HVAC Excellence Master LC Refrigeration study plan
HVAC Excellence Master LC Refrigeration · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Refrigeration Fundamentals and System Components & System Performance and Charging
Build a component map of a light commercial refrigeration circuit (compressor, metering device, evaporator, condenser, receiver, accumulator, filter-drier) and state the state of refrigerant at each point
Explain superheat, subcooling, saturation temperature, and pressure-temperature relationship without notes
Compute superheat and subcooling from sample gauge and thermometer readings, including one TEV and one fixed-orifice example
Identify the four metering device types and describe how each responds to load change
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn schematic with labeled refrigerant states plus 10 solved superheat/subcooling calculations at 80% or better
Refrigeration Fundamentals and System Components & System Performance and Charging
Describe compressor types (reciprocating, scroll, rotary) and match each to typical light commercial applications
Explain how condenser and evaporator airflow, coil fouling, and ambient conditions shift pressures and superheat
Trace refrigerant migration, floodback, and slugging scenarios to their component damage
Convert between gauge pressure, absolute pressure, and saturation temperature for R-410A and R-134a
Your checkpoint
A written troubleshooting table linking 8 fault conditions to pressure/superheat/subcooling signatures, scored against a self-made answer key
Light Commercial System Installation and Piping & Refrigeration Fundamentals and System Components
Size and select line sizes for a sample light commercial system using a manufacturer line-size chart
List brazing procedures including nitrogen purge, heat control, and post-braze pressure testing
Describe evacuation to 500 microns and explain why triple evacuation and decay testing matter
Identify proper piping practices for traps, oil return, and long-line runs
Your checkpoint
A complete piping plan for a sample 5-ton remote condensing unit, including line sizes, fitting list, and evacuation checklist
Light Commercial System Installation and Piping & Electrical and Controls
Interpret a light commercial wiring diagram, tracing line voltage, control voltage, and safety circuits
Explain contactor, overload, capacitor, and defrost control function and failure symptoms
Describe thermostat and pressure control settings and how each protects the system
Summarize NEC and local code considerations for disconnects, grounding, and conductor sizing on a refrigeration circuit
Your checkpoint
A component-by-component walkthrough of a sample wiring diagram with expected voltage at each test point, verified against a practice quiz at 80% or better
Electrical and Controls & System Performance and Charging
Perform and document a full charging procedure using superheat for fixed-orifice and subcooling for TEV systems
Calculate target superheat using indoor wet-bulb and outdoor dry-bulb conditions
Explain how to weigh in a charge and when to use each charging method
Diagnose overcharge, undercharge, and restricted metering device from readings alone
Your checkpoint
A charging worksheet with three worked scenarios showing method chosen, target values, and final readings within manufacturer tolerance
Diagnosis, Service, and Repair & System Performance and Charging
Build a systematic diagnostic sequence from complaint to confirmed fault
Diagnose the top 10 light commercial faults including dirty condenser, restricted drier, bad capacitor, and refrigerant leak
Interpret compressor amp draw, winding resistance, and insulation resistance readings
Explain leak detection methods and repair/retrofit considerations
Your checkpoint
A diagnostic flowchart covering 10 faults with expected readings and repair actions, validated by a 20-question self-test at 80% or better
Diagnosis, Service, and Repair & Light Commercial System Installation and Piping
Describe recovery, recycling, and reclamation procedures and cylinder handling requirements
Outline compressor replacement steps from pump-down through startup verification
Explain preventive maintenance tasks and their effect on efficiency and equipment life
Practice documenting a service call from arrival to sign-off
Your checkpoint
A complete mock service-call report for a no-cooling complaint, including readings, diagnosis, repair, and final verification
Refrigeration Fundamentals and System Components & Light Commercial System Installation and Piping & Electrical and Controls & System Performance and Charging & Diagnosis, Service, and Repair
Review weak areas identified in weeks 1-7 using missed-question logs
Complete two timed 50-question practice exams across all domains
Re-derive key formulas and reference values from memory
Practice explaining five common faults aloud in under two minutes each
Your checkpoint
Two timed practice exams scored at 80% or better with a written remediation list for every missed item
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain superheat, subcooling, and saturation temperature from memory and solve 10 calculations with 80% accuracy
Week 4: Can trace a full wiring diagram and state expected voltage at every test point without notes
Week 6: Can diagnose 10 common faults from pressure, temperature, and electrical readings alone
Week 8: Scores 80% or better on two timed 50-question practice exams covering all five domains