5:30pm to 10:30pm Wednesdays
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Responsibility
The student will be introduced to working concepts of gas burning heating appliances, force air & hydronic. Students will also become familiar with combustion analysis techniques for fuel efficiency, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
Relationship to academic programs and transferability
AIRC 1214 – Heating Plants was designed to meet specific needs of students enrolled in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program. While this course is not designed for transfer to a four-year institution, articulation may be possible. Each senior institution will determine transferability of this course. Please see an academic advisor for an explanation concerning transfer option.
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify electrical components of various heat systems
- Understand & troubleshoot low voltage operating controls
- Check gas furnace venting and combustion
- Check air CFM, fan and limit control
- Troubleshoot various automatic/combination gas valves
- Identify oil furnace parts
- Check draft and combustion
Faculty Contact Information
Office; Room: MT-10
Hours: Varies By appointment
Faculty Instructor: Anthony Crite Office Phone: 815-216-1190
e.mail: acrite@kcc.edu Office; Room: MT-10
Hours: Varies
Division Phone: 815-802-8850 Division Office Room W-102
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Test evaporator function
- Evaluate evaporator operation and load
- Test multiple evaporator circuit with either EPR’s, independent TXV’s, etc.
- Evaluate condenser operation
- Evaluate various compressors and compressor performance
- Change and/or adjust a TXV valve
- Evaluate and troubleshoot mechanical operation
Textbook(s): Gas Heating, (ESCO), Jason Obrzut; Hot Water Heating, RSES Training Manual; Water Heaters (ESCO)
Ancillary Materials:
Required Tools: See Required Tool list
Recommended Tool List for
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Graduates
*Required for class participation
This is a list of the tools a student should have to begin a career in the HVAC industry. There are many other tools to collect and use in the HVAC career, but this basic list will allow anyone to start their career. Students that intend to complete either an Associates or a Certificate Degree are encouraged to purchase the tools on this list beyond those required for participation, so that they may become familiar with their own tools. Students should also purchase tool carrying/storage systems such as, tool bags, linesman bags, 5 gallon bucket with Bucket Buddy® or similar, or some other way of organizing tools.
AIRC -1214 - Heating Plants
*Manometer/Magnahelic gauge, (Most supply houses sell a combination digital Manometer/Magnahelic. That would be preferable.)
Manometer, water tube type, THIS IS NOT AN INCLINED MANOMETER $25 or so.
Inspection mirror,
Flashlight/drop light,
2 - pipe wrenchs; 1-12” and 1-14”
Small wire brush,
Scratch awl,
6” adjustable wrench,
8” adjustable wrench,
5/16th nut driver with magnetic tip
¼” nut driver with magnetic tip
3/8” nut driver with magnetic tip
Evaluation
Student competencies will be measured using various methods. These may include: quizzes, examinations, written assignments, lab demonstrations & proficiencies, oral presentations and participation in classroom discussions. The final grade will be determined using the following percentage of all accumulated points:
A = 100 – 93; B = 92-80; C = 79-67; F < 67
All tests/quizzes are done on Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Any tests/quizzes/assignments/etc., not taken during normally scheduled times will not be made up. Exceptions may be made for extraordinary circumstances at the instructor’s discretion. Lab work may be made up, but no student(s) shall be allowed to work in lab areas outside of class time without instructor permission and appropriate supervision. All electronic communication devices, i.e. cell phones, etc., shall be silenced during class and lab time. No phone calls, texting, etc., during class/lab time. Violation may/shall result in the confiscation of such device for all class/lab times. Exceptions granted only with permission of instructor prior to class/lab.
Business, Technology & Human Services
Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650
Course Policies
Regular attendance at all scheduled class sessions is expected. If student has missed more class hours than the number of credit hours to be earned in the class, instructor may record the grade of “F” for the course. Failure of the student to attend class does not constitute withdrawal. The student must make a formal written withdrawal through the Office of Admissions and Records.
College Policies
Withdrawals
When it is necessary to withdraw from a course or from the college, a student may do so on or before the withdrawal date stated on the syllabus without receiving a punitive final grade. Change of Schedule forms (used to add or drop a course) are available in Student Services and the student should obtain the required signatures prior to submitting the Change of Schedule form to an adviser in Student Services. Students may submit Change of Schedule forms through the mail, but they must be postmarked no later than the withdrawal date. No withdrawals are allowed by phone. The last date to withdraw with a grade of “W” is April 17, 2026.
Communication
“To ensure a student's privacy under all applicable education laws and to facilitate timely interactions, two College-authorized methods of electronic communication exist: KCC-issued student email accounts (using the domain name of .student.kcc.edu) and the Canvas Learning Management System. Students are expected to regularly check their KCC email accounts and Canvas for important incoming communication from the college or from individual instructors. Students understand that emails they send from personal email accounts (other than those listed above) may not be delivered to the KCC recipient, and students should have no expectation that such messages will be answered.
College Resources
Academic Skills Center
Tutorial Assistance – The center offers free tutorial services on a walk-in basis to support students enrolled at KCC in a wide range of college courses and individual skill development activities. The Learning Assistance Center, L335/339, is the location of most tutorial services.
Learning Laboratory – The Learning Lab, located in Room L329, uses instructional technology to provide individualized learning for students enrolled at KCC. In the lab, students can review and practice math, writing, reading, basic sciences, study skills, word processing, and other basic skills.
Special Populations Services – KCC offers advisement and special instructional support for students who are physically and learning disabled, as well as those with academic deficiencies. Students will receive appropriate academic instructional support, including preparatory courses, tutorial assistance, study skills assistance, and self-instructional programs. For special populations services, go to room L326 or D229.
Miner Memorial Library
The Miner Memorial Library provides a variety of services free to students (print, audio, video, cd-rom & microfilm collections, computers etc.)
Syllabus disclaimer
Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.
Code of Conduct
Students need to adhere to the Code of Conduct located in the college catalog.
CLASS RULES
Attendance is strongly encouraged. Should it be necessary for you to miss class due to illness, child care issues, failure in mode of transportation, etc., you will notify instructor preferably prior to class or at least prior to the end of that class. Notification may be voice mail, office e-mail through Canvas or leaving a message with the Division office. Failure to notify of absence will result in a 10% reduction in the grade on any scheduled quiz, test, etc. Should student need to miss class for any reason, regardless of notification status, it is expected that student will make up and then be prepared to participate in next attended class activities which could include regularly scheduled quizzes, tests, lab exercises, lab tests, written exams, etc.
Participation is mandatory on a voluntary basis. Labs are where you get to put into practice the things you learn in class lectures. It’s where the theory will begin to make sense. In some classes lab work may constitute part of your grade. Watching someone do the work won’t teach you as much as you doing it.
LAB RULES: If you take it out, put it away. If you plug it in, unplug it. I have found tools, torches, insulated coffee cups, half empty/full pop bottles, wire, sheet metal shards, copper pipe, etc., strewn about when I come in, return, etc. YOU ARE AN ADULT! Clean up after yourself. This includes putting things away, sweeping floors, etc. Pitch in and help even if you didn’t make the mess. If I have to continuously pick up after you (plural and general application), you may not be allowed to participate in any lab exercises or tests at my discretion.
During general lab exercises we are to assist one another if possible, available or as it pertains to the overall exercise. WE ARE A TEAM. The only time you are on your own is test time.
TOO MANY TOOLS ARE MISSING! There are labels on the tool caddy drawers. PUT it back where you found it or where it goes. If you find it in a place you know it doesn’t belong, put it back where it belongs. If you don’t know where it belongs, ask.
LAB SAFETY: Safety isn’t just for our text. You are required to wear safety glasses/goggles while in the lab. I DO NOT WANT ANYONE HURT. PRACTICE SAFETY, USE PPE’S AS THEY PERTAIN, ETC.
I do not generally grade for penmanship, language skills such as grammar, punctuation and spelling. HOWEVER, if I cannot read your writing, or if I cannot figure out what you are trying to tell me in your written work because of your language skills, then I have no alternative but to reserve rewarding points for that particular assignment, question, etc., as applicable.
Profanity should not be used as a matter of respect to those that find it offensive. Outside of class, you may speak with any type of vernacular or verbiage you wish. By the way, employers prefer literate employees that can speak to customers without use of vernacular or profanity.
One of the 5 core values of KCC is “Respect.” Show others respect during class, labs, breaks, etc. You may disagree with someone’s answer, position, etc., but do so with courtesy and respect. Show respect for others and the instructor by being ready and on time for class.
Chapters Covered*:
Week 1; Gas Heating, Ch’s 1 & 2 Week 9; Hot Water Heating, Ch 1
Week 2; Gas Heating, Ch 3 Week 10; Hot Water Heating, Ch 4
Week 3; Gas Heating, Ch’s 4 & 5 Week 11; Hot Water Heating, Ch 5
Week 4; Gas Heating, Ch 6 Week 12; Hot Water Heating, Ch 8
Week 5; Gas Heating, Ch 7 Week 13; Hot Water Heating, Ch 10
Week 6; Gas Heating, Ch’s 9 & 10 Week 14; Gas Heating, Ch 8
Week 7; Gas Heating, Ch 11 Week 15; Hot Water Heating, Ch 15; Lab Books Due
Week 8; Mid - Term Week 16; Water Heaters
Written Final Wednesday May 13, 2026
*This is a general outline of lectures and topics covered. Due to quiz/test time, lecture time, lab work, inclement weather, etc., instructor reserves the right to adjust the schedule to cover core material adequately.
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.