Skilled Trades

What’s the Difference Between HAC and HVAC-R?

Skilled TradesMay 30, 2015

There is more to an HVAC technician, or mechanic, than simply controlling temperature via heating and air conditioning (HAC). There are two very important additional elements to HVAC-R work. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “the main purposes of a Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system are to help maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and thermal comfort.” How does that figure into the equation? More than temperature controls, ventilation and filtration are key to providing healthful air quality. Both are built into most air conditioning and heating systems and HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, monitoring, repairing and connecting them within systems via air ducts and fuel and water supplies. HVAC technicians are also responsible for refrigeration systems, often entailing work on commercial refrigeration. When installing and repairing refrigeration systems, HVAC technicians must ensure that systems are inline with government regulations on conservation, recovery and recycling of refrigerants. The tools that HVAC technicians use for installation, repair and component testing of refrigeration range from common hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches to more sophisticated tools, including voltmeters, combustion analyzers, carbon monoxide testers and acetylene torches. Sound exciting? Are the skills and capabilities right in your alley? Find out how to get started in this field. The Fortis College HVAC Program At Fortis College, you’ll get the comprehensive HVAC education and training to handle the latest computerized diagnostics for servicing and repairing the advanced and complex commercial refrigeration, gas heat and air conditioning systems of today and tomorrow. You will learn from experienced and educated instructors who will teach you to apply theory and principles to effectively manage and troubleshoot ventilation systems and discern, operate, test and develop the extensive array of heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment you will use.