
List recordkeeping and documentation obligations for refrigerant and job records
Your checkpoint
A two-page study sheet covering licensing scope, permit triggers, and refrigerant recordkeeping requirements, written from memory then corrected against source material
General HVAC Knowledge and Fundamentals & Heating Systems and Equipment & Ventilation and Air Distribution & Air Conditioning and Refrigeration & Piping, Ductwork, and Insulation & Electrical and Controls & Safety, Tools, and Code Compliance & Alaska Business, Law, and Licensing
Complete a full-length timed practice exam under test-day conditions
Review every missed question and write the underlying concept it tested
Re-drill the three weakest domains with targeted practice sets
Recite key formulas, safety rules, and licensing facts from memory
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam with a written error log of every missed item and a one-page formula and facts sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or better on the heat and airflow calculation worksheet and explain the refrigeration cycle aloud without notes
Week 4: Produce a complete duct layout with calculated sizes and a matching materials list
Week 6: Correctly identify control, line, and safety circuits on an unfamiliar schematic and recite LOTO steps in order
Week 8: Score at or above the target passing margin on the timed practice exam and show a completed error log covering every missed question