12:00pm to 5:00pm Wednesdays
The student will describe the fundamentals of refrigeration and refrigeration theory which will include various condensers, evaporators, compressors, and related components. The student will learn basic service and installation practices. They will learn and demonstrate understanding of system optional pressures, temperatures and conditions.
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:
- Critical Thinking
Course Description: The student will describe the fundamentals of refrigeration and refrigeration theory which will include various condensers, evaporators, compressor and related components. He or she will use and demonstrate proficiency with basic manifold sets, vacuum gauges, pumps and recovery machines. The student will become familiar with and will demonstrate minor installation procedures, refrigerant control and metering of refrigerant for absorbing heat, pressure testing and charging.
Relationship to academic programs and transferability
AIRC 1014 – Fundamentals of Air Conditioning was designed to meet specific student needs 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. Transferability of this course will be determined by each transfer institution. Please see an academic advisor for an explanation concerning transfer option.
Goals and Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Name basic refrigeration components and their function
- Familiarity and proficiency with manifold gauge set
- Determine saturation temperatures and pressures
- Calculate superheat, sub-cooling and condenser split values
- Evacuate and recover refrigerant
- Prepare for and complete the US EPA Section 608 exam
- Familiarity with general safety practices
Faculty Contact Information
Varies--By Appointment
Faculty Instructor: Bill Batkiewicz Office Phone: 815-802-8872
e.mail: wbatkiewicz@kcc.edu Office Room: MT-04
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Name basic refrigeration components and their function
- Familiarity and proficiency with manifold gauge set
- Determine saturation temperatures and pressur
- Calculate superheat, sub-cooling and condenser split values
- Evacuate and recover refrigerant
- Prepare for and complete the US EPA Section 608 exam
- Familiarity with general safety practices
- Alternative refrigerants
- Soldering and brazing
- Water coolers
- RSES supermarket service/meat storage and RSES ice cream dispenser
- Residential service
- RV refrigerators
Textbook(s):
**Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, 7th, 8th,9th or 10th Edition
** EPA section 608 Preparatory Manual 9e (ISBN: 9781930044609)-Required
VALUABLES LINKS AND STUDY RESOURCES:
REFRIGERANT CHART AND ASHRAE TYPES.docx
EPA BOOK REFRIGERANT TYPES-COMPOSITION-ODP-GWP- ASHRAE CLASS EPA RANGE 2025.pdfDownload EPA BOOK REFRIGERANT TYPES-COMPOSITION-ODP-GWP- ASHRAE CLASS EPA RANGE 2025.pdf
EPA BOOK PT CHART-ASHRAE CLASS-GWP--TYPE OF REFRIGERANT HIGH PRESSURE 2025.pdfDownload EPA BOOK PT CHART-ASHRAE CLASS-GWP--TYPE OF REFRIGERANT HIGH PRESSURE 2025.pdf
EPA BOOK PT CHART-ASHRAE CLASS-GWP--TYPE OF REFRIGERANT LOW AND MEDIUM PRESSURRE 2025.pdfDownload EPA BOOK PT CHART-ASHRAE CLASS-GWP--TYPE OF REFRIGERANT LOW AND MEDIUM PRESSURRE 2025.pdf
EPA PPT POWERPOINT PREPARATORY ESCO - EPA Section 608 257 PAGES WITH NOTES.pptx
EPA BOOK ESCO - EPA 608 CORE ONLY 127 PAGES WITH NOTES.pptx
FUNDAMENTALS OF AIR CONDITIONING SYLLABUS UPDATED JULY 2025-2.docx
THE BOARD DRAWING AUGUST 2025.pptx
THE BOARD DRAWING AUGUST 2025.pptx
Ancillary Materials:
Required Tools: See Required Tool list
Recommended Tool List for
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Graduates
*= Required for class participation
YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A CERTAIN BRAND (SNAP-ON) OF TOOLS--SOME TOOLS CAN GET VERY EXPENSIVE. HOWEVER, I DO RECOMMEND PURCHASING QUALITY TOOLS.
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.
*Required for participation (bold font)
AIRC -1014 – Fundamentals of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Brand/Vendor of Tools are Suggestions but as with a lot of things, you get what you pay for, so you don't want to buy (too cheap) ☺
*Safety Glasses/Goggles, (Snap-On Part # GLASS12BKA - $7.50)
Tape measure, 25 ft. recommended, (Snap-On Part # TPMA25 - $17.70)
Striker, with flints, for torch use, (Snap-On Part # HRC9004486 - $5.15)
Refrigeration Manifold Gauge set with 5’ hoses, capable of R-22, R-410a, R404A. (Snap On – no item available) Hoses should have some form of low loss fitting, either check valve, quick coupler, hose extensions with ball valve or similar.
(Low loss fitting through Snap On, Part # ACT119 - $26.99 ea)
Flashlight, (Snap-On Part # ECF35 - $13.10)
Utility knife with a set of replacement blades, (Snap-On Part # UTK100 - $13.35)
Service Valve Wrench, (Snap-On Part # R404 - $6.24)
Evaluation
Student competencies will be measured using various methods. These may include: quizzes, examinations, written assignments, lab demonstrations, oral presentations, attendance (class & lab) and participation in classroom discussions.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in all measurable performance objectives. The final grade will be determined by calculating the percentage of all accumulated points. Percentages required per letter grade are:
A = 100 - 90 B = 89 - 80
C = 79 - 70 D = 69 - 60 F < 60
Any tests/quizzes/assignments/etc., not taken during normally scheduled times will be accessed a 10% penalty if instructor is not notified in advance of absence or tardiness due to work/childcare/illness, etc. 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. Exceptions granted with permission of instructor.
Basic assignments may include, but not be limited to:
Quizzes Class Attendance
Mid-Term/Review Test Lab Attendance
Lab Final
Final
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 6th, 2026.
Code of Conduct
Students need to adhere to the Code of Conduct located in the college catalog.
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/Student Success Center
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.
GENERAL CLASS/LAB RULES
Attendance: Should it be necessary for you to miss class due to illness, childcare 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, e-mail at wbatkiewicz@kcc.edu (or through Canvas), or leaving a message with the Division office. Failure to notify of absence, combined with the failure to take quizzes, tests, etc., on time when scheduled, will result in a 10% reduction in the grade for that evening's work. Should student need to miss class for any reason, it is expected that student will participate in next attended class activities which could include, quizzes, tests, lab exercises, lab tests, written exams, etc. Exceptions may be granted for extraordinary circumstances such as military service, hospitalization, etc.
Since tests/quizzes are scheduled online and accessible over a 1-week period, there will be limited make up opportunities should you fail to take the test in the allotted time period. I will allow exceptions for extraordinary circumstances as listed in the previous paragraph. But any make up tests will be done in person and on paper.
Lab participation: Labs are where you get to put into practice the things you learn in class lectures. It’s where the theory will make sense. Watching someone do the work won’t teach you as much as you doing it. Lab Timecards will be required of each participating student. See attached.
LAB RULES: If you take it out, please put it away. If you plug it in, please 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. We are all adults! Please clean up after yourself. This includes putting things away, sweeping floors, etc. Pitch in and help even if you didn’t make the mess. Thank you in advance! ☺
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.
There are labels on the tool caddy drawers. PLEASE 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, please ask. Thank you in advance! ☺
LAB SAFETY: Safety is everyone's responsibility. You are REQUIRED to wear safety glasses/goggles while in the lab performing tasks. Failure to comply with this requirement may get you removed from lab and forfeiture of lab credit/points.
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, 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. Employers prefer employees that can speak to a wide variety of customers without the use of profanity. It is what is known as “professionalism.”
Should a student consistently violate this policy, instructor reserves the right to have the student removed from class/lab and the student will forfeit points/assignment(s) for that session.
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.
Week 1
Ch 01.ppt
Week 2
Ch 02.ppt
Chapter 2 Lecture
Practice Quiz - Chapter 1 & 2
Chapters 1 & 2 Quiz
Week 3
Week 4
Ch 23.ppt
Chapter 23 Lecture
Week 5
Ch 21.ppt
Week 6
Chapter 24 Lecture
Practice Quiz Chapter 24
Chapters 21 & 24 Quiz
Feb 25
14 pts
Week 7
Chapter 3 Lecture
Week 8
Week 9
Chapter 8 Lecture
Week 10
Apr 1
20 pts
Week 11
Charging Verification ESCO.pptx
Charging Verification Lecture
8 pts
Week 12
Week 13
ESCO - EPA 2018 Updated Section 608.pptx
Practice EPA Section 608 Core
Week 14
EPA Types I, II, III
Practice EPA Type I Quiz
Practice EPA Type II Quiz
Practice EPA Type III Quiz
EPA Type I Lecture
EPA Type II Lecture
EPA Type III Lecture
Week 15
Week 16
Lab Final
May 6
35 pts
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.