AIRC 1313 Air Handling Syllabus 961 Spring 2026

Kankakee Community College Master Syllabus

Course prefix and number: AIRC 1313

Course title: Air Handling

Credit hours: Lecture hours: Clinical/Lab hours:

3.0 2.0 2.0

Course Description

The student will describe and demonstrate various systems components and their uses. He or she will explain the function of air flow rules and characteristics, fan/blower curves and performance, psychrometric charts and their use, perform heat loss/gain calculations combined with duct design on house blueprint, understand ventilation calculations and requirements, basic manufacture of sheet metal fittings and understand Indoor Air Quality as it relates to air flow within designed structures.

Faculty: Luther Carter E-mail address: lcarter@kcc.edu

Office: MT - 04 Office Phone: 815-802-8872

Division Office: W-102 Division Phone: 815-802-8850

Office Hours: See Appendix B

Textbooks:

Required** 1) Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology; 9th or 10th edition; by Whitman, Johnson, Tomczyk and Silberstein;

Required**2) System Performance: Maximizing Energy Efficiency In Heating and Cooling; by Petit, Sr., Collins, Delatte, Rasmussen

Ancillary Materials: Number 2 lead pencil, Red pencil (NO INK), blue pencil (NO INK), drafting ruler & Air Duct Calculator (a Super Cool Slide Rule may be substituted) by 3^rd class

Relationship to academic programs and transferability

AIRC 1313 – Air Handling 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. Refer to the IAI web page at /u.select for more information.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Calculate ventilation needs for buildings/homes
• Design ducting system(s) from residential structures
• Evaluate psychrometric chart for building enthalpy analysis
• Use a duct chart/calculator
• Perform basic heat loss/gain calculations
• Layout and manufacture basic plenum and return drop
• Measure air flow using various tools & calculations

Evaluation

Student competencies will be measured using various methods. These include, but are not limited to: written quizzes and examinations, whiteboard demonstrations, oral presentations, completion of Heat Loss/Gain and blueprint and participation in classroom & lab exercises and discussions. The final grade will be determined using the following percentage of all accumulated points:

A = 100 – 90 B = 89 - 80

C = 79 – 70 D= 60 -69 F = < 60

The following are the various categories for graded assignments: Quizzes , Lab exercises, Homework, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Heat Load Calculation & Duct Design and Layout, Written Final

Any tests/quizzes/assignments/etc., not taken during normally scheduled times will be accessed a 10% penalty if instructor not notified in advance of absence or expected tardiness. 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 shall result in the confiscation of such device for all class/lab times. Exceptions granted only with permission of instructor prior to class/lab.

Chapters Covered*:

See Appendix A

Written Final Due Monday May 11th , 2026 (online)

*This is a general outline of lectures and topics covered. Quizzes are generally the class session after the lecture. Due to quiz time, test time, lecture time, inclement weather, etc., instructor reserves the right to adjust the schedule to cover core material adequately.

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.

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.

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 bmeyer@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 Time Cards 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 can not read your writing, or if I can not 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.

Appendix A

Air Handling, 16 weeks schedule

Chapters Covered*

Week 1; Welcome; Syllabus Review; Lecture Insulation & ESCO’s Psychrometrics

Week 2; No Class, MLK Day

Week 3; Test Due, RSES Handout Insulation & ESCO Psychrometrics; Lecture Ch 37 & RSES Handout – Registers & Grilles

Week 4; Test Due Ch 37 & Registers & Grilles; Lecture Start Head Loss/Gain & duct design layout – pass out blueprints; Lines 1-12;

Week 5; Home Work Due – Lines 1 – 12; Lecture, Heat Load & Duct Layout; Procedures A, B & C, HTM’s, Lines 13-19

Week 6; Home Work Due – Lines 13-19; Lecture - Heat Load & Duct Layout; Procedure D, Basement load, Air Flow Sheet,

Week 7; Home Work Due – Procedure D, Basement Load, Air Flow Sheet; Lecture - Duct Design using Equivalent Length and static pressure calculations

Week 8; Heat Load & Duct Layout; Duct Design with duct calculator, EL Sizing, Final layout instructions

Week 9; Heat Load & Duct Layout Due at beginning of class session; Start Sheet Metal plenum only

Week 10; Sheet Metal; return drop manufacture

Week 11; Lecture ESCO’s – Airflow & Critical Charge

Week 12; Test Due, ESCO’s Airflow & Critical Charge; Lab Only – Flow Hood & Air flow measurements

Week 13; Lecture, Zoning, Motor Frame Size, Fans & Blowers; Lab – Fan & Blower ID

Week 14; Test Due – Zoning & Fans & Blowers; Lecture – Combustion Venting

Week 15; Test Due – Combustion Venting; Lecture – Residential AC; Lab – layout and design duct system for hanging air handler.

Week 16; Test Due – Residential AC; Homework Due - hanging air handler duct layout; written final review

Final; Online through Canvas; Open & Due dates & times announced in class.

*Instructor reserves the right to revise and/or change schedule/content as needed to adjust for interruptions caused by weather, power loss or other unforeseen circumstance.

Required Tools: See Required Tool list, attached

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)

AIRC -1023 – Controls and Circuitry for HVAC

*Electrical Amp Clamp Type Multimeter (Recommend True RMS, Category III meter) or Meter(s) capable of reading the following: (Snap-On Part # EEDM575D) $185.99

• Volts, both AC and DC (up to 600 volts)
• Ohms
• Amperes, (300 amp)
• Microamps
• Capacitance (or microfarads)

Popular brands are Fluke, UEI, Fieldpiece and Amprobe. Brand is student choice. Electrical leads should be equipped with alligator clip type adapters.

*Fan & Wheel puller, $70 (Snap-On – no item available)

*Test Jumpers, (Snap-On Part # MTTL300 - $29.99)

Needle nose pliers, 6”, (Snap-On Part # 95BCP - $18.87)

Diagonal cutters, 7”, (Snap-On Part # 87CF - $20.49)

Wire stripper/cutter combination, (Snap-On Part # PWC28A - $18.38)

2 - pair Channel Locks or other off set pliers, (1-10” Snap-On Part # 91ACP - $17.79) and (1-12” Snap-On Part # AWP120 - $21.57)

2 – 4-1 combination screw drivers, includes 2-common bits and 2-phillips bits, (Snap-On Part # SDDD41 - $9.33 ea.)

Small screw drivers, (1/8” or slightly smaller), (1-phillips, Snap-On Part # SSDEP30C – $8.29); (1-common, Snap-On Part # SSDE43C - $6.21)

Cartridge Fuse puller, (Snap-On Part # FZ7A - $5.61)

AIRC – 1422 Installation Skills

*Tape measure, 25 ft. recommended, (Snap-On Part # TPMA25 - $17.70)

*Copper Tubing cutters, (Snap-On part # TC28C - $28.75)

*Reamer, if already on tubing cutters disregard, (Snap-On – no item available)

*Mini (imp) tubing cutters, (Snap-On Part # TC123C - $16.35)

*25’ Fish Tape, (Snap-On – no item available)

*Wire stripper/cutter combination, (Snap-On Part # PWC28A - $18.38)

12”-18” Bar Fold tool

Rivet gun, (Snap-On Part # HP200A - $53.25)

Flaring Tool, (Snap-On Part # TF5A $35.65)

AIRC – 1222 Heat Pumps

** Refrigeration Manifold Gauge set with 5’ hoses, capable of R-22, R-410a, R404A, $150-$250 (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.

**Thermocouple type thermometer, pocket IR thermometer or similar device. (Snap-On Part # TPI343C3 - $120.38)

**2-Pocket type thermometers, digital preferred, (Snap-On Part # TEMP2A - $19.71 ea)

AIRC -1214 - Heating Plants

*Manometer, water tube type, $25, (Snap-On – no item available)

*Magnahelic gauge, (Snap-On Part # TPI621C3 - $280.75) (Some supply houses sell a combination digital Manometer/Magnahelic. That would be acceptable.)

Inspection mirror, (Snap-On Part # GA295 - $6.41)

2 - pipe wrenches;( 1-12” Snap-On Part # PW12C - $23.91) and (1-14” Snap-On Part # PW14C – $26.19)

Small wire brush, (Snap-On Part # AC5C - $3.00)

Scratch awl, (Snap-On Part # SH6ASA - $7.55)

6” adjustable wrench, (Snap-On Part # GAJ6A - $10.95)

8” adjustable wrench, (Snap-On part # GAJ8A - $12.45)

5/16^th nut driver, preferably with magnetic tip, (Snap-On – no item available)

¼” nut driver, preferably with magnetic tip, (Snap-On – no item available)

3/8” nut driver, preferably with magnetic tip, (Snap-On – no item available)

AIRC -1313 – Air Handling

*Aviation snips, left, right and straight cuts, (Snap On set Part # DAS30 – 42.21)

*Hygrometer, digital psychrometer or sling psychrometer. $100-$150 (Snap-On – no item available)

Must be able to read dry bulb, wet bulb and relative humidity. Being able to read “dew point temperature” a plus.

*Hand seamer (Snap-On – no item available)

*Sheet metal hammer, (Snap-On Part # BF618B - $35.36)

Duct stretcher (Snap-On – no item available)

Cordless Drill (Snap-On part # CDR6850 - $265.20) (recommend at least an 18 volt) with at least one extra battery and battery charger

Speed bits, to include ¼” magnetic, 5/16^” magnetic, (Snap-On – no item available)

Uni-bit up to 1 1/8^th inch, (Snap-On Part # YA266A36.36

Set of drill bits, (Snap-On Part # DBTB129 - $143.73)

6” Bit extender, (Snap-On – no item available)

Rivet gun, (Snap-On Part # HP200A - $53.25)

24” Bar fold tool, (Snap-On – no item available)

AIRC -1114 – Domestic Refrigeration or AIRC- 1124 – Commercial Refrigeration

**Thermocouple type thermometer, pocket IR thermometer or similar device. (Snap-On Part # TPI343C3 - $120.38)

*Core Removal Tool, $45 (Snap-On – no item available)

*2-Pocket type thermometers, digital preferred, (Snap-On Part # TEMP2A - $19.71 ea)

Digital vacuum gauge, (Snap-On Part # TPI605 - $126.41)

6” level, (Snap-On Part # TL100A - $13.17)

Combination wrench set with box end and open-end wrenches, (3/8” to 9/16ths), (Snap-On Part # BOERF708A - $125.97) if available, recommend box end have ratcheting/swivel head.

3/8^th ratchet set with at least 7-piece socket with extensions, (Snap-On Part # 210AFSP - $116.97

Coil fin comb, (Snap-On Part # ACT407 - $13.45)

PVC cutter, (Snap On – no item available)

** Refrigeration Manifold Gauge set with 5’ hoses, capable of R-22, R-410a, R404A, $150-$250 (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.

**This tool was listed in another AIRC class or classes. If student purchased this tool(s) already, then it isn’t necessary to purchase a second set. If student is taking either of these classes, this tool will be required for both AIRC -1124, AIRC- 1114 or AIRC-1222.

Appendix B

OFFICE HOURS

Professor Luther Carter

Office Hours: Spring 2026

Office: MT-04 @ the Manufacturing & Industrial Technology Center (MITC)

Monday: 12:30-1pm; 4:00-5 pm

Tuesday: 3:30 – 5 pm;

Wednesday:

Thursday: 3:30 – 5 pm;

Friday:

If you need to see me and cannot come in during regular office hours, please contact me and I will make arrangements to see you. I can be contacted at 815-802-8872, lcarter@kcc.edu or through Canvas.

ATTENDANCE

CLASS/LECTURE (5% of grade)

Attendance is necessary to build a knowledge base, skills and proficiencies. A number of the tasks you will be doing in the class/lab are designed to be repetitive. Repeating tasks builds skills in those tasks. Class attendance shall be kept in Canvas. For class/lecture sessions, I will take attendance before and at the first break during class. If you are not here at that time, you will be logged absent for the class session. If you come in after class/lecture has started, I may/will log you as tardy.

Should it be necessary for you to miss class, it is expected you will notify the instructor through Canvas email, KCC email or phone call. Calls can be made to the instructor’s office phone number (listed above), the Technology Office phone number or KCC’s main switchboard. As all tests/quizzes are administered through Canvas, you are expected to participate & submit scheduled tests/quizzes within the time parameters assigned regardless of your ability to attend in person. Failure to do so will result in an assigned grade of zero (0). Exceptions will be made for medical emergencies only at the discretion of the instructor. If a make up test/quiz is permitted, it will be done in person, on paper and not through the Canvas LMS.

With notification of absence, you will receive partial credit for the sessions lab work on your Time Card to be calculated at 80% of the awarded points for the session. No credit for non-notification.

LAB TIME CARDS, if required (10% of grade)

For the lab, you will be issued a lab “Time Card.” You will sign in the time as called by the instructor when you enter the lab for the day/evening’s exercises. You will get the instructors signature on your time card prior to leaving for the day/evening. Failure to do so will forfeit your time for that lab session. If you forget your Time Card, you will forfeit the time for that lab session. If you forget to turn in your Time Card when required, you may turn it in the next session. If you lose your Time Card, you will not be issued a new one until all others receive new Time Cards at the conclusion of the four sessions. No exceptions. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your attendance and bringing the necessary tools to class/lab, regardless of whether those tools are gauges, aviation snips, pliers, pens, pencils or Time Cards.

One point per 10 minutes will be assigned for attending lab until the session has been called by the instructor. Since time in lab will vary based upon lecture/discussion time, projects or lab work assigned, etc., instructor will keep a master copy of time called at each session. Time Cards will be collected every four sessions. At the conclusion of each four sessions, a new Assignment will be created on Canvas, with assigned points, at which time your Lab Points will be recorded. This is not part of any specific lab assignment, proficiency or test.

If you cannot attend the session that Time Cards are due, it will be accepted if you call in your absence prior to class and you must turn it in the next session you attend. Failure to notify or not turning in the following session will result in the Time Card not being accepted.

Lab projects are designed to build skills and proficiencies in certain tasks. You may/will be evaluated as much on participation, planning and moving toward project completion as you will be on successful completion of the assigned project.

While in the lab, you will participate in the projects/tasks assigned. You will forgo electronic communication. I will grant some latitude for on call workers, pregnant spouse, etc. But listening to games, constantly checking text, email, Facebook, Snapchat, Face Time, Twitter or any other social media site is unacceptable behavior. It can lead to unsafe situations. If you violate this policy, or I deem it necessary, I will expel you from lab for that session and you will forfeit any points for that session.

LAB SAFETY: Safety isn’t just for our text. You are required to wear safety glasses/goggles while in the lab. No sandals or flip-flops may be worn in the lab. Throughout your progress through each course, you will receive instruction regarding safety, generally and specifically, as you work around different pieces of equipment and the inherent dangers of each. If you are uncertain as to any safety procedure regarding any procedures regarding electricity (and subsequent lock out – tag out), fans, motors, capacitors, flammable gases, etc., ask the instructor. We will gladly remind you of proper procedure. If you are doing anything that will endanger yourself or others, instructors reserve the right to stop you and require remedial instruction, thus preventing you from participation in lab. You are to practice safety, use PPE’s as they pertain, etc. Should you forget your PPE (specifically eye and hand protections), the lab has a few sets available. If you cannot use PPE during the session, you may not participate and will not be awarded Lab Time Card points for that session.

Covid 19 protocols are constantly changing as the political leaders deem necessary. It is expected you will follow the existing protocols as communicated.

Should there be blatant violations of lab and/or safety policy/policies, especially concerning PPE, I reserve the right to bar you from participation in lab exercises. No horseplay, rough-housing, etc., while in the lab.