AR HVAC study plan

Convert between psig, psia, inches of mercury, and Fahrenheit/Celsius, and explain why absolute pressure is required for refrigerant calculations.

Select the correct PPE and safe-work sequence for brazing, nitrogen pressure testing, and refrigerant transfer, and state the hazard controlled by each item.

Demonstrate the purpose and safe handling of the core service tools: manifold gauge set, vacuum pump, micron gauge, recovery machine, torch rig, and electronic leak detector.

Assemble a gauge manifold and vacuum pump on a trainer unit or simulator and record the readings you observe.

Distinguish sensible from latent heat and define superheat and subcooling, naming the exact point on the circuit where each is measured.

Trace the four cycle states (compressed vapor, condensed liquid, flashed mixture, evaporated vapor) on a pressure-temperature chart using real gauge readings.

Convert gauge pressure to saturation temperature and back for at least two common refrigerants without looking up the answer.

Explain the safety and system hazards of liquid refrigerant in a compressor, nitrogen in a closed system, and acid/moisture contamination.

Describe the function and typical failure symptom of the compressor, condenser, metering device, evaporator, filter-drier, accumulator, and receiver.

Compare fixed-orifice, TXV, and EEV metering and predict how superheat changes for each as load and outdoor temperature shift.

Classify refrigerants by family (CFC, HCFC, HFC, HFO), blend type, and safety group, and match each class to its handling rules.

Apply EPA Section 608 requirements for venting prohibition, recovery, evacuation levels, leak repair triggers, and recordkeeping.

Read a ladder or schematic diagram and separate the power circuit from the control and safety circuits.

Measure voltage, amperage, resistance, and capacitance safely, stating the meter's CAT rating and the isolation step before each measurement.

Test capacitors, contactors, relays, thermostats, and motor windings and interpret the readings as good, open, shorted, or grounded.

Contrast PSC and ECM blower motors and explain the role of start capacitors, potential relays, and hard-start kits.

Trace a call for cooling from thermostat through the control board, contactor, and compressor/fan, naming every device the signal passes through.

Interpret control board fault indicators and LED blink patterns and convert them into a test point to probe.

Diagnose open circuits, high-resistance connections, shorted components, and grounded windings using a systematic half-split method.

Explain how defrost controls, high/low pressure switches, float switches, and lockout boards interrupt the call and how to confirm each is the cause.

Perform a room-by-room load estimate using a simplified worksheet covering orientation, insulation, glazing, infiltration, and occupancy.

Size equipment, ducts, and refrigerant lines to a given load, then check the result against static pressure and velocity limits.

Sequence a split-system installation: pad and placement clearances, line set routing, brazing with nitrogen purge, evacuation, and charging by weight or by superheat/subcooling.

Verify airflow and charge by measuring static pressure, temperature rise, and delta T, and state what each reading rules out.

Apply refrigerant-handling regulations to cylinder filling limits, recovery cylinder labeling, and refrigerant transaction records.

Verify with your local authority having jurisdiction which mechanical, fuel-gas, and electrical code editions are enforced and what permits and inspections apply.

Check a sample installation against clearance, venting, disconnect, condensate, and platform requirements and list every deficiency.

Write a repeatable no-cool service procedure from dispatch through customer sign-off, including safety and documentation steps.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test-day conditions and score each domain section separately.

Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains with targeted question sets until each section reaches 80%.

Rewrite every missed question as a one-line rule and consolidate them into a single must-know sheet.

Rehearse the exam-day logistics: reference materials allowed, calculator rules, and time-per-question pacing.