MEC 408
Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems (Operation, Troubleshooting & Maintenance)
This course equips participants with practical knowledge and skills to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain HVAC systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.It covers heating systems, ventilation systems, air-conditioning systems, control systems, ductwork, fans, filtration, electrical systems, safety, commissioning, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance techniques.Participants will gain the ability to interpret performance indicators, identify system faults, resolve problems safely, and implement maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and indoor comfort.
Duration: 5 days
Prerequisites: Basic Knowledge of mechanical systems and safety practices is recommended
Course objectives
Practical:
- /Demo
- System walk-through & component identification
Practical:
- /Demo
- Reading wiring diagrams
- Checking motor current & voltage
Practical:
- /Demo
- System operation simulations
- Reading and interpreting gauges
Practical:
- /Demo
- Fault simulation & diagnosis
- Corrective maintenance practice
- By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the working principles of major pump and control valve types
- Understand HVAC principles, equipment, and system configurations
- Operate HVAC systems safely and efficiently
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control faults
- Interpret system readings (temperature, pressure, airflow, current draw, etc.)
- Maintain HVAC components using industry best practices
- Apply energy-efficient operation & maintenance strategies
- Implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs
- Improve system reliability, IAQ & occupant comfort
- Day 1 – HVAC Fundamentals & System Components
- Module 1: Introduction to HVAC
- Purpose & functions of HVAC
- Heat transfer principles
- Sensible vs latent heat
- Comfort conditions & IAQ
- Overview of HVAC system types
- Module 2: Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Cycle
- Compression refrigeration cycle
- Components:
- Compressors
- Condensers
- Expansion devices
- Evaporators
- COP & performance indicators
- Module 3: Heating Systems
- Electric heating
- Gas & oil heating (overview)
- Heat pumps
- Boilers (basic operation & safety)
- Module 4: Ventilation & Air Distribution
- Natural vs mechanical ventilation
- Fans & blowers
- Filtration
- Fresh air & exhaust systems
- Day 2 – HVAC Equipment & Controls
- Module 5: HVAC Equipment
- Split & packaged units
- Central plants & chilled water systems (overview)
- AHUs & FCUs
- Cooling towers (overview)
- Module 6: Ductwork & Airflow
- Duct types & layout
- Diffusers & grilles
- Air balancing concepts
- Static pressure & airflow measurement
- Module 7: Controls & Instrumentation
- Thermostats
- Pressure & temperature controls
- Control panels, relays, contactors
- BMS/BAS overview
- Module 8: Electrical Systems in HVAC
- Motors (single/three-phase)
- Starters
- Protection devices
- Electrical troubleshooting basics
- Day 3 – Operation, Testing & Commissioning
- Module 9: Installation & Commissioning Best Practice
- Equipment placement
- Piping considerations
- Electrical isolation
- Documentation & test records
- Module 10: System Testing & Measurements
- Pressure & temperature readings
- Superheat & sub-cooling (overview)
- Airflow measurement
- Refrigerant charge verification
- Module 11: Safe Operation Procedures
- Start-up & shutdown
- Load monitoring
- Abnormal condition response
- Day 4 – Troubleshooting HVAC Systems
- Module 12: Troubleshooting Mechanical Problems
- Poor cooling/heating
- Coil icing
- Compressor overheating
- Restrictions & blockages
- Fan & belt problems
- Module 13: Troubleshooting Electrical Problems
- No-start faults
- Blown fuses & tripped breakers
- Control circuit failures
- Capacitor & overload faults
- Module 14: Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation Issues
- Poor airflow
- Odours & contaminants
- Humidity & condensation problems
- Day 5 – Maintenance, Energy Efficiency & Case Studies
- Module 15: Preventive Maintenance
- Checklists & schedules
- Cleaning & lubrication
- Filter management
- Coil & drain maintenance
- Module 16: Predictive Maintenance & Reliability
- Vibration monitoring (overview)
- Trend logging
- Failure analysis
- Module 17: Energy-Efficient HVAC Operation
- Optimizing set-points
- Economizer operation
- Load management
- Reducing heat gains
- Module 18: Safety & Environmental Responsibility
- PPE & hazard awareness
- Refrigerant handling awareness
- Hot-work safety
- Electrical safety