CT HVAC study plan
CT HVAC · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Safety and Environmental Protection & Refrigeration Fundamentals and the Refrigeration Cycle
Identify refrigerant safety classifications and state the handling, storage, and transport rules for each class
Demonstrate safe lockout/tagout and PPE selection for a hypothetical service call
Trace the four basic refrigeration cycle stages and label pressure/temperature at each point on a blank diagram
Explain how superheat and subcooling relate to component locations in the cycle
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn refrigeration cycle diagram with all four components, both metering device types, and SH/SC measurement points labeled, plus a one-page safety rules summary for refrigerants
Refrigeration Fundamentals and the Refrigeration Cycle & Tools, Instruments, and Measurement
Compute superheat and subcooling from given gauge and thermometer readings without a calculator error
Convert between psig, psia, and saturation temperatures using a pressure-temperature chart
Select the correct gauge set, micron gauge, and thermometer type for evacuation, charging, and temperature measurement tasks
Describe recovery, recycling, and evacuation procedures including required vacuum levels
Your checkpoint
A worked problem set of 15 SH/SC and pressure-temperature conversion problems, each with the formula shown and answer checked against a PT chart
Electrical Fundamentals and Controls & Tools, Instruments, and Measurement
Measure and interpret voltage, current, and resistance with a digital multimeter on a live circuit model
Read and sketch a ladder diagram for a contactor-controlled compressor circuit
Explain the function of thermostats, pressure switches, and defrost controls in a control sequence
Identify the electrical symbols and conductor color codes used in HVAC schematics
Your checkpoint
A redrawn ladder schematic of a call-for-cooling circuit with every component labeled and a written step-by-step sequence of operation
Safety and Environmental Protection & Electrical Fundamentals and Controls
Diagnose electrical faults using a systematic voltage-drop and continuity test sequence
Apply electrical safety practices including verifying de-energization and recognizing arc-flash hazards
Describe refrigerant leak detection, cylinder safety, and proper disposal requirements
Explain how motor capacitors, relays, and overloads fail and how to test each
Your checkpoint
A troubleshooting decision tree for a non-starting condensing unit covering electrical and refrigerant-side causes, with the test to confirm each
Air Distribution, Ductwork, and Indoor Air Quality
Calculate sensible and latent heat loads from airflow, temperature difference, and humidity readings
Measure external static pressure and airflow using a manometer and duct traverse
Identify duct fittings and layout errors that cause excessive pressure drop
Evaluate ventilation, filtration, and humidity control against indoor air quality criteria
Your checkpoint
A duct and airflow evaluation worksheet for a single-zone system showing measured static pressure, estimated CFM, and three recommended corrections
Heating Systems and Components
Sequence the ignition, flame-proving, and shutdown steps of a gas furnace
Test and interpret combustion readings including draft, CO, and temperature rise
Explain heat exchanger inspection methods and how to recognize cracks or blockage
Describe electric heat strip and heat pump auxiliary heat operation
Your checkpoint
A furnace commissioning checklist with target temperature rise, combustion limits, and the corrective action for each out-of-range reading
Cooling Systems and Components
Compare metering devices and explain how each responds to load changes
Diagnose common cooling faults from pressure, superheat, and subcooling patterns
Explain compressor types, lubrication, and the effects of flooding and slugging
Describe condenser and evaporator airflow effects on capacity and efficiency
Your checkpoint
A diagnostic matrix mapping at least eight symptom patterns to probable causes and confirming tests, built from your own notes rather than a published chart
System Performance, Commissioning, and Diagnostics & Safety and Environmental Protection
Assemble a complete commissioning sequence from pre-start checks through verified performance
Perform a full system diagnosis given a set of instrument readings and name the most likely fault
Calculate efficiency metrics and compare measured performance to equipment rating
Apply environmental regulations to refrigerant recordkeeping and recovery documentation
Your checkpoint
A timed 40-question self-test spanning all eight domains, scored, with a written review of every missed item and the source of the correct answer
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on the SH/SC and PT conversion problem set and correctly label a blank cycle diagram from memory
Week 4: Draw the call-for-cooling ladder schematic and explain the sequence of operation aloud without notes, and correctly answer 8 of 10 electrical safety questions
Week 6: Produce the furnace checklist with all readings within manufacturer range for a described scenario, and pass a 15-question mixed-domain quiz at 75% or higher
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on the 40-question timed self-test with no domain below 60%, and have a documented review for each miss