TX HVAC Contractor study guide
TX HVAC Contractor · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) Contractor license is a state credential administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). TDLR states that contractors who install, repair, or maintain systems related to air conditioning, refrigeration, or heating must hold a TDLR license, and that ACR companies must employ an ACR contractor in each permanent location. The TX HVAC Contractor study guide has 6 sections and about 1,892 words.
01Air Conditioning Systems
The A/C questions almost always trace back to the vapor-compression cycle. The compressor raises pressure and temperature, the condenser rejects heat and subcools the liquid, the metering device drops pressure and creates flash gas, and the evaporator absorbs heat and delivers superheated vapor.
305 words, about 2 min02Heating Systems
Know the sequence: thermostat calls for heat, the induced-draft blower starts, the pressure switch proves draft, the igniter energizes, the gas valve opens, the flame sensor proves flame, and the blower starts on a time or temperature delay. Questions love the failure that stops the sequence - a blocked flue or bad pressure switch means no ignition at all, while a dirty flame sensor means the burner lights and drops out after a few seconds.
328 words, about 2 min03Refrigeration Systems
Commercial refrigeration questions center on the metering device, the evaporator, and controls. A TXV maintains constant superheat across varying load; a piston/capillary is fixed and must be charged by superheat; an EEV is driven by a controller and often a sensor.
299 words, about 1 min04Electrical, Controls, and Components
The electrical section rewards fluency with Ohm's law (E = I × R, P = E × I), series versus parallel circuits, and reading a ladder diagram. In a series circuit the current is the same through every load and voltages add; in parallel the voltage is common and currents add.
306 words, about 2 min05Load Calculations, Duct Design, and Installation Practices
Manual J produces the room-by-room load from design conditions, envelope construction, windows, infiltration, and internal gains. Manual S selects equipment to match that load - including sensible and latent capacity at the actual entering conditions, not just nominal tons.
318 words, about 2 min06Texas Statutes, Administrative Rules, Safety, and Business Practices
Air conditioning and refrigeration contracting in Texas is administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302, with detailed requirements in 16 TAC Chapter 75. Expect questions on licensing tiers, technician registration, what activity requires a license, exemptions, insurance, continuing education, renewal, advertising, and the complaint and enforcement process.
336 words, about 2 min