MI HVAC study plan
MI HVAC · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Heating Systems and Equipment
Diagram the combustion-to-distribution path for a forced-air gas furnace, labeling heat exchanger, inducer, limit, and blower
Compare AFUE ratings and identify which appliances qualify as condensing versus non-condensing
Calculate steady-state heat output from rated input and efficiency for three sample furnaces
List the sequence of furnace operating steps from call for heat to blower shutdown
Your checkpoint
A one-page furnace sequence-of-operation flowchart with labeled components and three worked efficiency calculations
Heating Systems and Equipment & Fuel Gas Piping, Combustion, and Venting
Trace gas piping from meter to appliance and size a branch line using length and connected load
Identify combustion air requirements for confined versus unconfined spaces
Distinguish Category I, III, and IV venting and match each to appliance type
Explain draft, spillage, and the role of the vent connector slope and termination
Your checkpoint
A gas piping and venting worksheet solving two pipe-sizing problems and one combustion-air problem with cited code sections
Cooling and Refrigeration Systems
Trace the refrigeration cycle and label pressure and state at each of the four components
Interpret superheat and subcooling targets and explain what each indicates about charge
Compare reciprocating, scroll, and screw compressors by application
Describe metering devices and when each is used
Your checkpoint
An annotated refrigeration cycle diagram plus a table of superheat and subcooling diagnostic scenarios with correct interpretations
Cooling and Refrigeration Systems & Ventilation, Air Distribution, and Ductwork
Diagnose five refrigerant-side faults from pressure, superheat, and subcooling readings
Explain airflow effects on evaporator performance and coil icing
Identify the components of a duct system and the sources of static pressure loss
Your checkpoint
A fault-diagnosis case set of five scenarios with readings, diagnosis, and corrective action
Ventilation, Air Distribution, and Ductwork
Size a supply and return duct run using friction-rate and equal-friction methods
Calculate equivalent length for fittings and apply it to a duct run
Explain duct sealing, insulation, and pressure-balance requirements for a residential system
Describe ventilation strategies including exhaust-only, supply, and balanced systems
Your checkpoint
A complete duct layout calculation for one room-to-trunk run with equivalent lengths and total static pressure estimate
Load Calculations and System Sizing & Controls, Electrical, and Safety Devices
Perform a manual-style block load using envelope, infiltration, and internal gains
Apply sensible heat ratio to select equipment and estimate airflow
Match thermostat types and control strategies to system configurations
Explain safety devices including high-limit, flame sensor, rollout switch, and pressure switch
Your checkpoint
A load calculation worksheet for a sample house with equipment selection rationale and a control and safety device checklist
Michigan Codes, Permits, and Licensing Requirements
Outline the permit and inspection sequence for a residential HVAC replacement
Identify licensing categories and scope limitations for HVAC work
List the code requirements most commonly cited on failed inspections
Explain refrigerant handling and recordkeeping obligations
Your checkpoint
A permit-to-final-inspection checklist mapping each step to its code or licensing requirement
Project Planning, Estimating, and Business Practices & Heating Systems and Equipment & Cooling and Refrigeration Systems & Ventilation, Air Distribution, and Ductwork & Load Calculations and System Sizing & Controls, Electrical, and Safety Devices & Fuel Gas Piping, Combustion, and Venting & Michigan Codes, Permits, and Licensing Requirements
Build a takeoff and bid for a sample residential system replacement
Estimate labor hours and material costs and apply overhead and markup
Complete a timed 60-question mixed-domain practice set and score it
Review every missed item and write the underlying rule for each
Your checkpoint
A complete sample bid package plus a scored practice exam with a written error log
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a 20-question heating and gas piping self-quiz without notes
Week 4: Correctly diagnose at least 4 of 5 refrigerant fault scenarios from readings alone
Week 6: Complete a full load calculation and equipment selection in under 90 minutes with defensible assumptions
Week 7: Recite the permit-to-inspection sequence and name the licensing category for HVAC work from memory
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on the timed mixed-domain practice exam and log every missed item